Welcome, everybody, to our lecture on how to be a competitive CRNA school applicant. Let's get started. Hello, my name is Asisena Becerra, and I am a recent graduate of the Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia, Class of 2023. I will be one of two lecturers for this wonderful lecture series. A little bit about myself, I graduated from UCLA in 2009 with an unrelated degree in International Developmental Studies. I later went to California State University, Northridge, where I completed their Accelerated BSN program. I worked at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for about 10 years, two and a half of those in their surgical trauma ICU. And currently, I work as a full-time CRNA at Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino County. Hello, my name is Grant Tarrant, and I'm a recent graduate of Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia, Class of 2023. A little bit about me, I graduated Point Loma Nazarene University in 2014 with my BSN, and immediately started working in the medical ICU at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego. After about year four in the ICU, I decided to get more serious about going back to school for nurse anesthesia. I beefed up my resume, started getting involved in research projects, I took extra graduate level courses in biochemistry and physiology, and I got my certifications such as my CCRN and my cardiac medicine certification. In 2020 of August, I started Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia and graduated with my doctorate in nursing practice in August of 2023. I'm currently working at Kaiser Permanente Panorama City in Los Angeles, and I'm enjoying my job very much. I give anesthesia to a wide range of patients from obstetrics to the operating room to various procedural areas within my hospital. I'm very passionate about nurse anesthesia education, and I hope you enjoy this lecture. Before we begin, we want you to know we have no financial relationships to disclose in the creation of this lecture. We also want you to know that the information in this lecture was either gathered directly from the CRNA school websites listed, or is subjective information from personal experience throughout CRNA school. Lastly, we want you to know that taking this course does not guarantee entry to any CRNA program, and it is purely meant as an educational tool to give you insight on the education and application processes throughout CRNA school. Our course objectives are as follows. The learner will understand general CRNA admission requirements, interview process, and how to prepare to apply to CRNA school. The learner will obtain strategies to improve knowledge retention during CRNA school, including time management, study skills, and useful applications. The learner will obtain tips to succeed in CRNA school, including financial planning, maintaining professionalism, and establishing a strong support system, as well as utilizing professional mentors. There are a number of ways to learn more about the CRNA profession and find out if CRNA school is right for you. You can start connecting with current or former colleagues, managers, or mentors who are now CRNAs, or work closely with anesthesia professionals. This can be within your own nursing unit, your hospital, or your local community. These connections can offer valuable advice or introductions, and answer many of your very common questions about becoming an anesthesia provider. You can connect with professional associations, join organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, the AANA, or the California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, otherwise known as CANA. These associations sometimes offer discounted nursing memberships, which grant you access to networking events, educational resources, professional connections, and even some anesthesia-related conferences. These events are excellent opportunities to meet CRNAs, educators, and other professionals in the field. You can also engage with the local or regional chapters of these professional organizations and help build some lasting relationships within your community. Another great way to learn more about CRNA school is by attending information sessions hosted by the CRNA school themselves. You can check the program's website or contact the admissions office to find out if the school you are interested in hosts information sessions throughout the year. These sessions are great because they can offer some extremely valuable information during the application process. They usually cover the program overview, talk about the curriculum, admission criteria, academic prerequisites, clinical requirements, and application deadlines. And often, they offer a Q&A, which is great. They are either held in person or virtually. And these information sessions allow you to network with faculty and current students, but most importantly, they let you assess if the program aligns with your career goals, learning style, and personal preferences. Lastly, a great way to learn more about CRNAs and the anesthesia profession itself is by engaging in online communities. You can create a professional LinkedIn profile, for example, and connect with CRNAs, educators, and peers on this platform. You can join online forums or one of the countless social media groups related to anesthesia or CRNA school. You can engage in discussions, ask questions, and build connections with others in the field. Lastly, there are a number of CRNA and anesthesia-related podcasts that offer a wealth of knowledge about the profession, practice, and continued education about anesthesia-related topics, especially after graduation. So, let's