USAGPAN 2021

Specialties Government

Published

This thread is super early but I want to create a spot for USAGPAN 2021 applicants to share our journey! I’m mostly posting this thread now to spread the word about Iowa Central Community College’s Intro to Organic and Biochem online course - CHM 130. This option was a lifesaver (read: time and money saver) for me and I have to pay it forward. I checked with the Baylor liaison and the course fulfills the chemistry requirement. The only prerequisite is Intro to Chemistry I. I hope this helps someone and I’m looking forward to the upcoming application year!

@Ryan Sellahcs I’m not sure what you mean about the criteria for a preceptor?

I know two people who are currently in phase I of USAGPAN. They’ve been a tremendous help with setting my expectations and giving firsthand feedback about the program/application process!

@Bonnie Bailey, You said that the student is required to find a proctor for the ICCC course. I was wondering what the requirements for the Proctor were. For example, do they have to be a professor?

And that is such a great resource. Did they give you any nuggets of advice? And thing they felt they did to stand out? Also, did they mention anything about the family life situation? I am newly married and want to set up realistic expectations for my wife if I get in but honestly, I don't know what to expect. I understand I will be very busy studying but outside of that, I have no idea. All my experience is with the marine corps as a single enlisted NCO.

What made everyone want to purse CRNA anyways?

For me, I was drawn to the high standards that are held by CRNAs as a profession and their focus on science. Also, anesthesia is fascinating in its self. You could spend a lifetime learning about it. I also am drawn to the independence of a CRNA especially in the military.

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Current Phase 1 student in FY2019 class. Let me know if yall have any questions. Good Luck to you all.

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.

Hi all! I'm glad this thread has already gotten started, as I have my eyes set on the 2021 cohort as well! @Bonnie Bailey, thanks for the tip on the ICCC O-chem/Biochem course!

Nursing Experience: CTICU since Oct 2017

Military Experience: 4 years Active Duty airborne infantry, 4 years Reserve combat medic, 4 years flight medic, commissioned as critical care nurse (66S) March 2019.

Good luck to all of you, and looking forward to sharing info back and forth along the way!!

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Specializes in ICU, OR.

I'm aiming to be a 2021 applicant through the VA, anyone else?

I need my chem and GRE to get serious about my application. Hoping to get both done this spring.

Hi all! Just a little update- I scheduled my GRE for the end of January and I’m halfway through organic/biochem! These two things combined with working full time and family/church life are leaving me a little dead inside ? I’m pushing through with a bigger goal in mind ???? I’m using the 5 lb book and the ETS super bundle to study for the GRE. I may add the 30 day Magoosh subscription before my test date depending on how prepared I feel.

How are you all approaching the subject of telling your colleagues about your CRNA plans? Are you forthcoming or have you been reserved with the process? I’m interested to know!

Specializes in Critical Care.
1 hour ago, Bonnie Bailey said:

Hi all! Just a little update- I scheduled my GRE for the end of January and I’m halfway through organic/biochem! These two things combined with working full time and family/church life are leaving me a little dead inside ? I’m pushing through with a bigger goal in mind ???? I’m using the 5 lb book and the ETS super bundle to study for the GRE. I may add the 30 day Magoosh subscription before my test date depending on how prepared I feel.

How are you all approaching the subject of telling your colleagues about your CRNA plans? Are you forthcoming or have you been reserved with the process? I’m interested to know!

Bonnie this is excellent! Your post sort of reminds me of myself this year. I took O Chem, studied for the GRE, trained for a half ironman, and worked two jobs one full time the other PRN and did well in all except the GRE. I scored a 294, 288,291. Yes Three attempts. Not ashamed of it in fact learning from it. So kind of like you I'm going to start my next GRE three-four month study plan (magoosh, private tutoring, youtube, etc etc) and knock this sucker out. I was all applied for FY 2020 but didn't make the cut with the GRE. It has to be 300 or >. You got it!!!!!! Look forward to applying to FY 2021 lets go!!!!

EDIT: I totally get it regarding how to tell your colleagues....at first I didn't want anyone to know (while full time staff ICU) then I finally decided that they are eventually going to know...so I told a few trusted folks and even that got spread around like wild fire. Lots of support and advice its a good thing. Tell your boss...hey I'm ready to level up and expect me to be here while I'm in the process. Once you matriculate let them know and plan accordingly!! (this goes without saying but again I get it I was reserved at first to even tell them at all)

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On 10/7/2019 at 3:18 PM, lindswolf said:

I'm aiming to be a 2021 applicant through the VA, anyone else?

Hi lindswolf, I'm planning to apply through VA, but for 2022. I still have to get to the ICU which is a pain in a neck and I have limited time due to my age. Will see.

Specializes in ICU, OR.

Where are you? I'm STVHA, Audie Murphy is San Antonio. Our MICU/CCU is hiring like crazy.

On 10/24/2019 at 10:00 PM, lindswolf said:

Where are you? I'm STVHA, Audie Murphy is San Antonio. Our MICU/CCU is hiring like crazy.

I'm in Tampa, FL. Our ICUs don't hire without critical care experience, unless you are selected for CC Internship program which God knows when will be open. According to nursing ed it's up the the managers when to open the program. And according to the MICU manager they have to have multiple openings across all ICUs to hire a cohort. So, at the moment they hired bunch of experienced outsiders, because it doesn't make sense to keep open positions for 6 months or so for newly trained RNs.

And I can't leave Tampa, because my daughter is in 10th grade and my parents can't move from NY to watch her. If everything works out as i planned we both will be off to college almost at the same time.

By the way, through VA do you know if we have age restrictions (42 yo) as it is for "civilians and reservists" according to a booklet?

Specializes in ICU, OR.

I don't think the age restriction applies to VA employees, it doesn't say anything about that on VA site.

Well friends, my hubby came down on orders to Korea- looks like my application will be pushed back a couple of years while we go explore East Asia ? Best of luck to you all!

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