kvocrna

I agree. I got an ADN, worked in an ICU while getting by BSN, (total 7 years of ICU experience) then applied with GPA 3.8 and a CCRN. Applied to 3 schools, accepted to 2. Graduated 14 years ago. Have been full time independent CRNA for 7 years. Lots of time between now and application!!

Cheyanne, You are about 5 years away from seriously thinking about applying to CRNA school. the DNP and DNAP degrees are both equivalent doctorate (terminal) degrees. You would not obtain a DNP then a DNAP. You would obtain one or the other or a PhD. My advice is to study very hard in nursing school, get the best grades you can. Only the best students will be accepted into CRNA school. Remember that the 1 year of critical care experience is a minimum suggestion. Most schools are so competitive that the typical candidate has 2-3 years of critical care experience and has obtained their CCRN. Keep those things in mind as you travel this journey. Good luck and Best wishes to you. **Independent CRNA

MAC is a billing term. It means Monitored Anesthesia Care. As a CRNA, I am not standing around the room "doing nothing." I am in the room monitoring the patient. Even if I give nothing I am there for the "what ifs." In your cases, what if the 5 and dime reflex is activated and the patient goes asystolic? That is why I am there. So, back to your original question. Versed is for anxiety, not for pain. Typically those cataracts are done with topical anesthestic drops (lidocaine or tetracaine), so they do not need pain medication. And truly, the only reason they may need Versed is because the patient may have a hard time lying flat under the drape. Conscious sedation is for patients who receiving versed/demerol/fentanyl, etc for procedures. Nurses trained in this and credentialed by their facility can give this. Total IV anesthesia is when propofol or etomidate is given and the patient loses their ability to protect their airway, irrespective of whether airway instrumentation is used. That is billed as a general anesthetic. If an endotracheal tube or LMA is placed, those are also billed as general anesthetics. Never be afraid to ask questions in the PACU. Talk to one of your CRNAs. Usually the CRNAs will try to mentor you and make sure you understand what is going on with the patient and the drugs that they have given. Certainly take the advice of others here. You need to start taking notes. Write down the various drugs being used. Look them up. Find out their duration of action, side effects and reversals. Good luck to you and your future. From: A Solo Practice CRNA who depends on her PACU nurses greatly!