therockobama

therockobama's Latest Activity

1. 

   SRNA Resources (especially for meds)

   therockobama replied to BlueChocolateCat's topic in SRNA

   Congrats on getting accepted!! You are in for an exciting and challenging journey ahead! I used this youtube channel for studying a lot! ----> Michael Bentley - YouTube It has plenty of good videos on basic pharmacology (induction agents, gasses, etc) and understanding MOA at a deeper level where you are expected to know. Best of luck to you!
2. 

   GPA Calculation

   therockobama replied to FlyMurse's topic in SRNA

   I suggest you attend an information session or contact a school that you are interested in directly to learn about how they calculate your GPA. Some schools also look more into your science GPA as well so that can be a huge factor even if your total GPA is not as good. Lastly, some schools like to look at your trends. i.e. if you did really bad on your first couple of years of college, but eventually became serious and picked up the slack towards the end, they put strong consideration to that. Bottom line: get your GPA to at least a little bit above the minimum and make sure you hit it out the park on other areas (ICU experience, volunteer work, committee/hospital involvement). You should at least then get a consideration for an interview.
3. 

   Waitlist

   therockobama replied to mdcbb's topic in SRNA

   At this point, it's unlikely. But its unlikely to win the lottery, but people still win it. You never know. If it's meant to be, its meant to be... If not, then I'm sure you'll get in somewhere else at the right place and right time.
4. 

   Visit the campus

   therockobama replied to Squiggie's topic in SRNA

   This is your chance to make a good first impression. Treat this like it is an interview. Wear a suit, ask questions that are not answered on the school website, and show genuine interest in the program. Ask what they look for in an ideal candidate for the program so you can put in the fine details to polish your application. Ask them if you can shadow a CRNA in their program so you can see the clinical experience the school provides then give them a good thank you note afterwards. A hand written one is always better, but email will suffice. Good luck!
5. 

   Competitive enough for cRNA programs?

   therockobama replied to jorbair's topic in SRNA

   If you're doing well on your program now and have made up for your previous grades, keep up with that. Some programs do not look only at your overall GPA, but also take into account your trend. (i.e. low in the beginning and haven't been taking school that seriously when you're young and boosted up when you became serious with school.) Also, GPA is only one part of the equation. They will look into your ICU work experience, any committees that you joined, what type of leadership skills you have, how well do you work with others, your recommendation letters, and if you have precepted (those are the only ones I can think of right off the bat). But for now, keep doing what you're doing, try not to obsess too much over it, focus on finishing your nursing strong, and get an ICU job when you finish.
6. 

   (hopeful) pre-interview meeting with program director

   therockobama replied to fourthtimesacharm's topic in SRNA

   Treat this like an actual interview. Program directors are very busy and it's a huge deal for them to meet with you. Like the previous poster said, put your best foot forward. Wear a suit, clean up, be professional, and show genuine interest. Make a good impression so they can remember you when you get an interview.
7. 

   Looking for advice

   therockobama replied to xaxxax's topic in SRNA

   Your stats already look pretty solid. Heeding the advice of the previous poster and taking a graduate level science wouldn't hurt, but only if it is something you're sure you can get an A on, otherwise, it'll end up hurting you. Make sure to do your research on the class before taking any. Do you have charge nurse experience? Some schools like that because it shows you have leadership skills. Did you get an interview the past cycle? With your stats now, you should at least get an interview this year. And if you do get invited for an interview, make sure to prep on it. Leave no stone unturned. Every school has a different process for interviewing applicants so I suggest you do your research with that as well. Just keep swingin' the bat! You'll hit a home run eventually! Good luck!
8. 

   Considering CRNA school, need advice

   therockobama replied to pemyers93's topic in SRNA

   I would suggest you find the right reasons first in wanting to become a CRNA (besides doing it for monetary reasons) first. Try shadowing one in your hospital and see if you even like it. Know that CRNA school will be extremely difficult and is a HUGE investment (not working plus loans=easily $150,000/year investment that you're not making and losing)! Plus you'll be working majority of your time with adults so if you can't deal with that, you'll have an extremely difficult time. So try to have an open mind, see what about the profession you really like and go from there. P.S. However, if, you are decided on becoming a CRNA, based on your work experience, I would suggest that you try to get a surgical ICU experience (adult or peds). That would open more options for you as most schools look highly on surgical ICU (trauma, cardiothoracic, or neuro)
9. 

   Kaiser SAN CRNA interview

   therockobama replied to LAbound16's topic in SRNA

   3 part interview (not in this particular order) Note that they may change how they interview every year so this information may totally be irrelevant this year. 1. Personal interview: all about you and your resume. Know EVERY SINGLE DETAIL about your resume. This is a panel interview (10ish people) where the faculty will pick apart your resume so ensure that you can elaborate on any details or fluff that you wrote. You'll likely be nervous. That's ok. If there's a question that stumps you, just stop and think about it. Sometimes these personal interview parts are harder than clinical questions so just make sure to prepare. 2. Group interview: You will be interviewing with 2 or 3 applicants in front of 2 or 3 faculty members. You'll be given an open-ended clinical scenario where you'll interpret and provide interventions. Basically, they want to see how you work with a group. Give your answers, but don't take over. Allow other people to answer and give them compliments if they give good answers. Remember that anesthesia is not a one man/woman show. 3. Clinical simulation: They'll take you to their sim lab with a sim patient and monitor (ICU environment) and will be given an ACLS type scenario so make sure to brush up on ACLS: meds, doses, shocks, joules, etc. Make sure whatever scenario you have, give the appropriate intervention. Always think things through. This is pressure situation so its important to show that you can maintain composure in stressful situations. Best piece of advice: if you get an interview, no matter what the outcome is, know that you're there for a reason. You were good enough to make it there out of all the other applicants so come in there, be confident (not cocky) and be the best professional version of yourself.
10. 

    Online Biochemistry Course

    therockobama replied to SRNA2CRNA2021's topic in SRNA

    UC Berkeley extension has an online biochem class. Only the final exam is proctored, but you need to pass at least with a 70% to pass the class, otherwise you won't get credit for the class regardless of your previous online work. I have a friend that took it. He said that the instruction is very poor and you practically have to learn biochem all on your own by reading the book and watching youtube videos. I guess it depends on the instructor you pick.. And if you're a motivated self learner, it shouldn't be that bad.