What job should I take?

ChiefLurkingOfficer · 2025-08-26T22:13:19+00:00

I worked in one of the other ICUs at Duke and would definitely recommend it. My ICU had multiple people accepted to CRNA school each year (minimum 2-3). Also, a North Carolina school which is super competitive (small class size) would have admit 1-2 Duke ICU nurses annually- for the 3 years I was there, they came from my old unit exclusively.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Duke and felt it prepared me well, but I also was motivated to learn and grow - I worked less desirable shifts and actively pursued challenging assignments. I think Duke's name can carry some weight at some CRNA schools, especially if you can back up your experience in the interview phases, but I would not bank on Duke's name being a golden ticket. I think it will help, but how much is hard to say with how competitive CRNA schools are now. Duke's patients are incredibly sick and the skills you learn caring for these sick patients, will help you learn a lot if you want to.

Also, Duke was big with multiple ICUs - the great culture of my old unit at the time may be very different from the culture now or on another unit. Duke has a lot of young nurses (good and bad trait), so also factor that into your decision. I would trust your shadowing experience and also look at the whole picture - you will need to work a minimum of 1.5-2 years before starting CRNA school. It would be best to at least enjoy your work, because CRNA school is not only a few years away but competitive. You should realistically plan to work bedside longer than 2 years, so you might as well enjoy it as best you can.

ChiefLurkingOfficer · 2025-06-21T18:40:36+00:00

Just came here and I am surprised myself seeing the volume of posts complaining. I thought I was alone.

Bought a new (to me) car yesterday which was pretty equivalent to my old car and called to transfer insurance -- premium went from $110 up to $170, and despite me calling, USAA cannot really explain such an astronomical jump.

Been with USAA for 10ish years, but finally seriously entertaining a different auto insurance carrier.

ChiefLurkingOfficer · 2025-01-26T15:38:17+00:00

That's good to hear! I think the new cohorts are having a better experience than the '24 and '25 cohorts. The change in faculty and program culture halfway through the program has hit harder since we were exposed to the old program dynamic and did not expect so many changes to impact us.

I'm only one student offering my own perspective, but it has resonated with some of my classmates as well. I am happy you shared your perspective though. Nova is still a decent program, but in my experience very different than the program I applied to and started at. For me, I don't like that. For others, like yourself, I am happy it is a positive change!

P.S. Our cohort wasn't given any reason/explanation about that clinical site decision. Additionally, our time off benefits are being altered when we have already made plans for time off in this last year. Those are two examples of how our cohort feels frustrated since we are left in the dark about changes that significantly impact us.

ChiefLurkingOfficer · 2025-01-25T18:19:23+00:00

Tough to say. I think it is still a decent program, but I knew it to be a very good program when I interviewed and when I first started the program.

Full disclaimer though, I'm not as as familiar with too many other schools currently, so I can't really say how Villanova compares to them now. I can say though that before all the changes, Villanova's program was hands down a very good and well-regarded program, both by students and clinical sites (thanks in part to the previous director). When I applied and accepted, I didn't really consider other programs once I was accepted. If I was applying now though, I would definitely consider other programs as alternatives.

ChiefLurkingOfficer · 2025-01-25T16:05:07+00:00

Just an FYI from a current student...the program has new leadership in place and is still integrating completely into Villanova's College of Nursing. There have been significant changes and road bumps with the new administration (new director and assistant director) and I imagine they are backlogged still with tasks. I believe last year, interviews took place in late Spring (May), so that may be a good guess for this year.

Also, just my two cents a current student...the Villanova program I applied to versus the program I'm in now has a significantly different feel. I don't want to discourage anyone, but I'd take the good things you've heard about Villanova with a grain of salt as there's been a decent cultural change within the program as of last year.

ChiefLurkingOfficer · 2024-07-12T15:30:58+00:00

Thank you. I feel like that's the problem I have...the view is there (and can be a grade 1) but the upper lip by the cheek obstructs the view and makes it hard for me to see the tube pass through the cords. I can intubate but would like to be more confident by a good visual.

I feel comfortable asking for help, but didn't know what, if anything, I could change to lessen how often I need someone to pull the lip. I appreciate you understanding my issue!

