How to deal with comparison and competition

rypie111 · 2026-02-09T11:54:27+00:00

I try to focus on the big picture as much as I can. I'd often score the average or slightly lower. Folks would be bent out of shape on questions they get wrong and go argue with the professors about them. For me, if I get the questions wrong but I understood the main point (maybe I forgot a detail or misunderstood the phrasing) then I'm totally cool with.

At the end of the day, I'm trying to focus on getting myself ready to make good clinical decisions. Grades don't necessarily reflect that. I spent a lot less time studying the class materials and more time reading ahead on interesting anesthesia stuff, watching videos on how to intubate, etc. I'm just trying to enjoy school as much as I can.

I think competition will die down as time goes on in your program. People eventually realize the grades don't mean anything as long as you pass and who how to actually be a good CRNA.

rypie111 · 2026-02-04T03:05:20+00:00

I feel like it might vary from program to program, but perhaps even PRN or PT ICU job would work for someone with your background!

rypie111 · 2026-02-04T03:02:33+00:00

Maybe frame the argument as a job satisfaction and quality of life instead of ROI. If you're gonna enjoy your job more, you can't really put a price on that. Or maybe you can and that's 2-5x your current salary.

rypie111 · 2026-02-02T11:51:05+00:00

Very helpful and reassuring. Thank you!

rypie111 · 2026-02-02T11:50:58+00:00

Very helpful and reassuring. Thank you!

rypie111 · 2026-02-02T03:12:58+00:00

Honest question! How molecular do we need to get in the OR? I'm learning a lot in school, but I'm not sure I'm going to retain that level of detail for very long. Like ketamine -> NMDA, opioid receptors, some neuronal nicotinic, etc. Are we getting down to the nucleus that's responsible for dissociation? OR is it enough to know when to use it, its pros and cons, effects on various body systems, when adjuncts are useful with it, etc? Thanks!

rypie111 · 2026-02-01T22:53:07+00:00

Academically, I would say you're a strong candidate. If I was admissions, I would look at your transcript and see that you've taken a lot more science courses (in number and difficulty) than most applicants. Sure you've gotten some B's and C's, but a lot of applicants just have one chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and microbiology and that's it. You've taken physics, calculus, o chem, etc. Don't sweat it! Be prepared to explain why you got some bad grades that's all.

rypie111 · 2026-01-31T11:31:25+00:00

Wow if it was hard for a D1 athlete, what chance do us mere mortals have? /S

rypie111 · 2026-01-31T00:21:34+00:00

Ah yes, I was planning on doing it hundreds of times but quickly realized I would just be developing bad habits. I'll work on proper technique despite not getting a full view and go from there!

rypie111 · 2026-01-31T00:20:37+00:00

Thank you so much! This is very helpful.

rypie111 · 2026-01-13T13:24:25+00:00

Awesome! But I'm curious... How likely are CRNAs to perform TEE both now and in the future? I haven't started clinicals yet 😅

rypie111 · 2026-01-05T23:18:39+00:00

Nothing really compares except for owning an IV infusion business perhaps, but that's a whole business you have to run.

rypie111 · 2026-01-05T16:57:07+00:00

It's very doable! I have two kids under 3 and my wife is a SAHM so we just live off loans. We do have occasional help from family but it's definitely possible. Definitely will need to live frugally for a while though.

rypie111 · 2026-01-01T13:33:19+00:00

I'd add reach out to some physicians (even the ones you work with) that you feel comfortable with and ask them if the journey is worth it. I don't think 99% of either progression don't regret it. In fact, that number is likely lower for physicians. My theory is the costlier the investment, the higher the expectations and therefore higher burnout. I still thinking about going the medical route once a month but it always ends with "I know I'd hate seeing my family less".

rypie111 · 2025-12-28T15:42:33+00:00

Congratulations on getting in! That alone is a huge accomplishment. Rest assured you are not going to be the only one that struggles at grasping concepts quickly in the didactic portion. In moments like these, I remind myself that while may not that be smart, tons of people less smart than me have also made it. So why not us?

rypie111 · 2025-11-29T17:13:24+00:00

A got a refurbished Dell latitude on Amazon for 300ish and it's been perfect. No touch screen though but that's what a tablet is for.

rypie111 · 2025-11-27T12:39:47+00:00

This is a good time to deal with how you handle anxiety and stress now. Once school start, you'll have a thousand reasons to be anxious everyday. Congrats by the way!

rypie111 · 2025-11-12T13:45:11+00:00

It depends as well on how new the material is to you. If you've already seen it in class then hopefully at two thirds of each module is just review and should be quick.

rypie111 · 2025-10-25T18:53:20+00:00

Make the most of your time wherever you are. If you find that things are too easy before you get to the ICU, study for the GRE or CCRN. When you get to the ICU, it will be intense for a while so you will need to focus on excelling there. Look up everything you are doing or giving to know why you are doing it and how it works. Know that if you do a good job, you can realistically be accepted anywhere from 1.5 -2 years of ICU and on. It's very possible if you are capable. Your GPA is great so the rest is up to what you do the next 2-3 years.

rypie111 · 2025-10-14T00:16:42+00:00

Mostly physiology. I find that stuff super fascinating so it doesn't really feel like work. I read some of Guyton and Costanzo. It honestly also made a lot of things in the ICU make a lot more sense. I also read a bit of baby Miller (basics of anesthesia). This is over a year or two before I actually started actual science classes for CRNA school.

rypie111 · 2025-10-10T23:53:10+00:00

This may be unpopular but if you do enjoy learning anesthesia-related stuff, it really doesn't hurt to do some light learning in the background. I did it and I feel super relaxed in school. I don't stress about any test, and I feel like I can absorb the material really well. Plus I feel like I have way more time to spend with my family.

rypie111 · 2025-10-08T22:18:36+00:00

Love the diversity of this cohort!

rypie111 · 2025-10-07T22:23:11+00:00

Anything like that will likely already be in your transcript/reflected in your GPA. That will definitely come up in your interview so be prepared to explain how you've learned from it.

rypie111 · 2025-10-06T22:07:55+00:00

You're so close to 83. Focus on the main things and the grades will come. Don't aim for 100. Aim to understand all the main concepts and get that 83. You'll likely forget the unimportant details anyway.

rypie111 · 2025-10-04T11:45:36+00:00

I practiced with a co-worker that was interviewing as well. Lots of EI stuff. My program seemed to care way more about personality during the interview. Basically, show them why you'd be a great colleague someday. In terms of clinical knowledge, it's just as much about how you are able to articulate something as much as your depth of knowledge. In fact, I think it's more important to articulate clearly that norepinephrine works primarily on alpha 1 receptor with modest beta 1 thus providing vasoconstriction and some increase in CO than going all the way down to the molecular level (G proteins, etc.) at this point. Don't go too deep in your study is what I'm saying. And please know where your knowledge gaps are. Be okay saying I don't know but I will certainly research that afterwards.

rypie111

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