SRNA Advice

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Hi everyone! I just found out that I was accepted into a nurse anesthesia program. As you can tell I am very excited! My question is for those who are currently in a CRNA program or graduated from a CRNA program: What did you feel was a necessity to have while in school (books...etc.) If you could let me know of anything that you feel truly helped you in school, I would really appreciate it. Thanks so much!

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Hi Lexi, congrats on making the huge hurdle into SRNA-dom!

Most of of have a wide variety of books...expensive but useful in their own aspect.

What you'll need will really depend on your program style.

When you're first learning about anesthetics, probably the only book that'll make any sense will be "Basics of Anesthesia" by Stoetling/Miller.

That book will help you transition into a much more comprehensive book, "Clinical Anesthesia" by Morgan/Mikhail...this will end up being your bible.

A much more thorough resource will end up being "Clinical Anesthesia" by Barash/Cullen/Stoetling, or "Miller's Anesthesia"....these are very in depth, and tedious to read.

Most students refer to the books by the author name: Baby Miller (Basics), Morgan/Mikhail, Barash, etc.

Initially, 1 would absolutely get the first 2 on the list. I would then purchase one of the more through books for reference, then move on to "Anesthesiologist's Manual for Surgical Procedures" (Jaffe), "..Co-Existing Disease", and "...Problem oriented Patient".

As far as pharmacology, Stoetling has a Pharm/Phys for Anesthesia, and LWW has a great review book (Mycek/Harvey/Champe).

Here's an old link to reviews for some of these books. http://www.nurseanesthetist.org/blog/anesthesia-library/

Buy your books on Amazon, Half.com, or Barnes/Noble. It pays to have the BN membership and use the periodic coupons that are emailed.

Good luck! I found myself only using the first 2 references initially, then broadening into other books 2nd semester on.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

is this the right book?

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

and is it hardcover?

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Specializes in CVPACU, CCU, ICU.

that is the correct book. Get to reading :)

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yes to both questions

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I just finally scored over 1000 on the GRE...not by much. Once an interview is granted, does the GRE score come into play again? Does anyone know? I have 13 years in critical care, CCRN and a 3.92 GPA. And I am old...45. :wink2:

Thanks,

dog

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Specializes in Trauma ER and ICU...SRNA now.

Most schools use gre scores for 2 things. One narrowing down the list of appliacants to a decent size to offer interviews. Second as a factor on who gets an actual spot. Some schools have formulas that they use and the gre score is part of the formula. I think it plays a minor role once you get an interview, but if two applicans are the same in every other way the gre score can be used to make a decision.

Apply, go for it. Congrats on the gre score

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The package sounds good, but one last thing to consider:

How long has it been since you've been back in school? A 3.9 GPA 1 year ago has more weight than 10 years ago. If it's been a while, take a biochem refresher.

If its recent, apply to the school of your preference: you sound like a great applicant.

Another note to you guys: make the extra effort on the application package. I saw an application that the person shadowed several CRNAs, and wrote up many experiences on the cases she saw.

Get your letter of recommendation from persons relative to the field: anesthesiologists, CRNAs, even surgeons. Significant persons that would know what it takes to be a CRNA.

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Specializes in SICU--CRNA 2010.

I never heard anything about my scores on GRE, CCRN scores did come up though.

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Thanks for the info and support. Yes, my GPA is from one year ago when I completed a graduate program in nursing administration. I also have CCRN (have kept current in clinical) and have shadowed several CRNA's. My references are from the CEO, an anesthesiologist and a clinical reference. Oh yeah, I did take an organic chemistry course last fall and made an A and thought I would enroll in a anatomy and physiology course before the interview (if I get one) Have been in critical care for 15 years.

Any other suggestions or feedback? Thanks...I am more encouraged. Does it sound like I will be compettive?

dog

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What CCRN scores? I am a little confused.

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