ICUDOUCME?

I graduated last month and will take boards at the end of this month. The schools in your area sound great. It really would make the difference between do-able and impossible if you could be home every night. Good luck with everything.

All the following is my own opinion of course and I don't mean to be harsh. It's just the first thing that I thought of when I read your post. I was 46 when I entered nurse anesthesia school. I would have done it sooner but I was still raising a family. You could put off school. It's a matter of timing. Yes, people have gone to CRNA school with small children. None of them will tell you that it was ideal, I'm sure. They must have had their reasons for pushing it. Why do you want to do it all at once? Unless your husband stays home to be with them, you will be putting them in some kind of childcare situation. If that is grandma or grandpa, I guess that's one thing. But church people or siblings watching them will put a strain on relationships. I worked a part time job when my kids were little and I had no end of childcare hassles! I think you are letting yourself in for a wild ride and I think you would do better to complete your family as planned. Then, when they are in school, you can go to anesthesia school. You will still have a very hard go of it but it will be a little more managable. Are you living near a school? That's another thing. People in my program, who had kids, were away from them for weeks at a time, living in another state for months and only getting home every other week. If the program is in your city and the clinical sites are there as well, then that's another thing. Maybe try to find a school near you or move to a city with a school.

Hi Nick, In many hospitals, but not all (especially rural areas) the anesthesiologist will do the pre-op interview and then turn the case over to the nurse anesthetist. The doc can then charge for supervising the case. He/She is also required to be available throughout the case if needed. This is called the "anesthesia care team" approach. From the anesthesiologist's viewpoint, this ensures a thorough evaluation of a patient's readiness to undergo surgery and safety of the patient throughout the case. From the nurse anesthetist's view, the involvement of the doc is unnecessary since we are trained to do the pre-op evaluation ourselves and monitor the patient's safety and respond to problems on our own. So, as you can see, there is a conflict and a controversy here. Bottom line is that nurse anesthetists provide approx. 65% of the anesthetics in the country and a much higher percentage of the rural anesthetics. It's cool to work in an environment where you can call on a collegue in the middle of a case (be it an anesthesiologist or another nurse anesthetist) for help if needed. So it just depends on the attitudes of the people involved as to how they work together. Common drugs given before surgery are typically to calm you down. So the fact that you got "lit up" is a puzzle. I really can't guess what they gave you.

It's hard to answer this question in general terms. Everyone's situation is SO different. For me, my excitment mellowed into determination to succeed. It has been a hard road, but when you get it into your head that you are going to do it, no matter what, then the anxiety or whatever negative emotions (lonliness, etc) just fit into your determination to get through it. I have heard of others going through anesthesia school that have hit brick walls in clinicals, at home, at school..and have just not been able to continue for one reason or another. This will occur no matter what profession you are seeking. I'm sure many people that start out in nursing school or medical school fight the same challenges. For me, it was all about the timing. My kids are grown and my husband has a good job (at least for now) so it was optimal timing for me. I think some people make it harder on themselves by launching into this with other than workable circumstances. That is a totally personal decision and they are doing it for good reasons, I'm sure. But it does make for a harder time.

I interviewed at Wolford and was accepted but ended up at another school for various reasons. It's true that a high percentage of those INTERVIEWED are accepted but I'm sure that is not the case with the majority of applicants to the school. You will have to take the previous posters at their word I think. Some have had a terrible time there and others think it's a great school. Take your pick. There are pros and cons to every school I've every heard about on these forums.

I can only speak to my particular school. But I imagine that every school, just as every individual that failed out, is different. In my school, the class started with 15 and four "failed out" or didn't make the 83% overall during a given semester. Two of these students are continuing on with the next class and I have every confidence that they will succeed. These were acedemic reasons. Clinical competence was up to par with the students that made it to the clinical portion (one student did not make it to clinicals). In fact, three of the students I'm talking about were within a few tenths of a point from the cutoff. So it was a matter of a few questions one way or another on some tests that semester. I have only heard anecdotally that some clinical mistakes will get you kicked out, like injecting too much phenyephrine because they didn't dilute it at all. I think others drop out due to pressure but this differs with the individual as well as how lucky they are in their preceptor assignments. My advice in clinicals is to prepare as much as you can for the next day's cases (if you have the information ahead of time, which isn't always the case) and keep your nose clean. Be mature in handling stress (don't yell at anyone). Ask questions even if you think it's a dumb question. You might get ridiculed for asking but it's better than making a mistake with a patient. Be proactive in seeking out information on your own also. You WILL work with difficult personalities and you WILL be frustrated and embarassed in some situations. Figure out how to deal with it in a constructive manner and you will be fine.