get ready to apply to CRNA school. In general, one can expect a multi-step application and interview process. Please refer to each individual school for detailed application requirements. The next few slides will cover some general application requirements, and we will review some of them in further detail. Please pay close attention to deadlines, as each school has different dates to keep in mind during your application process. Also, it's perfectly acceptable for nurses to consider multiple schools during their application process. Give yourself plenty of time to gather these items and start as soon as you can. So, let's get started. So let's talk about your resume. Many schools will request a current resume to accompany your school application. Plan to dedicate some real time to your resume. Treat your resume like a first impression. A frequently asked question we get is, how long should my resume be? As a general rule of thumb, resumes should be one to two pages, but not to exceed more than two pages. Make sure your resume looks clean, organized, and structured. An easy way to do this is by using a resume template available through Microsoft Word or any other word processing application. Your resume should highlight your education and clinical background, so make sure that these items stand out. Your ICU experience will be of the greatest importance to your admissions committee. Make sure to highlight your specialty units, any special skills that you may have, and any leadership opportunities or committees you have participated in during your time as an ICU nurse. If you have obtained any special certifications, honors, or awards along the way, feel free to include those here. This goes without saying, but don't lie on your resume. Lastly, make sure to proofread your resume. Have a trusted friend read it, or use a really cool proofreading tool such as Grammarly. Now let's talk about your transcripts. Collecting transcripts for CRNA school involves several steps to ensure you provide accurate and complete academic records. First, identify the required transcripts for the schools you're interested in applying to. Black East Schools transcript requirements typically will need transcripts from each college or university you have ever attended. Request your transcripts early. This allows ample time for processing and delivery, especially during peak application periods. Most institutions have an online portal or request form through which you can order transcripts. Some may also accept requests by mail or in person. Make sure to follow these instructions precisely. Carefully indicate where each transcript should be sent. Provide the exact address or email of the CRNA program's admissions office. Double check the information to avoid any delays. Many institutions now offer electronic transcripts, or e-transcripts, which can speed up this process. Confirm with the CRNA program if they accept e-transcripts and follow the necessary steps to request them. Keep in mind, some institutions charge a fee for processing and sending transcripts, and these fees can vary depending on the institution. You need to keep track of these transcript deliveries. Confirm with your previous institutions that transcripts have been sent. Some schools may offer tracking options so you can monitor delivery. Check with the CRNA program to confirm receipt. If transcripts are not received by the CRNA program within a reasonable time, follow up to ensure that they were ordered and sent correctly. For those of you that have international transcripts, if you attended any institutions outside of the U.S., additional steps may be required. Check with the CRNA program for any specific requirements related to international transcripts. By following these steps, you can ensure that your transcript submission process for CRNA school is smooth and that your application is complete on time. Now let's talk about your personal statement. Writing a personal statement for CRNA school is a critical part of the admission process. Of most importance, understand the purpose of your personal statement. This personal statement allows you to demonstrate your motivations, experiences, and qualifications that make you a suitable candidate for CRNA school. Some schools may have a prompt or question they would like you to answer, so make sure to focus your paper on exactly what they are asking, and not simply copy and paste a generic personal statement for each school. Admissions committees are seeking candidates who are not only academically strong, but also dedicated to the field of anesthesia. Make sure to speak to the skills and strengths that you have to help you stand out. Talk about your education, your nursing experience, especially focusing on any roles or settings where you gained exposure to anesthesia, critical care, or other relevant specialties. You can even discuss specific cases without HIPAA violations, but you can talk about challenges you faced along the way and how these experiences shaped your desire to specialize in anesthesia. You can highlight specific skills, such as critical thinking, decision-making under pressure, teamwork, and communication. All of these are critical for successful CRNA. Provide examples of how you applied these skills in your nursing practice. Explain why you are specifically interested in becoming a CRNA. Discuss how your values align with the responsibilities and challenges of being a CRNA. Describe your future career goals post-CRNA education. Show how obtaining a CRNA degree aligns with these goals and contributes to your professional development. If you have any future interests in teaching, volunteering, or getting