Where did you go to school?

all-crna-schools.com

I'm at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. We are trained to be independent practitioners.

I am attending Fairfield University/Bridgeport Hospital. One of the reasons I chose this school was because they produce independent CRNAs.

That website is awesome, has a lot of helpful information all in one spot. Did you know that your schools trained crnas to be independent before you applied? How and when did you find out? I only want to apply to these types of schools

Yes, all-crna-schools.com was my home page for quite a while. Very informative but verify information you see on there such as application deadlines. I found that some were not updated to recent changes, and had I not double checked the schools' website, I may have applied late based on their info. It may be better now, I did send them an email letting them know and they sent me a very lengthy and grateful email back stating they would do their best to keep info up to date.

That website is awesome, has a lot of helpful information all in one spot. Did you know that your schools trained crnas to be independent before you applied? How and when did you find out? I only want to apply to these types of schools

GoGetter,

Here are just a couple of things (directly from their website) that jumped out at me when looking at my current program before applying:

Selection ProcessThe Program accepts up to 14 students per academic year. Therefore, all applicants who meet minimum requirements for admission may not necessarily be selected. The Admissions committee will evaluate each applicant. Selection will be based on the following criteria:

Transcripts, G.P.A, GRE

On-site interview

References

Work Experience

(My translation- small class size means program is invested in each student's success and the program does not take on more than what they can handle.)

The Clinical Experience

Students gain hands on experience with a variety of regional and general anesthesia techniques under the close supervision of a supportive team of CRNA and MD clinical faculty. In addition to routine cases, our nurse anesthesia students gain experience in trauma, major burn and high-risk obstetrical cases. Enrichment rotations are provided at Northern Westchester and Waterbury Hospitals. Students rotate to each of these sites at least once during their clinical practica.

The anesthesia services offered are progressive and dynamic. Much effort has been made to provide our patient community with the most current anesthesia practices and services. This department ideal is accomplished by utilizing our ongoing Quality Management System (QMS).

Our QMS identifies patient care and practice issues requiring future education and/or skill development and generates staff, faculty and student participation. This promotes continuous improvement in patient care and a stimulating educational environment.

(This isn't definitive as far as preparing students to be independent providers, but it shows they have high expectations and goals for their students. Some programs do not rotate you to specific clinical sites exclusively to obtain exposure to all aspects of anesthesia care.)

I just went with a feeling that they might be the right program for me. That's also what the interview is for. Not only are they interviewing you, but you are also interviewing them. Ask them these questions during the interview. I asked these questions, and they were gladly and enthusiastically answered. The program will respect you for knowing what you want out of a program.

I don't want to quote out of my orientation manual because it is not publicly accessible, but one of the clinical objectives is that students are able to function as an independent practitioner, be able to formulate, implement, and evaluate an anesthesia plan, and work collaboratively with other members of the anesthesia and surgical team. Throughout each clinical experience description these things are mentioned. This means we as students will have the opportunity to implement appropriate care plans we have designed. Some programs require students to formulate a care plan, but they do not have the opportunity to carry it out.

Now that I am in the program, I know my choice was the right one. The program is very invested in their students' success, evidenced by the fact that they are already making changes to our curriculum next year based on feedback from the class ahead of us. To make our lives easier!

This is important information to know, and if that is what you want from your clinical experience you will need to take the initiative to find these things out. You can also contact the programs directly before applying and ask them.

Thanks for the detailed response, it definitely gives me an idea of how to research for the right school. Sounds like you got into an awesome program.

Anytime :) I am in an awesome program!