Awesome!!!!! Congratulations! What a relief you must be feeling. I take boards in January. Did you take Valley and do you think it was right on? Did you use Prodigy software? If so, was it helpful? I took Valley and I also have the prodigy questions. Thanks

Wow, Optimistic...that's terrible. I feel so bad for you and others in your situation. Of course we don't know what we are doing sometimes, we are learning (pssstt...it's because we are STUDENTS!). What a load of horse crap that they are dumping on you! They are arrogant to think that they know everything. I've heard experienced (20+ yrs) CRNAs tell me that they still see stuff that they've never seen before. I've had MDAs tell me that they still learn things all the time. That's how it should be. Something is going to bite them sooner or later, whether they admit it to anyone or not. And in that moment, they will be surprised that they didn't know something.

Well, some questions for you...have you met any CRNAs? Or only wanna-bes like this guy you described? Have any of these CRNAs been decent people? Do you know of anyone else in your nursing class (who wants to be a CRNA) with determination and brains but doesn't act like this guy? Have you met any successful people in any walk of life that is not a jerk??? Well then, you have your answer. There are successful people with drive and determination, who are smart, who are decent, nice people, who do not brag about accomplishments, who do not try to make you feel inferior. Model your path after them. It's one thing to talk a lot about being a CRNA, it's another to shadow some real CRNAs, study for the GRE like your life depends on it, get great experience in a high acuity ICU for at least two years (to be competitive and get a good knowledge base), fill out all the applications, pay all the fees, pray like hell for an interview, fly all over the country attending interviews, selling yourself, praying like hell for an acceptance letter....and then...working like hell for two-three years and then....taking the certification exam...then being a CRNA! A word about this guy...INSECURE. Stay away from him. Know yourself. Don't talk. Do.

I know this post was originally made in March but it's a good one to keep going. I must say, (and I only say this to give people hope), that I have not suffered abuse, physical or emotional, in my clinical rotations. The worst preceptors I had (only two of the many) were just emotionally and socially weird and could not communicate effectively. Fortunately I only worked with them a handfull of times. I hope your outlook improved Fungirl if you are still watching this post. Maybe just getting that much closer to graduation was enough to help you.

I totally agree with the above post. In my opinion, all these topics are good questions to ask a prospective school. Some schools have 1 or 2 primary clinical sites and you don't travel beyond that. Therefore, whatever that site's philosophy is regarding allowing students to do things will be constant. So if you land in a school that won't let you do the lines, the regional, the other technical stuff, you will not be proficient in those skills when you graduate. Schools that send you to several sites will lessen the risk that you will be pigeon-holed.

Mike, As far as I'm concerned, you sound competitive, esp if you do as well or better than 1000 on the GRE. It's not necessary to take additional chemistry or physics if the schools you want to apply to don't require them. The actual chemistry and physics portion of the individual school varies widely. At my program, we were taught some general physics principles and reviewed chemistry but it was not a huge deal. They taought us what we needed to know as a base for pharmacology and understanding gas laws and then we moved on. The thing I think is important to keep in mind is that most schools are looking at the total picture, your grades, your GRE, your experience, etc. all rolled into one. This stuff gets you an interview. The interview is very important! And some schools are easier to interview at than others. Read some archives here and search for the schools you want to apply to. Find out what different interviews are like at these schools. Then put your best foot forward and gp for it. Lots of interview tips in the archives as well. Good luck.

You know, this is an interesting question. I don't think all programs are created equal, nor are all the students in a given program created equal. In my experience with my own school and talking to many different CRNAs from other programs over these two years, there are many variables in the mix. These include the teaching styles of the professors, perceived levels of difficulty, time in class vs time in the OR, testing philosophies, etc. One thing only is constant and never based on subjective variables...the board exam. All SRNAs have to take the same test nationwide...(just like the NCLEX. Doesn't matter what nursing school you went to, if you passed the NCLEX, you are an RN). Some programs are longer because they add a teaching component. Some are shorter because they don't require some of the graduate nursing classes that other programs do. But the standard number of cases that you have to have in clinicals is the same for everyone. Pick a school based on what is important to you. Do some research about the schools you are interested in. Then be the best that you can be personally. Believe me, the quality of practitioner you become is entirely up to you and within your control.

I've never heard of any clinical site that pays the SRNAs. I have heard about anesthesia groups that will give a potential employee some money during school in exchange for a committment when they get out though. I would think that paying a clinical student while teaching them would be kind of getting close to the edge of legality...just my opinion.

