WakingLife

After muddling through the websites....here's what I think I am going to do. Everything up front. Federal money- the $18,500. GradPLUS through Wachovia up to the cost of attendance, $35,000...I know the interest rate may be a little more but...fixed and able to be consolidated! And Sallie Mae Tuition Answer, $40,000 for over and above money. That should cover everything. All 27 months. Any thoughts? Anyone had any problems with any of these lenders? BTW, great info here. Really, really helpful. Thanks to all those who contribute!

Hi there, I am starting NA school in Aug. 2006 (Georgetown). I am counting down the days- really, counting them down. (as a side note, I think there should be some sort of "ticker" countdown thing for those of us Pre-CRNAs...) I love these boards. I have learned so much about the profession, the issues, clinical, interviews etc... A post over on the CRNA side of things got me thinking (the starting IVs with buffered lido) ...This is for all those in school now: What completly surprised you when you started school? You did your research, you applied, got in and once the ball started rolling....Wow...those things you didn't even think of! It can be anything, studying, financial, clinical. I am just curious about the "hands on" surprises.

Georgetown! My number one pick. I am so excited, counting down the months.

Thanks!!! I am sooo excited.

I am not interviewing anymore. I was accepted for Fall 2006. (Probably my good looking pores, Ha!) I agree that you have to feel comfortable in whatever you wear. I am usually not comfortable in any dress clothes but...I invested in a nice suit, nice material, a good fit. And I wore it for a bit the day before my interview- did some jumping jacks, danced, walked in the heels...I think getting use to moving in it makes you a lot more comfortable. I like suits because I think it gives you a "wow" factor.

I agree with the 2 piece pant suit option. If you are short (as I am)...Petite Sophisticate has great suits! I think you have to also put some thought into what you will be doing during the interview. During our interview, we took a walking tour of the campus- 90 degrees in a black suit really helps clean your pores :) before your interview. I, also, think it's nice to get a manicure and hair cut as it makes you feel good and "The devil's in the details". I think men have it easy, a clear cut path- suit, dress shirt, tie. Women have to battle through this year's fashion, various fabrics, patterns, sizes, accessories...

The interview consists of presentation by the faculty, tour of the campus, lunch with current students and interview itself. Some people are asked clinical questions, but I think also they are really interested in you. What type of person are you, what are your interests, why do you want to be a CRNA... I think everyone uses loans to some degree. I don't think that is the wrong answer, especially if it is part of your "PLANNING" on the road to your goal. Depending on where you live, you may not need a car. This would be a question to ask to the current students during lunch. If you live in DC or VA you could potentially take the metro and shuttle to school. The only way it may be a problem is if you don't do your clinicals in a metro accessible hospital. Good luck!!

You are absolutely right. I'll look it up online. Sorry for this post, the topic has taken an interesting turn. But I did learn a little more about Diprivan :)

This is probably kind of a dumb question but I was just wondering what is considered a vasoactive drug? Is is pretty much the drugs that have the primary effects of working on cardiac function/ dilation/ constriction etc...or would you also consider drugs may have a cardiac or vascular secondary effect. (My immediate thought is Nitroglycerine, Levo, Nipride, Dopamine, Amiodarone, Cardiazem; not so sure about vasopressin, propofol, fenoldopam...) Thanks in advance for any responses!

givin' it one more go :)

I see a lot of questions about CRNA graduate school interviews and that is also my interest. I agree with you about preparation! I thought it would be helpful to compile info after seeing a similar compilation on the Student Doctor site. I got to thinking...the experiences of others, while not all inclusive about your specific interview, can really help in preparation or help to at least point you in the right direction.

I have noticed that there are quite a few requests for interview information. And while there is useful information in frequently asked questions and a search of the forum provides even more info, I was wondering if we could get a thread going which compiles interview experiences. These are some questions from another site which I think everyone wants to know in general: School? Length of interview? # of interviewers? How did you prepare for the interview? What positively impressed you? What negatively impressed you? What did you wish you had known ahead of time? What was the most interesting question you were asked? What was the most difficult question you were asked? Specific questions? General comments about the interview?

We have one or two techs for 19 patients. Our techs help with turning, transport, stocking, EKGs, IVs, vital signs for stepdown patients, blood sugar checks, and baths. I am sure there are a few more things. I think it would be useful to have 2 techs for the unit and assign them to an area/specific patients. I think when you "assign" patients it increases the accountability of the tech and they are more likely to take initiative and "just do" instead of waiting to be asked.

Thanks for the responses. I was just curious how others dealt with the issue. I worked in ER for a few years and I am fairly new to ICU. Honestly, I have never had to deal with withdrawl of care issues, but I had a "comfort care" case the other day and was taken off guard. I was not sure what was normal. I find it odd that I had a whole 3 month orientation period complete with class and we never talked about it!!

I feel like in ICU we deal with this issue frequently but I don't see very much about it on the discussion board...Just curious about end of life issues. When family decides to withdraw care, what are the common orders that you see for comfort care? Morpine? Propofol? Do you feel that everything usually works out and the patients are not in pain? After extubation is end of life pretty quick? What are your feelings on "comfort care"?