TCU CRNA program for January 2016

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Hello everyone!!! I know, a little early. I just can't wait for application period to come around. Currently taking a Chemistry course to boost my GPA some. Looking to hear from other future applicants. Go FROGS!

Specializes in Critical Care, CPICU, RAT, Current SRNA.
I remember feeling sooo relieved once I was done with the GRE! Mace8704, do they ask your CCRN score? I feel like that may help me, haha.
I was not asked my CCRN score in the interview. For that matter, I was not questioned about any specifc score (GRE, CCRN, GPA, etc).

Last year, there were two interviews back to back on the same day with 3 faculty members each. The interviews were around 10-15 minutes each. The first interview was very relaxed. The most difficult question asked was why I didn't achieve more As in undergrad. The second interview was challenging but not in the way I expected. The faculty members aggressively questioned whether I was a good fit for the program and why I wanted to study anesthesia. These were not softball questions like, "Tell me why you're interested in anesthesia." These were hardball questions like, "You're not a good fit for the program because *insert faculty member's opinion here*." Occasionally, the tone in the second interview bordered on rude, and all three of the faculty members showed absolutely no emotion and appeared thoroughly unimpressed for majority of the second interview. There were no clinical questions in either interview, but this may change from year to year/interview to interview.

It's too late for any of you who are applying to change your standardized testing scores. Therefore, my recommendations are to shadow a CRNA if you haven't already, have a strong grasp of why you want to be a CRNA, and be able to explain what you did to improve upon the weaker aspects of your application.

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Specializes in CVICU.

Gassy2be, did you not have to send proof of your CCRN certification? I sent them the copy of my CCRN score sheet as proof. I guess I should've sent my certificate? What did everyone else send? Mace8704, it sounds weird that the interviewers were so cold in the 2nd interview. Did they end up being nicer after admission to the program? And how long after the interview did you find out that you got in? Thanks!

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Specializes in Critical Care, CPICU, RAT, Current SRNA.
Gassy2be, did you not have to send proof of your CCRN certification? I sent them the copy of my CCRN score sheet as proof. I guess I should've sent my certificate? What did everyone else send? Mace8704, it sounds weird that the interviewers were so cold in the 2nd interview. Did they end up being nicer after admission to the program? And how long after the interview did you find out that you got in? Thanks!
Every professor I've worked with in the online portion of the program has been great. Kind, helpful, quick responses.
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Gassy2be, did you not have to send proof of your CCRN certification? I sent them the copy of my CCRN score sheet as proof. I guess I should've sent my certificate? What did everyone else send? Mace8704, it sounds weird that the interviewers were so cold in the 2nd interview. Did they end up being nicer after admission to the program? And how long after the interview did you find out that you got in? Thanks!

Maybe I sent both? Haha, I don't remember. I just know I definitely sent the certificate, seemed more official.

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Specializes in CRNA hopeful with a Post-Grad ACNP.

Oh wow! Mace8704

What was your response to their claim that you weren't a good fit for the program??

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Specializes in Critical Care, CPICU, RAT, Current SRNA.
Oh wow! Mace8704

What was your response to their claim that you weren't a good fit for the program??

Their concerns were based on the fact that the last time I shadowed a CRNA was 2006-2007 and that I enjoy nursing roles that are typically regarded as stressful/fast pace. Based on these facts, their assertion was that I had a poor grasp of what CRNAs actually do on a daily basis and the "slow CRNA pace" would not appeal to me. I defended my knowledge and interest. To highlight my ignorance, they questioned me on the most common procedures anesthesia providers are responsible for. I didn't know.

Based on their criticism, I asked for their email address and said I would email them after I job shadowed another CRNA. I shadowed another CRNA for one shift 1-2 weeks after my interview and emailed all three of the faculty members who were involved with my second interview. Two responded. One did not. I was accepted into the program about a month later.

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Specializes in CRNA hopeful with a Post-Grad ACNP.

I understand. That makes much more sense! Good for you for rectifying that situation and getting accepted!!

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Specializes in CVICU.

So what are the most common procedures anesthesia providers are responsible for?

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So what are the most common procedures anesthesia providers are responsible for?

My answer would be pain injections, such as epidurals or blocks.

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Is anyone else just a constant mess of nerves? Haha. The idea of having to do this all again next year if I don't get in anywhere is really stressing me out.

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Specializes in Critical Care, CPICU, RAT, Current SRNA.
My answer would be pain injections, such as epidurals or blocks.
Allow to me clarify, the question was what are the most common surgical procedures anesthesia providers assist with not the most common procedures anesthesia providers perform themselves. The answers were c-section and hysterectomy. Well at least according to this TCU faculty member. I never verified the information myself.
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Specializes in CRNA hopeful with a Post-Grad ACNP.

Absolutely! I'm so ready to just know!! And the application deadline isn't even here yet!! Then we have to count down to the interviews! September seems like forever away!

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