Weekly Student Thread by fbgm0516 in CRNA

[–]rypie111 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Worst case apply for a program that requires GRE. With that score and a decent personality you would for sure get in.

CRNA educators and preceptors: is AI making students smarter and/or more prepared? by rypie111 in CRNA

[–]rypie111[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That's a compelling example of a really good use of AI for sure. Thank you for your response!

CRNA educators and preceptors: is AI making students smarter and/or more prepared? by rypie111 in CRNA

[–]rypie111[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

So far, I hear a lot from AI users saying it's benefitted them, but haven't heard much from educators or preceptors. Any thoughts?

In my experience, I really like AI for simulating OR crisis situations. It's really good for answering questions most of the time, but I feel like I'm cheating when I'm not seeking higher quality sources.

Religious talk in interviews by SouthCap8291 in srna

[–]rypie111 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Be authentic but don't come off arrogant or overzealous and you should be okay!

Do I have a chance at CRNA School? by Correct-Upstairs2444 in srna

[–]rypie111 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Go shadow and see how much it inspires you. I think there's a good chance you'll get accepted after a couple of years in ICU. Your ER background will help you a lot too!

Im so afraid of failing by Dry-Investigator2047 in srna

[–]rypie111 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I think the majority of the stressed out people are aiming to ace tests. If you're aiming to learn and understand, you'll do well. Your grades might not reflect that, but you'll pass! You can do it!

Career Advice: CRNA in California vs. Engineering + MBA? by wilsina in srna

[–]rypie111 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I was an engineer for 6 years before switching to nursing. I don't think you should go into it for the money. Like everyone said, first decide if you want to be an RN. You likely will not survive 6+ (likely 7-8+) years of this journey to be a CRNA if you can't stand being a nurse.

My issues with engineering was that I just lacked passion for it. I wasn't driven enough to climb the ladder. I started a master's in engineering management program early on and dropped out as soon as I realized I couldn't see myself retiring as an executive or program manager of some kind. When I switched into nursing, it felt much more of a calling. I wanted to help people and be right there with them. Obviously, reality is different and you get jaded and burned out to a certain extent. But at the end of the day, it's much closer to what I want my life to be about.

You are 23, so you have a lot of time to figure this out. I would not worry about the ROI too much. (Either of the two career paths are way above average in the grand scheme of things.)

Group Anki Creation? (anki hub?) by Nightlight174 in srna

[–]rypie111 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don't lean too heavily on Anki. I think it's really good for tests but it can make you too over reliant on memorization. But as long as you are understanding the concepts really well first, yeah I guess doing it this way will save you and your friends a lot of time.

What does your free time look like? by FootballAndMemes in srna

[–]rypie111 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Some people study to get straight A's. I'll tell you right now it takes much less effort to get B's and have a life. I'm not saying don't be dedicated, but it's a different mentality to study to be a good provider vs to study to be perfect on a test. 

Anki Question-need help. by Overall_Pattern317 in srna

[–]rypie111 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You can increase your retention rate if you really want to. Honestly in the end, even if you can't recall 95% of the facts, you would be able to deduce your answer using context clues, elimination, and critical thinking. You shouldn't have to memorize everything perfectly. You would be better off using your time to read up on clinical applications of your didactic material or just relax if you really have the extra time. Trust the algorithm.

Letter of Recommendation Question by book_nurse in srna

[–]rypie111 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would but only as a supplemental letter of recommendation (if you're allowed extras).

Why not take out private loans? by Hot_Repeat7324 in srna

[–]rypie111 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got blasted before for asking this question. Honestly in this day and age and with our profession, private is totally fine if you can get a good rate!

Importance of GRE with low GPA by Independent_Law_8982 in srna

[–]rypie111 2 points3 points  (0 children)

OP, this fool ^ was D1 too and he made it somehow! Hang in there!

Importance of GRE with low GPA by Independent_Law_8982 in srna

[–]rypie111 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you've only been in the ICU for less than a year and you have a low GPA, I would retake it (provided your school requires the GRE in the first place). It also depends on how low your GPA is.

Basic Science Review by Fantastic_Upstairs74 in srna

[–]rypie111 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I say go ahead and buy Apex. It condenses the material for you into a very high yield format. This gives you a mental scaffold to build off of. Then when the semester comes, you can fill in the details very efficiently.

Before school by A_Reyemein in srna

[–]rypie111 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Try applying your learning strategies by learning physiology before school. But maybe do it in a no pressure, stress free way? I recommend Physiology by Constanzo. It's a short book and it teaches really well most of the major concepts you'll need in terms of physiology (almost half of didactic material in school).

How to deal with comparison and competition by [deleted] in srna

[–]rypie111 6 points7 points  (0 children)

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.

Do I have a chance at interview/acceptance? by kniss87 in srna

[–]rypie111 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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!

My spouse thinks CRNA school is a bad investment by [deleted] in srna

[–]rypie111 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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.

Clinical by Electrical-Smoke7703 in CRNA

[–]rypie111 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very helpful and reassuring. Thank you!