Waiting Game

Last minor CRNA application requisites were turned in today. Just in time for the deadline after tomorrow. The tedious and nerve wrecking wait is now upon me as I eagerly await a phone call, a letter, or something. I've been told that an Anesthesiologist, the director of the program and two faculty members will be conducting the interviews on June 20th and June 27th. I was happy to learn that my wait for the possible interview will not be long and that both faculty members in the committee know me well. I was also told a point system will be utilized to determine acceptance and that the interview makes up a great portion of this point system. I hope I'm at my best performance if offered an interview with them. Hopes are high, but the lingering knowledge of my short experience as a nurse takes its toll in my optimism. In the meanwhile I concentrate my efforts on these last 5 BSN classes that I'm taking during the summer. 

Application In ... fingers crossed

Well, it's official. I've put in my application to the Nurse Anesthesia college of my choosing. I can't help but feel increasingly nervous about my application and wonder if I will even get an interview. Last time I felt this way was when I waited for the acceptance letter for my associates of science in nursing. I remember that feeling all to well. When I finally received the letter in the mail, I knew I was in before I opened it considering the thickness of the envelope. I was ecstatic! My hard work during my pre-requisites had payed off. I hope history repeats itself, I've worked hard these last few years to keep an above average GPA and gave up endless hours of fun to make this happen. All I've done in the last few years has been with this "mission" in mind. I must admit my motives have changed throughout the years. Initially I had no idea of what nurse anesthetists did exactly, and like most applicants, I was in it for the six figure income. My mind has shifted since then, I now see it as something I truly want to do as a career for the mere pleasure of the characteristics of the job itself and what in encompasses. I am truly fascinated by it, I want to do it, teach it, be good at it. Its way more fulfilling than a pay check at the end of the week. I must admit my hopes are kinda low considering my short nursing experience and the 500+ applications already turned in and counting, with still 2 weeks remaining for application deadline. But I must remain optimistic. I truly think I have a solid chance this time around.

This video is hilarious!! Check it out!

Today was an amazing day! I had the privilege to shadow a CRNA throughout an entire shift and comprehend to a greater depth the work involved of these professionals. I began my day in the orthopedics surgery room and viewed the induction phase of various patients which undergone total knee replacement. The vast knowledge of the anesthetist, and the constant vigilance throughout the cases made me aware of the responsibilities of this profession. During induction, 20 ml of Diprivan was utilized followed by LMA placement by the anesthetist. All surgeries progressed well with constant hemodynamic control of the anesthetist. Neo was used to maintain blood pressure during most cases. I also spent part of mu day in the L&D where I was taught the differences of spinal block and epidural block as well as the technique used in both. I had tons of fun learning about this profession that some day I wish to be part of.

I've changed things up a bit! After careful consideration, I've decided that I should give January 2009 a shot for the anesthesia program instead of waiting to apply next year to the January 2010 program. I must admit my chances are not the best in the world considering I barely have a year overall nursing experience below my belt. The only things going for me right now are my GPA (3.87) and the fact that I graduated for both my ADN and BSN at this college and faculty knows me well. Although the mandated experience is one year, the Director herself said 2 years or more is preferable. So now its off to meet the June 1st application deadline, I have to get 3 recommendations, one being from a CRNA, my transcripts are already there, a career essay, a curriculum vitae, fill out the application, fill out the practice survey and that pretty much sums it up. Next Tuesday I am scheduled to shadow a CRNA at a nearby hospital. I was told I would be in labor and delivery during the day and be assigned to shadow in the OR in the afternoon. I'm looking forward to seeing anesthetist in action and hopefully get a good recommendation letter from one of them.  I just feel all hyped up about the possibility of getting accepted into next years program and saying good bye to work. Not that I don't like what I do as a nurse, but I seem to enjoy going to school much more than work itself.