RNLady

I am sure that people will tell you differently, however here is my two cents worth. I think that you should get one Recommendation from a professor that can attest to you educational/ study habits. Another one should be from your nursing director or supervisor. And I think that the third one should be from a CRNA, too me this shows you have been in contact with a CRNA and have one available that can answer some of your questions. These are the references I used and alas I start school in about a week. I am not sure about the strictness of the classes, but I would recommend taking those outdated, at least the major classes Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, etc. It will increase your odds.

Beat OU, As a former OU alumni I just have to say BOOMER SOONER!!! Now that-that is out of the way, I am starting anesthesia school in Aug. and am already feeling the anxiety like you. I will be studying or reviewing anesthesia books, hemodynamics, and the CCRN book just to refesh my memory. All of this keeps me "busy" with my mind off school!! I am also taking lots of vacations. For me starting IVs comes naturally, I believe 90% of it is being mentally confident in getting it. The rest is technique. It is good to hear that I am not the only one feeling the nerves. Good Luck

I am starting crna school in the fall and will be getting the student health plan. I am ure that most schools offer it and if so is probably your cheapest and best bet. It costs $1000 for the entire year Aug-July t my school. When I need to go to the dr I can go to the student health center or see a doctor on the lists of providers given. It is also good because it covers all preexisting conditions. And yes this also covers er and hospital stays if needed. For me it is great being young a healthy.

I agree taking all the chem and a physic class will definately help. I also think statistics looks great on your application. Other than that I think that a research class would be helpful. I am taking a few classes for anesthesia school that aren't anesthesia based and they all have to do with research, critiquing research articles,etc. I was also asked a couple of questions regarding research in my interview. They asked if I had every participated or worked on a research project.

I start Pitt in the fall and am very excited about it. All the people I talk to who are in the program have nothing but praises, so I know it is a great program. You can't lessen the 28 month program because the way they have it set up. In order to get all of your clinical hours and anesthesia core coorifices you have to do it in sequence and can't jump ahead, however because you have taken alot of the nonanesthesia core classes you can lessen your work load making it a little less difficult on you. For example I have taken grad level pharm and patho and now I wont have to take it when the clinicals start in the fall. Also have you checked into getting your doctorate in anesthesia instead of another masters? I think there is a way to do this and since you have to wait out the 28 month program why not get your doctorate instead. Just a thought.