SRNA2CRNA2021

I was CCRN certified, I did have my TNCC and ENPC but let those lapse since they are more ER-related. I was also part of a shared governance committee during my ICU time that reviewed policies and procedures. I also oriented new hires later in my ICU time. You will become an AACN member if you become CCRN certified since they are the accrediting body. My personal thoughts were to be involved in some boosters but not too many so that I could focus on the ones that I was involved in. I also made sure that I got a wide variety of patient experiences during my ICU time - CRRT, fresh hearts, manipulating various IV drips, etc. so that I could speak to having a well-rounded ICU background (which in my opinion, helps in the long run).

Good grades in nursing school will help, also your undergraduate science courses are important too. I worked in ICU for a total of 3 years when I was accepted to school - I started applying about a year and a half into my ICU experience. I think I had supervisors/ICU doctors write me letters of recommendation for school - the programs you are applying to may have specific guidelines for who they want letters from. I took out federal student loans to pay for school. I would say that tuition costs and extra study materials are going to vary based on the program (their individual costs) and what you choose to purchase on your own/what reference materials you might get from upperclassmen/what you go in on with other classmates. So it is hard to give you a specific number to answer your question because there are so many specific program factors and individual factors that contribute to tuition costs and study materials... Hope this helps! Thank you!! ?

Vargo is a pretty good reference (it will sometimes be on sale for $80). I also reference NYSORA for regional blocks I referenced Dr. Najeeb videos ($10 for lifetime access or at least that's what it was a few years ago), Ninja Nerd, and Armando Hasudungan for physiology and pathophysiology concepts. Quizlet is also a good reference for study help during didactic.

Current SRNA here that just wanted to throw my 2 cents in - my class has 2 or 3 SRNAs in their 40s and they have done well throughout the program (graduation is in about 6 weeks), both in didactic and clinical phases. Don't let your age stop you from applying to programs if that's your ultimate goal!

The facebook groups for each of the current classes are private groups only. I am a 2nd-year student and would be happy to answer any questions you might have - my home clinical site is Omaha.

That stinks - I can't send messages either... I don't really want my email out there in the open for anyone to get a hold of, so I'm not really sure how else to have you contact me... unless you want to give me your email and I will email you tomorrow (early clinical day tomorrow)...

You bet - go ahead and send me a message!

Those topics will be integrated into the Principles classes, as well as Physiology and Pathophysiology classes (at least cardio and neuro). You won't necessarily rotate to Trauma designated facilities (unless your rotations happen to be at a higher level center). The rotations focus more on types of cases that you might not see at your primary site - pediatrics, cardiac, rural practice... I can't speak for Sioux Falls as I am in Omaha - but I feel like my classmates are getting some good clinical experiences, but we are also only 3 months into our rotations. I feel that the didactic phase laid a great foundation for clinical and I feel like I am right where I should be 3 months in.

You are very welcome! ?

Alwayslearning - on our first day of classes together, they told us that we competed to get a spot in the program but now that we were here, there should be no competition between us. That has stuck with all of us - we formed study groups to help each other out and still encourage each other now that we are clinical rotations. We planned the occasional potluck, group outings, and whatever other group things we could come up with to get to know each other outside of class. The professors are supportive and all seem to have an open-door policy - anytime I needed help they were more than willing to offer it. I also feel like our classes/lab time prepared us for clinicals. I don't know anyone in any other programs so I can't give you much of a comparison but I feel like this program wants you to succeed (if you are willing to put in the effort too) and will help out (to a certain degree as this is a graduate-level doctoral program with an expected amount of adult learning).

Alwayslearning258 - not sure what happened to your comment, but I would be happy to answer any questions you have about the program! Feel free to PM me - I tried to send you my email but it wouldn't let me...

So I have been occasionally following this discussion thread and wanted to offer my input/insight. I am currently a 2nd-year student in Mount Marty's CRNA program and am in my clinical rotations. While I don't remember much about the interview questions, I felt the interview was more of a get to know you as a person type of interview. I agree with some of what others have posted - be true to who you are, admit when you don't know something, and answer honestly (even if you are worried about how it makes you look). I do remember being asked about a clinical mistake and what I did/what I learned from it, but other than that, I don't recall many clinical questions. I did not bring a support person with me and it obviously did not affect my admission or my interview. Also, take advantage of the current students that will be at the interviews - ask them questions, opinions, etc., they are a great resource for information! Regarding clinical sites - I chose mine based on what type of experience I would be getting. I wanted a bigger city with more of a variety of cases but didn't know much about which states utilize what practice models. Sioux Falls is a supervisory model, while some hospitals in Omaha/Council Bluffs are independent practice. I would suggest looking at the AANA website or other sources to see what practice models are utilized in what states as that could influence your experiences. Good luck with the interviews!

Thank you for the feedback - helped me make a choice and I appreciate it. :) Good luck with the class!

Was hoping to get some feedback from those of you that have taken an online biochemistry class as a prereq for CRNA programs. I am looking into UNE's medical biochem and Oregon State's biochemistry class. I know that UNE's course will have more applicable scenarios, but I am concerned that it will be limited and that I might miss out on a more in depth course (like Oregon State). Thank you in advance!

I sent my application in last week :)