politically involved, this is the time to mention those goals. Begin your personal statement with a compelling introduction and end with a strong statement that leaves a lasting impression. Make sure to format your personal statement very meticulously. Follow any specific formatting guidelines provided by the school, such as word count or font size. Now some writing tips. Be authentic. Your personal statement should reflect your unique experiences, motivations, and personality. Stay focused. Keep the statement concise and relevant. Avoid unnecessary detail or unrelated anecdotes. Use specific examples to demonstrate your qualities and experiences, rather than making general claims. Again, edit and proofread. Revise your statement multiple times for clarity, coherence, and grammar. Ask trusted friends to review this statement for feedback. Also, make sure you tailor your statement to each CRNA program. Research the program's mission statement, values, and strengths, and explain how they align with your own goals and values. This is also an opportunity to address any weaknesses you may have. If you have any gaps or weaknesses in your application, such as an academic performance, briefly address them and explain how you have overcome or learned from these challenges. Lastly, ensure you submit your personal statement according to the application instructions and deadlines. Gaining shadowing experience is one of the most challenging CRNA school application requirements to obtain. Some tips on how to get shadowing experience includes networking within your own field. As an ICU nurse, you may cross paths with anesthesia providers on a regular basis, be they anesthesiologists, CRNAs, or residents in anesthesia. These colleagues can be a great resource, and may even be willing to let you shadow them for a case or two. Reach out to anyone you might know who has a connection to CRNAs or anesthesiologists. Join professional nursing or anesthesia associations where you can meet CRNAs in person or maybe get leads on shadowing opportunities. Oftentimes, these professional organizations will have a roster of willing mentors who would love to take a future CRNA under their wing. You can also contact local hospitals or clinics directly to inquire about shadowing opportunities. Your own hospital is a great place to start. Contacting the Department of Anesthesia is where I would start. When reaching out, introduce yourself and be concise and clear about your goals. Explain your interest in becoming a CRNA and politely request the opportunity to shadow. You can also use your academic resources. Check with your nursing school's career center or faculty members. They might have connections or know of opportunities specifically for students. If you're currently in nursing school, sometimes CRNA shadowing can be arranged through clinical rotations or internships provided by your nursing program. Now, once you obtain a shadowing experience, here's how to prepare for the experience. When you secure a shadowing opportunity, make sure to dress appropriately, most likely by wearing a set of scrubs. If you're doing an operating room day, they will likely have you change into some hospital provided scrubs. Make sure to follow any guidelines provided and be punctual. While shadowing, pay close attention, observe your anesthesia provider's workflow, take notes if appropriate, and be respectful of the staff and patients. You will not be expected to do any patient care, but you will be expected to be engaged in the experience. So ask well thought out questions, and if possible, research the type of case you will be doing in advance. Now, after your shadow day, some schools may require documentation. So make sure that you have your anesthesia provider sign a formal form or a letter before you leave. And make sure to thank your CRNA and the facility to express your appreciation for the opportunity. A thank you note is always welcome. Now let's talk about volunteering. Volunteering can significantly enhance your CRNA school application in several ways. First, volunteering in health care settings highlights your commitment to patient care and your willingness to contribute to the field. This is crucial for CRNA programs, which look for candidates who are dedicated to nursing and anesthesia, and just candidates who will go above and beyond. Through volunteering, you can gain a new set of skills that are directly applicable to CRNA school. These experiences can be particularly valuable when you discuss qualifications in interviews and in essays. Volunteering provides clinical exposure to settings you may not even see as an ICU nurse, for example, the operating room. Many medical missions often perform anesthesia-required care, and they are an excellent way to get exposure to what we do as anesthesia providers. Volunteering also helps build relationships with anesthesia professionals. These relationships can help lead to valuable mentorship opportunities, recommendation letters, or even shadowing experiences. Now, another big tip we have is to get involved as a nurse. If possible, get involved in research related to nursing, critical care, or health care in general. Research will be an essential component of your education in CRNA school, and any experience in research really helps you stand out. Participate in clinical projects on your ICU unit. Undertake projects that demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, or improvements in patient care. Multiple certifications are typically required when applying to CRNA school, and even during CRNA school. These certifications demonstrate your commitment to advancing your skills and knowledge in anesthesia and