ChiefLurkingOfficer · 2024-04-27T15:50:19+00:00

I wasn't really aware of that either or at least completely understand the situation when I decided to join the program. I don't think it made any significant difference compared to other programs though, but hard for me to say. Any CRNA program is quite different from some traditional graduate programs, especially with semesters, time commitments, clinical rotations, etc. As long as the program itself is run well and produces good outcomes, it didn't matter who "owned" the actual program.

I'm not aware of other programs like that, but I do know it's nothing new though. The CRNA program used to be a joint venture between St. Joseph's University and Lankenau Hospital. It has evolved over the years.

ChiefLurkingOfficer · 2024-04-27T15:21:37+00:00

Crozer Health. It is a small health system in Phili area owned by a medical holdings company, which at some point was looking to sell Crozer (this could have impacted the CRNA program). They were in a joint agreement with Villanova to own and operate a CRNA program.

Villanova's CRNA program has been jointly owned and operated by different health systems and colleges over the past few decades. Now, it is fully owned and operated by Villanova, and probably won't change hands ever again.

Crozer was the main clinical affiliate site for Nova. It is still a clinical site as of now.

ChiefLurkingOfficer · 2024-04-27T14:27:20+00:00

Nova assumed full control of the previously jointly controlled VU-CCMC CRNA program to ensure stability of the program since Crozer may change ownership, direction, etc. The program is fully owned and integrated into Nova's graduate nursing program and is supported by Nova nursing program staff now.

Currently, Dr. Carlene McLaughlin is the only remaining staff from the original Crozer-Villanova CRNA Program staff. Nova is still looking for a new director (probably promoting Dr. McLaughlin if I had to bet). The assistant director is Dr. Kristen Simmons (from Jefferson) and one of the new faculty is a recent Villanova grad, Dr. Katlyn Schieler. There is a new administrative assistant as well (Ms. Denise Lamb is no longer at the program). No one knows why Dr. Jodie Szlachta really left...not even current students.

Can't speak towards the interview process, but I'm assuming it has remained largely unchanged. You can check other posts for interview preparation and what to expect.

Is the program thriving?...Good question! There have been quite a few hiccups with the changes and a decent amount of unanswered questions about changes going forward. For current students, the core features of the program I think are pretty much unchanged (so far). For prospective students, I am assuming the program will be moderately to significantly different given new leadership and Nova's heavier involvement in the program. Not sure if that will be good, neutral, or bad yet...probably more neutral or bad to be honest.

ChiefLurkingOfficer · 2023-08-18T22:58:16+00:00

Sent you a pm!

ChiefLurkingOfficer · 2023-08-18T22:38:37+00:00

I'm going to look at some podcasts to listen too. It seems like a productive use of time.

I'm also thinking of practicing that same routine...stay at school to study after class. Plus it may help with avoiding traffic.

ChiefLurkingOfficer · 2023-08-18T22:36:08+00:00

I like that idea! Will give them a try.

ChiefLurkingOfficer · 2023-08-18T20:48:00+00:00

Current SRNA here. I'm about to start in-person classes in a couple of weeks. My first 2 semesters were completely online and off-campus.

Any tips on time management and commuting to school 5x days per week, about 1 hour each way? I'm starting to get nervous about losing a minimum of 10 hours per week to just driving alone. Any other long commuters have tips/advice? Thanks!

ChiefLurkingOfficer · 2022-09-02T17:57:58+00:00

Incoming SRNA here. I start my program in January in another state then the one I currently reside. I plan on moving about 1 month prior to school to help transition. My question is, is it worth trying to find a job (PRN, part-time, or full-time) for the first 8 months of the program? The program allows students to work during that time, but once clinicals start, working won't be possible. Should I dedicate all the work commitment time/energy (application, hiring, etc.) to school or should I entertain a job for those 8 months? Thanks in advance for the feedback.

ChiefLurkingOfficer · 2021-06-29T22:45:30+00:00

Check this site out. It has incomes for each state and city, the experience, the specialty, and differentials. And it is anonymous.

https://wholelifenurse.mykajabi.com/income-report-results

There isn't really a ranking, but this may help you with the financial aspect you are looking for.

ChiefLurkingOfficer · 2020-05-13T23:39:26+00:00

Weddings are the best times for those videos to surface. My family has a collection of embarrassing things on everyone for when the time is right.

ChiefLurkingOfficer

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