Well,it sounds like you know a lot about many different aspects of critical care...it's all good! The interviewers will want to know what types of patients you cared for and then they may ask questions related to that type of patient. So don't mention anything you don't want to discuss in detail. But it also depends on the school. They are all very different when it comes to interview styles. Some schools will grill you on hemodynamics and invasive line monitoring...others will mostly focus on your motivations and support systems for going to school. Search this board for your particular school of interest. Believe me, this subject is covered here for a great many schools. Good luck with the process.

Motorcycle mama, 1.) If you start working in an ICU while you are an associate degree RN, will that time count toward your mandatory year in critical care? In a word, yes. Any time as an RN in critical care counts. 2.) This may have been covered before, but from what I understand, full-time graduate school doesn't really leave time for a job, but I hate debt. I hate debt really bad. I also understand that it might be necessary to utilize the home equity. How much (ballpark figure) debt will I need to expect to take out to fund my education and support a family of 6 (2 adults, 4 children)? Depending on the program, some students have worked part time during the didactic portion. It's very difficult if not impossible to work during the clinical portion. If its an integrated program, then you will be in class part time and clinical part time...very hard to work. Pick you program wisely. Go to one that is in your state or one that is less expensive. Can your Sig other work? Home equity is a good option if you have any equity left after the gutting of the housing market. Debt is only as bad as your ability to pay it off...and you will be able to pay it off. Don't know a ballpark figure. There are plenty of threads about money on here. Do a search. Now, as to your self doubt...I had to prove to myself that I could do this. I really didn't think I had what it took. I didn't believe it until about 6 months ago...and I am almost through school! You just have to say to yourself that people do this job. Normally intelligent people learn this career and do it every day. If you are capable of getting good grades (A's mostly) in your science classes in college, then you can do this. Every step is a leap of faith. But you are young. What else are you going to do? I was 46 when I started anesthesia school. I have not taken my eyes off the goal even though I doubted myself the whole way. Make a plan, get into an ICU of some kind if you can (NOW) and get your BSN (while working) with as good a GPA as possible. Kick butt at work, throw yourself into the critical care mindset and learn as much as you can. Do really well on the GRE (study your butt off! buy prep books...read them, do the practice tests). Get good letters of rec...charge nurses, docs, nursing manager. Then, when all your ducks are in a row, apply, apply, apply! You can do it if you are willing to put in the effort and not let doubt stop you. Good luck.

nv, I am not a CRNA yet but am in school in my last six months of clinical. I do feel respected (family and friends) for doing something so difficult and rewarding. but more importantly, I respect myself so much more for having accomplished something so difficult and rewarding. I interact with patients and their families all day long! That is what is so cool about this career. You walk into a patient's room and sometimes they are scared to death. The family is scared too. It's very rewarding to reassure them, build a rapport and trust in just a few minutes time. When you take the patient back to the OR, you are talking to them, building trust. Once in the OR, you are getting them transfered to the OR table and talking to them, putting on the monitors, and answering questions. Some patients don't want to remember the OR so you help them by giving them some pre-op sedation. The whole job is about helping the patient through the experience of surgery, both mentally and physically. Tell me if there is a scarier experience than surgery...there isn't for most people. But you , as a CRNA, are safely taking them through it. I can't think of a more rewarding experience and I get to do it every day. As far as respect in the OR, there will always be those individuals that disrespect anyone without an MD on the name badge. But for the most part, I feel respected even as a student. Also, respect comes from being good at what you do, not complaining, not treating people badly. I think you attract respect by respecting yourself and others. Hope this helps.

Of course I'm scared. I don't think about it too much because I am afraid I would run and never look back. But somebody has to do it. And I am a good person with good intentions so why not me?. I pay attention to detail and I prepare the best I can. Will I make mistakes? Yes. But you can't let that stop you. Fear serves a very good purpose in this line of work. It keeps you vigilant. I would worry more about the person who is not afraid than the one who is.

Well, You could find a different career, one that wouldn't cause you to work so much that you can't spend time with your girlfriend...umm...can't think of any right off the bat. But I'm sure they are out there. You could find one that pays a lot more than any other job for the amount of time you are in school, even engineering, but I can't think of any right now. You could find one that pays well but isn't too hard. Can't think of one right now. The reality is, and I know you are in high school so I don't expect you to have alot of perspective right now, that careers that are worth having are worth working hard for. You will work hard all your life and that's ok. It's fun to work hard and feel the sense of accomplishment that it gives you. Why not be working hard at something you enjoy? It sounds like you enjoy the sciences so take some science classes. they will prepare you for nursing school. But don't worry about AP courses. Just get into college. No matter what you choose to do in your working life, you will need to put in a lot of effort to get anywhere. Just accept that. And also, tell your girlfirend that she will appreciate a hard working man in her life when she gets a little older. Tell her to try dating a lazy guy, see how she digs that. Don't let a highschool girlfriend (even if you are serious about eachother) determine what you will do for the rest of your working life. You will regret it.