related areas. The critical care registered nurse, the CCRN, is often required for CRNA school applications. This certification demonstrates expertise in providing care to critically ill patients, which is highly relevant to the role of a CRNA. Basic life support, BLS, advanced cardiac life support, ACLS, and pediatric advanced life support, PALS, are certifications you will be required to have during CRNA school. I highly recommend that if you don't already have BLS, ACLS, or PALS, that you obtain them well before applying to CRNA school. Now let's talk about professional references. Choosing and managing professional references for your CRNA school application is crucial as they provide insights into your abilities, character, and suitability for the program. Here are some tips to ensure your references strengthen your application. First, choose relevant references. Choose individuals who have directly observed your clinical skills, patient care, and anesthesia related experiences. This can include CRNAs, anesthesiologists, or nurse managers in your ICU unit. Academic mentors are other valuable references. They can speak to your academic performance, work ethic, and dedication to learning. Coworkers can also be a good reference. They can attest to your teamwork skills, reliability, professionalism, and anything else that you've experienced in the ICU, and they can offer valuable insights. Keep in touch with your professional references throughout your academic and professional career. Update them on achievements and career goals so they are informed and prepared to speak about your qualifications. Always ask for their permission before listing them as a professional reference. This ensures that they're willing and available to provide a positive reference. Provide your references with relevant information. Brief them on why you're pursuing CRNA school, your career aspirations, and the specific skills or experience you hope that they can highlight in the recommendation letter. It will be very helpful to share your resume and personal statement with your references. This will help them understand your background and motivations more comprehensively. Make sure to prepare your references. Give them plenty of time and let them know about any deadlines. This allows them sufficient time to prepare for a thoughtful recommendation. Supply your references with any specific details about the CRNA program as well, like their mission statement, curriculum, and any unique aspects you are particularly interested in. Politely follow up with your references. After submitting their contact information, check in with your references to confirm they received the request from the school and make sure to thank them by sending a thank you note or email after they submitted their recommendation. Now let's talk about interviews. Preparing for your interview is a crucial step in the application process. Interviews allow you to demonstrate your qualifications, your experiences, and personal attributes directly to the admissions committee. Here are some tips on how to knock your interview out of the park. First, research the program. Understand the curriculum. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the CRNA program, including clinical rotations, coursework, and any special training offered. Learn about the program's history, mission statement, values, and goals. Know your application. Be prepared to expand on any points mentioned in your resume and personal statement. Reflect on why you chose to pursue anesthesia, your relevant experiences as an ICU nurse, and your future career goals. Be prepared to highlight your strengths and address any weaknesses. Be knowledgeable about the scope of practice of a CRNA. The ANA website is a great resource for this. They have posted the scope of practice of CRNAs on their website. The ANA website and your state organizations have plenty of information available to you to learn more about the CRNA profession. It may also be helpful to stay informed about current trends in anesthesia and challenges in health care that may impact the CRNA profession. Now, prepare for common interview questions, like why do you want to become a CRNA? Describe a challenging clinical experience and how you handled it, or how do you handle stress in a clinical setting? Also, be prepared for some behavioral questions, such as what would you do if... Prepare examples that demonstrate your skills and teamwork, leadership, problem solving, and patient care. Think of a few memorable patient cases that can be easily applicable to many of these questions. Also, prepare some thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers themselves. Your questions should demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to understanding this program and the profession fully. Next, practice your questions and your responses. Conduct mock interviews with individuals you trust to give you some constructive feedback. These can be professional peers or mentors. Mock interviews can really help you refine your responses, improve your articulation, and boost your confidence. Solicit constructive feedback on your mock interviews to identify areas of improvement in both content and delivery, and practice, practice, practice. Practice makes for a successful interview. Now, let's talk about professionalism and mindset. First impressions are important. Dress professionally and choose appropriate attire that reflects your seriousness and respect for the interview process. Map the location of your interview well in advance, and if possible, try to drive to the location the day before, and even look at where you're going to park. Plan to arrive early on the interview day to allow for plenty of time for any unexpected delays and to allow you time to compose yourself before the interview. Approach the interview with a positive attitude. Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization, whatever helps you manage your nerves. After your interview, make sure to send a thank you note or an email. Although it's not required, it's always a welcome gesture. Now that we've thoroughly covered the application process, we will now discuss the life of a CRNA student and give you tips from personal experience on how to succeed in school. As a disclaimer, every program is different and our personal experiences are not all-encompassing. We try to give you information in a broader context so that you can adapt the content of this lecture to the program of your choosing. However, depending on the program curriculum style, your study habits and work-life balance will vary. In the next couple of slides, we will be discussing time management during CRNA school, highlighting curriculum styles, creating a study plan, and how this plan needs to be adapted over time as you progress through your program. We will highlight study tips and how to study intentionally in order to promote material retention and successful application of your knowledge within the clinical setting. We will also briefly discuss and mention some applications that you can use during CRNA school that have been popular within the CRNA community. It can be difficult to make the transition back to school after some time away since completing nursing school and working in the ICU. As an adult learner, it's important to note that there is even greater accountability and self-discipline required to learn the material and grow as a provider through CRNA school when compared to nursing school. You will be expected to spend the extra time needed to understand the material you are learning. Depending on the program you choose, the curriculum may be categorized as either front-loaded or integrated. A front-loaded program does just as it says. It front-loads didactic in-class material ahead of clinical and doctoral project work. Alternatively, an integrated program combines didactic, clinical, and doctoral work throughout the majority of the program. Each of these curriculum styles bring about their own challenges when it comes to creating study plans and creating a healthy work-life balance for you. That being said, you may find a theme woven throughout this in-school tips for success section of our lecture, and that is adaptability. How you study on day one of CRNA school is most likely not how you will study throughout the entirety of the program. You will need to modify your habits, study plan, outside of school commitments, etc. as you progress through your program. In order to navigate this, it is imperative to literally create a plan of action. At the start, be intentional with your planning and actually write out your schedule, factoring in time for schoolwork, family, personal time, breaks, etc. There are many ways to do this. Some people like to create a physical calendar or schedule that they can write on so they can see everything they need to do in one place. Alternatively, many people love to do this electronically. Set reminders and sync calendars with loved ones. There are hundreds of apps to choose from to assist with this that are beyond the scope of this lecture. If this type of planning interests you, let the internet be your friend and help you find an app that works best for you. Effective planning will give you a bird's eye view of your day-to-day that you can adapt as you move through the program. It is important to note that the schedule should incorporate your study time and free time. Give yourself adequate time to study and perform school duties and then give yourself space from it. Hanging with classmates after you study and then only talking about school may or may not be the best use of your free time. Remember, this all depends on you and your personal preferences, values, and independent ways you care for yourself. To give you an example, prior to starting clinical for my first year of my program, I set a study schedule for myself that was 8 a.m to 5 p.m on weekdays and 9 a.m to 4 p.m on most weekends. I was single, I didn't have a job outside of the program, and I had a roommate who was also attending the same program. The time outside of my scheduled school hours was spent however I wanted. I never stayed up late studying because I know that wasn't productive for me and that I wouldn't retain the material if I studied into the night. If there were weeks that felt lighter on course material, I would give myself that time back. As I progressed through my program, I modified the study schedule depending on the course content and specific clinical site requirements. In order to effectively utilize the time you have set aside to study, it's so important to eliminate distractions. Place yourself in an environment that you work effectively in and has minimal distractions. This can be anywhere, such as your home, a coffee shop, the library, but make sure you set boundaries with your smart devices. There are many features available on your smartphone that can limit time on certain apps, lock apps, or disable notifications for a specific time period. Set these up ahead of time to give yourself the best return on investment during your study time. Don't worry, your devices will still be there during your off time. Once clinical begins, your schedule will change yet again and your day-to-day will need to be tweaked. Clinical hours may range from as little as 24 hours per week upwards to 60 