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Did you get a Packet from Gould? And other tips...

Hello Everyone!

As I think of things that might help those in the process of applying to CRNA programs or like me, currently in programs, I want to put the information out there. So here goes!

I have just completed the second semester of a seven semester (28 month) program that integrates clinical very early into the program. Getting tossed into clinical so early made me really nervous, but there was a lot of information sent to me by Ms. Gould that I was so happy to have had very far in advance.

One year ago, a few months prior to beginning my program, I came upon http://diversitycrna.org/ and contacted Ms. Gould through her info on that website. She had recently hosted her Annual Luncheon up in NJ and sent me a fabulous packet that had been given to students who attended. The packet gave me a a huge heads up on basics to know for school. The drug list was a biggie for me as well as THE DVD that contained things that seemed foreign to me at the time, but that I am so happy now that I had on DVD so that I could watch it to prep for my first clinical (such as the cart setup, drugs, etc). The thing is, that unless you have a senior member of your program who will help you get started and mentor you in your clinicals, getting started can be pretty daunting. I am so thankful to have had that packet that got me started.

Become familiar with drugs, terminology, and other basics which won't overtax you now when you're trying to study for the GRE or work OT to save for school, but will make a substantial difference in your preparation for your program (and the INTERVIEW!!!!).

Also, if I may toss out an idea that really helped me prep for interviews: Me and another person on my unit spent an afternoon or so coming up with interview questions that we thought we would likely encounter in an interview for a CRNA program. We had a long list of about twenty questions, some basic like: Why do you want to be a CRNA? Why do you want to come to school here? What preparations have you made so that you can be successful in our program (financially, socially, academically, etc)?), and some other questions like: What are the most vasoactive drugs you administer on your unit and what can you tell me about them? What new drugs or equipment do you use on your unit and what can you tell me about them? Tell me about your typical patients? Tell me about a time you disagreed with a physician's order and how you handled it. I know you can get creative and expand the list substantially -- it is very worth it to sit down, think about what you may be asked, and WRITE OUT clear responses that you can read and practice over and over again. I tell you the truth -- there was not a single question I was asked that I had not been able to predict would be a possible question and I already had a great answer for each question because I had prepped for it! Remember to speak from your own ICU experience in the interview, so spend some time thinking about drugs you actually use and know your patient population and their specific conditions. Also be prepared to elaborate on any essay or personal statement you had to turn in as part of your application -- they may ask you about something from that.

Also, once in a program, create a regular rhythm to your study. Study daily (EVERY day), during set hours, and quiz/test yourself often on the material. Just like you can come up with interview questions that will be pretty close to what you may actually be asked, you can do the same for material you are likely to be tested on.

You can do this!

Adonai