Updated: Published
Members are discussing their experiences with the admissions process for a CRNA program. Some have received acceptance notifications, while others are still waiting or have been placed on alternate lists. There are also questions about the program structure, support, and the creation of a Facebook group for admitted students. Additionally, there is advice being shared for future applicants and requests for connections with current students in the program.
Hi guys, it looks like none one has started a forum thread for UofA's 2025 start date yet so I thought I'd start one. Wondering if anyone has completed the CV form they suggested to use. I'm curious if we are supposed to stick to the outline or expand on it? For example when it comes to the employment section, do we not include any experience/skills? This is my first CV form so I'm not sure how it is supposed to differ from a typical resume. Thanks in advance. Wishing you all luck in the coming months
1. No Time Off During Clinicals:
Concern: Not having any time off during clinicals can be a major strain, particularly in a rigorous program like CRNA school where clinical hours are already long and demanding.
Impact: Without real breaks, burnout can set in quickly, affecting both mental and physical well-being. A lack of holidays or vacation can feel especially draining if you're juggling intense clinical training and coursework.
Advice: It's important to understand how this could impact your health and personal life. Make sure you have a clear understanding of how this could affect you before committing. Perhaps consider speaking with current or past students about how they managed to avoid burnout in such a structure.
2. Mini-Terms for Holiday Breaks:
Concern: The concept of "mini-terms" for holidays could be a red flag for those expecting typical academic breaks. While these may give you short breaks, they likely don't provide the kind of extended time off that most students expect or need to recharge.
Impact: This could contribute to the lack of downtime that's essential for maintaining balance, especially during the more intense clinical and academic periods.
Advice: Clarify with current students how long these "mini-terms" are and how much real rest or relaxation they allow. If your expectations for holiday breaks are higher, this could be a dealbreaker.
3. Minimal Educational Support in CRNA Content:
Concern: It sounds like there's a gap in formal educational support, especially when it comes to CRNA-specific content. This can be tough because the material is complex and requires strong foundational teaching.
Impact: If educational support is minimal, it means you'll likely need to rely heavily on self-study, peer support, and outside resources, which could lead to added stress and pressure.
Advice: Investigate how much support students typically get from faculty, and how the program supplements its curriculum (if at all). You might want to consider other programs where there's more structured support or supplemental materials like study groups or faculty-led review sessions.
4. SEE Exam Requirement:
Concern: The requirement of passing the SEE (a proctored exam) before graduation, especially if it's seen as a "crutch" for the lack of other educational supports, is another red flag. Proctored exams are often stressful, and if they serve as a replacement for more traditional, continuous educational support, it may indicate that the program isn't investing enough in preparing students throughout their education.
Impact: The pressure of having to pass a proctored exam could overshadow other aspects of your education, leaving students feeling like they're just "studying to pass the test" rather than gaining a deep understanding of the material.
Advice: Ask current students about their experiences with the SEE exam. Is it an obstacle or a useful tool? Make sure you understand the expectations around this exam and what resources (if any) the program provides to help you prepare.
5. High Expectations with Minimal Support:
Concern: When a program has high expectations but doesn't offer sufficient support, it creates an environment of constant pressure. This could lead to feelings of inadequacy, burnout, and frustration.
Impact: A high-pressure, low-support environment can be overwhelming, especially in a field like nurse anesthesia where competency and confidence are essential for patient safety.
Advice: Consider the culture of the program. Do students collaborate and support each other? Are there informal or formal mentorship opportunities? It's important to have systems in place to help you succeed beyond just academic content.
Conclusion:
While this program might offer the chance to earn your CRNA credentials, the structure and support (or lack thereof) could be major hurdles. Before making a decision, it would be wise to:
Speak with current or past students about their experiences, specifically about how they handled clinicals, breaks, and the SEE exam.
Understand the full scope of support and resources available to students, including faculty involvement and peer networks.
Consider how the lack of holidays and breaks might affect your personal life and well-being.
If you're already invested in pursuing this program, you might also want to explore ways to create your own support system, such as forming study groups, reaching out to faculty for additional guidance, and finding methods to manage stress. However, if balance and educational support are your top priorities, it might be worth looking into alternative programs with a more structured approach to both education and well-being.
Id PIC U said:Has anyone created a fb group since this post? If so, can someone post a link please!
Hey! To my knowledge not yet. I spoke with a current student yesterday, who said that it was a little easier to connect with everybody and make a Facebook group after the first zoom meeting in January.
Hi everyone! I've come across a few questions while making my way through the admissions checklist, so I made a fb group in case others would like to connect!
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FNkEMoHFK/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Cloud9_
4 Posts
I was recommended for admission as well 🥲