hours per week depending on many variables such as the clinical rotation specialty, the program status you have, such as being a junior or senior, and specific clinical site rotation requirements. Remember, being in CRNA school is a full-time job and the schedule you create for coursework, studying, and clinical will reflect that. Incorporating time for yourself is crucial to maintain balance and succeed in the marathon that is CRNA school. When it comes to individual study, it can be difficult to figure out what works best for you as an adult learner. One thing I can highly recommend is figuring out your learning style, that being auditory, visual, tactile, etc. This can lay a foundation for how you develop your study strategy in CRNA school. If you don't know your learning style, there are many free quizzes available on the CRNA website. You can also use the link in the video description to find that can help you determine what it is. After you've determined your learning style, you will then need to figure out what I like to call the when, where, and what of studying. When do you have most focus during the day? Are you an early bird or a night owl? Once you know what time during the day that you are most productive, then you can focus on where you study best. This will be different for everyone. Some people work best in their own space at home, while others need to be in a public space to work more efficiently. Simply place yourself in a comfortable space where you know you can get work done with minimal distractions. Once you've determined when and where you study best, then you can focus on what you are going to study. Ideally, you want to utilize the time when you're most focused to study some difficult material that you may not be as familiar with. If you continue to study into a window where you know you are not as productive, but you do know that you need to continue studying, try focusing on reviewing material you've seen at least once to help reinforce it. Be intentional when reviewing topics that you've studied already and make sure you focus on material that is difficult for you. Take time to make note of anything you may want to ask a fellow classmate or professor to gain more clarity. Write these down and use the internet to dive deeper into figuring out the why behind something that will help you reinforce your knowledge. Be careful though to not fall into rabbit holes. You are not in school to be an expert on just one aspect of anesthesia. You are in school to synthesize all of this knowledge to provide the most efficient and safe anesthesia that you can for your patients. Time-space repetition is a study technique that focuses on reviewing material through flashcards or quizzes, first on a more frequent basis and then gradually less frequently as memory retention is gained. For example, you create a flashcard or quiz questions based on a lecture you just had the same day. Then you test yourself on that same material in 24 hours, then in two days, and then in five days. The idea is that the more successful passes over this material allows the information to be committed to longer-term memory rather than short-term memory. If you find yourself forgetting the answers to certain questions or flashcards, then test yourself on this topic a little more frequently. Cramming material just before an exam is not sustainable for CRNA school as the material you will learn continues to build on itself. The topics and skills you will learn later in the program will require you to know the material you learn in the beginning of the program. You may need to revisit topics that you won't be directly tested on in order to make sense of newer information. Studying and reviewing material through time-space repetition can help solidify the retention of difficult concepts in a more efficient manner. So when it comes time to go deeper, you will have a solid foundation of the basics. There are apps available that can help you implement this technique into your study habits that we will discuss later. When it comes to testing yourself, there are many options to choose from that you can try to figure out what works best for you. Some people like to review material and create their own flashcards or study questions individually. Some work in groups to get this task done quickly so they can focus on quizzing themselves sooner. There are also review programs available online that can synthesize material you are learning in CRNA school and provide you with schematics and quizzes to help reinforce certain topics. Some CRNA programs require you to purchase and use review courses while others do not. However, most students we've talked to utilize some sort of review program as they near the end of their CRNA program to prepare for boards. Again, it's okay to try a couple different study techniques and get a few CRNA school tests under your belt to determine what works best for you. As you start to gain more knowledge in the world of anesthesia, it is important to synthesize this within your clinical practice. If you're in a front-loaded program or an integrated program in which your clinical rotations have not started yet, one technique is to imagine yourself within the clinical environment. For example, when learning about a specific physiologic process, I would picture myself in the OR handling a situation with my patient where this physiologic process is coming to light. What do my vitals look like? What else could be going on with my patient that looks similar to this thing? Do I need to take immediate action right now? What and how would I communicate this to the operating room team? The point is to trick your mind into having a