Sean04

So what happens if you see an overweight child in Mcdonald's with their parents? Are you going to feel obligated to tell the parent not to buy that kid a cheeseburger because they are potentially harming their health? Is that child abuse? Where does it end? Just because you are a "future nurse", you are not the health police.

You feel obligated to do something because you are a "future nurse"? Really? You need to mind your own business.

Oh, didn't read the rest of your post. Yes, you should specify the type of hospital, unit, & type of pt. I focused on the fact that cardiac surgery pt's are at times super unstable and difficult to manage when describing my unit on my resume. The tough part is describing it in 2 or 3 sentences! As far as a personal statement, every school wants something different. So pay close attention to what they are asking for.

I didn't go to Jefferson, but I did work at Carilion for 10 years. It is a wonderful place to work! Like the previous poster mentioned, if you work at Carilion for 6 months they will pay your tuition. You could get a NA or weekend secretary position. I have worked with many Jefferson graduates and most seem bright and well prepared.

In your interview they are going to ask you! In one interview I was asked specifically; in another I was asked how I was sure this was what I want to do. So, I think they expect you to shadow a CRNA.

I was asked in my interview if I had shadowed a CRNA, so I think it's important. Really, if you don't shadow a CRNA how do you it's something you truly want to do? Plus it's really fun and gets you all excited to apply, interview, etc. It gets you motivated!

One more thing. You need to get a solid study plan for the GRE. Review geometry, algebra, reading comprehension, etc. Take many, many practice tests. Start studying a couple of months in advance and get a really good score. And remember your grades & transcripts are only one portion of your application. This is coming from a girl who made a D in A&P the first time I took it! Hey, I was 18 and in love

You are definitely on the right path. I did my RN-BSN through VCU, it was partially online. I will be starting CRNA school full time in the fall. Things to do: Get solid ICU experience.( i had 5 years CVICU & 4 years level one trauma ED experience). Do inservices, precept, be involved!! Take extra statistics, chemistry, organic chem, etc. I did all of these at my local community college. Get your CCRN or any other certification you can get. Shadow a CRNA when it is time to apply to school. You are on your way!

I was actually asked in my interview why I didn't become an acute care NP. I just told them the idea of following a physician around all day, writing orders & progress notes doesn't interest me.

I just left Carilion to attend grad school after working there for nine years. Yes, they are very customer service oriented but that is the norm. I work at a hospital part time in NC now & I can honestly say that Carilion was PARADISE in comparison. Better staffing, better equipment, better treated as a nurse. Roanoke Memorial had a small hospital feel, a personal more friendly experience but yet is a large level one trauma center where you can do & learn tons of stuff. I loved working for Carilion. Can you tell I miss Roanoke?

I worked ER at a level one trauma center for 3 years before transferring to our CVICU. I LOVED ER, but I really didn't realize how much I didn't know until I transferred to the unit. I actually have time to know what is going on with my patient! The patients I deal with on a daily basis are so sick. I had sick patients in the ED too, in between patients with back pain and lady partsl discharge! I think ICU experience is invaluable and besides a year or two goes by really fast. With that being said, I do know that Marshall in WV will accept acute care, including ED.

I would say yes. I got an ADN at a local community college, got my BSN fom VCU. Took all science course at a community college and I start the CRNA program at UNCC/Carloinas Medical center in January! I think most colleges probably look at he whole package, experience, references, certs, interview, etc....

Caught scabies once from a homeless man when I worked med- surg.

Ummm... It's not really about playing with balloon pumps. It is about having the advanced knowledge to manage a critically ill patient. It's about knowing physiology & about being able to make quick, independent decisions. I do agree that you do not necessarily need cardiac experience, you just need to go where the sick unstable patients are.

As far as experience, I think you need to look at the type of ICU you would be working in Georgia. For example, when that hospital gets a really sick, unstable patient do they ship them to another hospital? Do they have an open heart program? Is it busy doing at least 4 or 5 cases a day? You need sick, challenging patients. You need pt's on balloon pumps, lots of drips, ventilators, etc... Good luck