VCU CRNA DNAP 2021

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It's insanely early to think about this, but here's a thread for anyone applying for the VCU DNAP cohort set to begin January 2021, the application window is open! Are you studying for your GRE yet? ?

On 5/7/2020 at 10:48 AM, Asherah said:

@tbell92 and @srna2022, thanks for popping by and hope the first year is going well for you both! I think I read that your cohort (across all campuses) was the largest for the program yet, is that right? Do you feel that the faculty are able to make the distance campus-based students feel as included as the Richmond cohort? I know that right now everyone is doing true distance learning anyway, but when the time comes to be in class in future terms it must be interesting to see how they incorporate everything for all of the groups. This is the only program I’ve applied to which has this model, so it’s been a question in the back of my mind as someone who can’t move to Richmond (wish I could).

Hi asherah,

Thanks! Yes, our cohort is the largest so far, and I believe we have 50 students total. I think it's a great reflection of how the program is always striving for growth. There will be an increased shortage of CRNAs as baby boomers begin retiring, so it's impressive if programs can slowly begin to grow in an attempt to fill those needs.

Everyone is online the first 2 semesters and then attends their respective campus locations in the fall semester (but fall is not definitive yet given the COVID-19 situation). So far, however, the professors have been amazing and inclusive. I can confidently say that they genuinely care about each student. Some professors offer to meet via Zoom to answer questions and/or are responsive via email. There's a lot of group work in the first semester and this tends to be across campuses, so you can get to know your cohort. I've loved that and have made some connections with people form other campuses. From what I've heard from people in classes ahead of me, other campuses are definitely included in lecture. There are microphones and cameras, so you can see each other and ask and respond to questions as you watch the televised lecture live. In terms of other support, you are assigned a faculty advisor and you check in with them at least once a semester. You're also paired with a student who is 1 year ahead of you who can serve as a mentor and answer your questions throughout the program.

I understand your curiosity. I'm at NOVA and although Richmond is amazing, my support system is here and I'm able to have a living situation that helps me save a lot of $$$, which is very important! Dr. Damico told us you can't do this program without a support system, and I would strongly agree that having "your people" is key.

I hope this helps!

EDIT TO ADD: No idea why Amazon is trying to provide a search link for a watch in the middle of my post...? Haha sorry guys

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On 5/7/2020 at 11:04 AM, TyWeberRN said:

@tbell92 @srna2022 thanks for stopping by! I was super pumped to actually interview in the midst of COVID especially since other programs were postponing their deadlines. On the other hand I was a little bummed we weren’t going to meet some of you and have the chance to ask y’all some questions... so I do have a few for you!

What is your favorite thing and least favorite thing about VCU so far?

What sites are y’all at? I checked the Abingdon box on my application because my family lives down in Asheville which would be the perfect distance from us if we were to land there.. not too far, not too close ? What are the pros/cons for being in Richmond versus being at Abingdon/Alexandria/Roanoke?

I’ve heard through the grapevine that VCU emphasizes more than other schools ultrasound guided regional/peripheral nerve blocks. Have you had any experience with this yet or have you heard from classes before you if that is the case?


Again, thank you so much for dropping by and being willing to answer some questions for us! Hope y’all are staying safe.

Hi!

I can definitely understand that, but I'm happy to help and will do my best to answer your questions.

Favorite: The professors. I know I've already said this, but it's just so key for me. I wanted to be in a supportive program rather than a "weed out" program. I've heard info from other friends at other schools about not feeling supported in a sink-or-swim type environment. At VCU, they genuinely want to see you succeed. Of course, you still have to give it your all and put in the work, but the professors care. I love that they're all so smart, kind, inspiring, genuine, passionate about anesthesia, and have a sense of humor. They're humble about being the #1 school in the country. That says a lot. Going hand in hand with this, another favorite for me is knowing that my education is outstanding and reputable.

Least favorite: Hmm that's tough. I would say I wish I could attend the gorgeous new building in Richmond all the time. We still do during various points in the program, but WOW!, it's so nice and so cool to be right next to the hospital. Also, I love Richmond and would move there in a heartbeat, but chose not to for financial reasons and because my support system is in Nova.

Location Pros/Cons: I'm at Nova. The pros and cons are personal in my opinion and you have to do what's best for YOU. It's important to have a support system. For me, Nova was the best choice financially, support wise, I am familiar with the hospitals in the area, and I can keep working at my job for a while. I'll probably live here after graduation too. The cons to me are what I mentioned above in "least favorite". It would be great to have everything in person in Richmond, but ultimately that wasn't best for me personally.

For your clinical question, I can't speak to that because I haven't had clinical yet; it's not scheduled until Winter of your second year.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

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Specializes in Pediatric CTICU.

Then nerves are alive today!

The worst of it is I was asked to apply for an ECMO position and my interview for that is today so I have double nerves! Fingers crossed we don’t have to wait all the way til the end of business day! CONGRATS to everyone else in making it this far!!

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Specializes in SRNA.

They're really keeping us hanging here... ?

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Specializes in CICU.

Tick tock I keep looking at the clock LOL

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I am dying

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Specializes in Pediatric CTICU.

Same, good or bad I just wanna know!

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Specializes in CICU.

I keep getting emails for the notifications on this forum LOL only a little over two hours to go

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Specializes in SRNA.

Accepted to Northern Virginia! ?♥️?

1
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Congratulations!!! I was just accepted to the Roanoke site!! I wish everyone else the best!

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Specializes in CICU.

CONGRATS y’all! Enjoy!

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Hey all, my wife got waitlisted for NOVA. CONGRATS to all who got in.

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