real-life experience where you're actively using this new knowledge. When you're taking an exam and you receive a question about this topic, you can relive the story to systematically review the question, eliminate incorrect answers, and choose the best correct answer with a practical frame of reference. Group study can be approached in multiple ways, but in order to get the most success out of group study, make sure your group is on the same page about the study goals you wish to accomplish, your group study plan or agenda, and your study schedule. I've been involved in study groups where course material is simply reviewed. We discuss unclear topics to gain insight. If someone in the group has a clearer understanding of the topic, they teach the rest of the group and answer questions. If everyone is clear on a certain topic, we move on to the next. Alternatively, a study group can be solely utilized for testing purposes in which every member of the group comes to the session prepared to quiz each other on specific material. Time in CRNA school is valuable. If you aren't gaining much from a study group, find it distracting, or would rather study independently, then don't hesitate to do what is best for you to succeed. No one will fault you for this. Now we will discuss some useful applications that you can use during CRNA school. Anki allows students to create digital flashcards with information from lectures, textbooks, and other study materials. These decks can be organized by topic or class and can include images, charts, and audio to enhance learning. Anki uses time-spaced repetition, which we discussed on the last slide, allowing you to review the material at strategic intervals to improve retention. Anki utilizes this technique by scheduling card reviews based on the user's performance, ensuring that difficult concepts are reviewed more frequently. Anki's shared deck feature allows students to collaborate with their classmates on study materials. This can be especially helpful during group study sessions and can provide different perspectives on the same topic. Anki also has a mobile app and website that allows you to study on the go, making it a convenient tool for CRNA students who may have limited time to sit down and study. This was my study app of choice while I attended CRNA school. To note, there is a bit of a learning curve when using Anki, but there are many tutorials online to get you up to speed on the basics quickly if you choose to use this app. Quizlet is a popular flashcard creating application that has an easy-to-use user interface and can easily sync your flashcards across multiple devices. The app allows you to join study groups related to your subject or class. This can be a great way to connect with your classmates and share study materials, discuss difficult concepts, and exchange study tips. Quizlet has a variety of games, such as matching and quiz-based games, which can make studying more engaging. These games help you to review the material in a fun and interactive way, promoting active learning and improving retention. You can also create and take tests and quizzes which can help you assess your understanding of the material and identify any areas that require further review. Quizlet also has a time-space repetition component that can help with memory retention and will give you a memory score so you can track your mastery of the material. Notability is a note-taking app that can greatly benefit CRNA students by providing a digital platform for organizing and storing class materials, lecture notes, diagrams, and clinical information. With its ability to record audio, import PDFs, and draw and write directly on the screen, students can easily capture and annotate important information during class or clinical rotations. The app also has features such as text highlighting, multi-color options, and the ability to search and bookmark notes, making it a convenient and efficient tool for studying and reviewing later. One of my favorite features is to be able to import lecture PDFs to my iPad and write notes on the lecture slides while simultaneously recording the lecture. Then I can go back to any note I wrote and click on it to hear that portion of the lecture. In addition, the note-taking capabilities can be further enhanced by using the split-screen feature to refer to other sources simultaneously, creating study summaries and flashcards, and collaborating with classmates in real time. Overall, Notability can be best utilized by CRNA students as a digital notebook, study guide, and a comprehensive tool for effective learning. Notion is a note-taking app that can be used to create a comprehensive digital workspace that can be easily organized and accessed. Using its features such as multiple note-taking formats, embedding of audio and video recordings, and linking related materials, students can create detailed notes for each subject and topic. Additionally, using the database and revision history features, they can easily search and track their notes, making it an efficient and effective way to manage and study for exams. Notes can also be collaborative amongst multiple users and is visually appealing for those who like to take notes with a creative edge. Grammarly is a wonderful writing app that can be used to improve the writing skills of students by providing real-time grammar and spelling checks, as well as suggestions for sentence structure and vocabulary. It also has a built-in plagiarism checker that can help ensure you didn't inadvertently use someone else's exact words. It can also help students avoid common mistakes and ensure that their writing is clear and concise. Ultimately, leading