futureCRNA'20

Thank you Jen! You sound like a very qualified applicant - hopefully you get accepted and we will be in class together! They asked me some basic questions like why do I want to be a CRNA, tell us about yourself, what kind of pts do you see in your ICU, what kind of drips do you use a lot. Then they asked me what questions I had about their program and if I applied anywhere else. They asked me what I valued about Jeff's program. It was very straightforward and not intimidating at all! Wishing you the best of luck. Keep me posted!!

I started in a mixed Medical/Neurosurgical ICU as a new to practice nurse fresh out of school and it was extremely challenging. The difference is that I was the one being hard on myself and setting my expectations too high within the first year. It truly takes about 1.5-2.5 years to feel like a confident and competent part of the ICU team. The problem is that it sounds like you are not learning in a supportive environment at all. The experienced nurses and doctors I work with embrace new staff and serve as mentors for us all. I would definitely bring the examples of issues you've shared to your manager's attention and see how they respond to your concerns. If nothing is done about it and you continue to feel unsupported in your new role, it is an issue with the culture of the hospital system - NOT YOU! Keep your head up and keep taking good care of your patients. That's really all that matters at the end of each stressful day. Good luck!

Hi everyone, Since these posts immensely helped me prepare for my interview with Jeff this past week, I figured I would write about my interview experience and credentials in an attempt to help others, too! I have an undergrad GPA of 3.83. Got my CCRN, ACLS/BLS/PALS/NIHSS certifications, and RN licenses in both Philadelphia and New Jersey. I have been the recipient of one DAISY award and have been nominated 2 additional times. Jeff requires 2 letters of recommendation, but I sent in letters from six recommenders, which is the maximum allowed. I am an active member of my unit council and a system wide critical care committee. I have worked in a mixed Medical/Neurosurgical ICU for the past 3 years - started there as a new to practice nurse. On my resume, I wrote out the type of pt's I care for on a daily basis, "pt's requiring vasoactive gtts, sedatives, paralytics, mechanical ventilation, CRRT, targeted temperature management, ICP/EVD monitoring... etc." I also shadowed a CRNA for 8hrs and poured my heart and soul into my personal statement - took about 5 pages of writing to express my passion for nursing and desire to become a CRNA. I was called very soon after I sent in my application - within the same week. I interviewed with two faculty members and it was very relaxed. They didn't ask me one clinical question - but I had studied the entire weekend before in preparation. They asked me why I wanted to become a CRNA and why I thought I would make a good CRNA. They asked me what my undergrad GPA was and what types of gtt's I see in my ICU. Also, what type of pt's I take care of in my ICU. Also asked if I ever shadowed a CRNA. It was very straight forward and they unofficially offered me a spot in the program at the end of the 10-15 min long interview. Best advice: APPLY EARLY. Only 26 seats in the DNP program and about 100+ people apply each year. Admissions is on a rolling basis. Class of 2017 starts in September. Let me know if you have any additional questions. I'd be happy to help in any way I can.