TrainO4

I attended UB. I highly recommend that program. I have been a practicing CRNA almost 2 years now and felt very prepared when I graduated. Plus the program director and assistant program director are awesome. Read my previous thread I wrote in Feb 2007, and Nitecap's response way before that. AllNurses.com is a great resource so it's good your here, and good luck.

I am graduating in 3 months. I found this website really helpful: http://srnaweb.crnasomeday.com/careplans.html Good luck! :)

see this thread: help!!! my interview for the anesthesia program is in 1 week. any last minute

you should also see this thread: help!!! my interview for the anesthesia program is in 1 week. any last minute

So I'm in, sometimes I still can't believe it. I'm in my second semester of CRNA school. I'm so happy to be studying anesthesia. I remember the stress of the interviews, and I searched allnurses.com at that time for guidance. I just want to return the favor. Some things you should know for your interview: Swans- everything about them. I was asked what anatomy they get inserted through and how to interpret the readings. Drips. Know all your inotropes and then some. Know paralytics like Nimbex. Also know Dobutamine, and sedation drips like versed, fentanyl. These drugs are all very important in anesthesia. Know how to calculate, know what both names for the drug are, (trade and generic) know if they are alpha, beta, or both etc. I was asked what the generic name for neo was, what type of drug it was & when I would give it...when I answered septic shock, I was then asked a lot of questions about septic shock. ACLS- you need to know this backwards & forwards. Know your ECG strips like they are 2nd nature. I was asked to interpret 10 strips then asked what would I do if my pt. in NSR went into PEA, and the causes of PEA. Also know your blocks and how to treat. Vents- know them well! I was asked to interpret an ABG and what the causes of metabolic acidosis could be. Intubation set-up...I was asked what equipment you need (suction, laryngoscope, etc.) I was also asked how to confirm placement of an ETT. Know how to interpret your art line readings...when it's dampened, etc, how to read the waveforms. CVP lines- know what anatomy it goes through and what ports are used for what.Some non-medical advice.... Research your program WELL. I knew all about the professors, what they had their degrees in, what they had published. I also knew the history of the program, what it had ranked on U.S. News World & Report, what the clinical sites were. Know why you want to attend this particular program and KNOW WHY YOU WANT TO GO INTO ANESTHESIA. Sounds simple, but you definitely don't want to fumble when asked these questions. Be familiar with CRNA/ MDA/ AANA political issues It is nerve racking, and chances are they are going to throw you a question that is purposefully stressful just because they want to see how you handle stress. Expect this and be prepared. Think of confrontations/difficult situations you have had at work and how you dealt with them. If you don't know something, admit it. If you BS, they'll know. Have a list of questions for them, too. It will show that you are truly interested and have given great thought to being in the field and being in their program. Be confident- the more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel. Firm handshake, look them in the eye. Be EARLY. Be yourself.Good luck guys! :wink2:

Nitecap, I just had to thank you for your posting on interview tips...you were so detailed and gave me a realistic idea of what a CRNA program will ask.