Let's see. My program is front loaded so my first year was spent in class and on campus. Yes, it was mostly studying but I got to catch an occasional movie, go to the mall (rare) and fly home every other weekend. Campus life was awsome. I loved the campus, the atmosphere, the activites there. I am married so, no I didn't date. In fact, there is only one single in my class. She found time to date some but it wasn't like "party central" or anything for her. Activities surrounding school that year were mostly missing home, making sure I had all my classwork organized so I could stay on top of things, working out two or three times a week at the campus gym, studying at the local Barnes and Noble (gotta have the mocha), and watching "Dancing with the stars" in my little apartment. I made some lifelong friends in the class and we are currently helping and supporting each other through the clinical portion of this program. Clinical is a whole different ballgame and I am in the middle so I can't really be too objective. It carries it's own stresses and rewards. So far, I feel ok about my abilities given my level in the program. I will continue to gain experience and therefore confidence as I progress. Hope this is informative...not really sure this is what you wanted.

Well, There is the option of not minoring in anything. Just kick-ass in your nursing classes and get a job in a busy ICU, that's stress enough for anyone. That and doing well on the GRE, which is also stressful. I haven't heard of anyone minoring in something specific to be more attractive to anesthesia school. I guess it couldn't hurt you unless it brings your GPA down because you have so many classes. Just my 2 cents.

I have been told to go in on the right and sweep the tongue to the left in order to get it out of the way. Some people's tongues are big enough that you would have a hard time just going straight in and pulling up to get it out of the way. The Mac is a good blade and I like to use it for pts with redundant tissue in the neck. The miller is good for me because I like being able to directly get the epiglottis up and out of the way. I am, in no way, an expert and I struggle a lot with both blades. I'm getting better and I have confidence that I will continue to improve the more I do. So you are not the only student who feels like you do. One thing, you will have every preceptor tell you different things and they are all correct. So just do it the way they tell you and try to see how their way is correct. Once you are on your own more, you can gravitate to the one way that makes most sense to you.

Galaj, What is your current major? If it's not nursing, then you have to begin by going to nursing school. You will have to check with your college to see if you can get into their program or one near where you live. Then you have to work as a critical care nurse for at least one year before applying to nurse anesthesia school. Do a search on this web site, you will find tons of threads related to this topic. Good Luck

What a nice kid you are! My 2 cents worth is: 1. Have to be a nurse (BSN for most anesthesia schools, or an associate RN degree plus a bachelors in another field) so go to a school that has a nursing program and do what it takes to get in...GPA, prerequisites, etc. 2. Get the best grades you can in your undergrad classes, GPAs of 3.5 and higher are competitive for anesthesia school (I do know of people that have gotten in with less than that but with good GRE scores). 3. After you graduate with your BSN, get a job in a critical care unit of a hospital. A surgical ICU is excellent. I know many people, however that have experience in cardiovascular ICU and med/surg ICU. 4. While working in this setting, start studying for your GRE. Go get some study guides to help you. Then take it early so you can retake it if you don't get the score you want at first. anything above 900 is pretty good. But of course, the higher the better. 5. After about a year in the ICU, start applying for anesthesia school. By the time you get in, you will have two or three years of ICU experience. There are people who get in with just the minimum year requirement so that is an option. Side notes: While in the ICU setting, seek out learning opportunities (once you are through the "oh crap" phase of learning the basics) with the sickest patients. Get comfortable with invasive monitoring and the drugs you give on a daily basis. Maybe you will want to get your critical care registered nurse certification (CCRN), which is a test that you take after you have been a critical care nurse for a set # of hours (1700?). Also, this is a long haul and you are young. Just take it a step at a time and don't think too far ahead. That's what I had to do. First, I started taking classes that would get me into the nursing program. Then I took the steps I needed to from there. It's one semester at a time, one test at a time. Don't worry about the rest right now. Just get good grades and don't party too much or you can't get out of bed for class. The military option is completely foreign to me so someone else will have to address that. But they have an excellent program and you can't go wrong there.

I also have trouble with this until I get used to the new clinical site that I'm at. I try to look at the cases the night before, get the paperwork together for each pt and fill in names, dates, plan of anesthesia if known, meds, procedure, etc. Then, the next day, I can concentrate on just charting the events as they happen. During the case, if things are going too fast, I will pull up the trends page on the monitor and chart the vitals later. If there is a change in BP one way or the other, I write that down along with the intervention. I just have a habit of grabbing my pen whenever I push a med or change the gas setting. Often, the post-op orders are similar and you can fill in some of that, I mean, almost everyone gets some form of fluid after the case, pain meds, etc.