to a more polished and professional paper. Grammarly can be used as a tool for self-editing and proofreading, effectively helping students to produce high-quality papers and essays. Here are some additional in-school tips for success. We're going to be talking about financial planning, professionalism, personal support, and mentorship during school. And we'll cover each one of these bullet points in the following slides. Planning for CRNA school is a significant financial undertaking. Here are some tips to help you manage your costs effectively. First, understand the total cost. Research the total cost of the CRNA program that you are considering, including tuition, fees, books, equipment, and living expenses. Costs can vary widely depending on the program and location. A common question we get is whether one could or should work during school. During school, your schedule is going to be jam-packed with class, clinicals, and the necessary study hours needed to succeed in school. It is highly recommended that students do not work during school. That being said, when understanding the total cost of school, one should also plan for the lost income during those years of school. Next, explore financial aid options. Make sure to apply for your FAFSA every single year. They will calculate an expected financial contribution, and they will determine eligibility for financial aid based on this number. This EFC is calculated based on previous year's income. Because you will not be working during CRNA school, sometimes your financial aid office will allow you to petition to have this EFC recalculated. Reach out to your financial aid office and explore available scholarships, grants, and student loans. Also, look into scholarships available through the AANA, nursing organizations promoting advanced degrees, and CRNA social media accounts. These are all great options for scholarships outside of your academic institution. Some students will require some degree of student loans to fund their education. Again, your FAFSA will help determine your eligibility for federal direct loans and PLUS loans for graduate school. If federal loans are not sufficient, research private loan options. Compare interest rates, repayment plans, and benefits before signing up for private loans. Next, create a budget. Develop a detailed budget to manage your finances during school. Include all sources of income and expenses to understand your financial situation better. Plan to live reasonably. Work with yourself or loved ones to create a reasonable budget that keeps your cost of living low. Look for ways to cut costs, such as living with roommates, minimizing discretionary spending, or using student discounts whenever possible. Next, save in advance. If possible, start saving money before you even begin applying to CRNA school. Building an emergency fund can provide a financial cushion for when unexpected life events happen. As previously mentioned, you should have a plan for lost income. Ensure you have enough savings or financial aid to cover your regular living expenses. Some additional financial tips. Explore employer assistance programs. Consider future employers that offer any tuition reimbursement or loan repayment assistance for advanced education. Also, consider loan repayment programs through the federal government. Some federal and state programs offer loan repayment assistance in exchange for service in underserved areas or specific practice settings. These are all great options for handling student debt after graduation. By planning ahead and exploring all available resources, you can better manage the financial demands of CRNA school and focus on your studies. Maintaining professionalism in CRNA school is crucial for your success and future career. First, you must understand expectations. Familiarize yourself with the program's expectations, including academic expectations, behavior, communication, and schedule. Dress appropriately. Follow the dress code for clinical rotations in the classroom settings. Also, practice effective communication. Communicate clearly and respectfully with your peers, faculty, and preceptors. And your patients, of course. Active listening and concise professional communication are key. Also, maintain a positive attitude. Your attitude can influence how you are perceived by others, helps build professional relationships, and can help establish a constructive learning environment. Like we just mentioned, build professional relationships. Build positive relationships with your faculty, clinical preceptors, and colleagues. Be respectful, punctual, and open to feedback. Regularly ask for this feedback and reflect on their input and use it to improve your performance. Also, handle conflicts professionally. You'll undoubtedly run into conflict at some point during your training. Do your best to address conflict calmly and constructively. As Grant has probably already stressed, stay organized. Keep track of your schedule, your assignments, and your clinical hours. Staying organized helps you manage your workload and deadlines effectively. Develop time management skills, prioritize tasks, create a study schedule, and stick to these deadlines. Be punctual and reliable. Reliability is a key aspect of professionalism and demonstrates your commitment to the program. And lastly, show integrity and ethical behavior. Uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior in all aspects of your education and clinical practice. Make decisions based on ethical principles and the well-being of your patients. Be respectful of patient privacy by always adhering to HIPAA regulations and ensuring patient confidentiality. Respect patients' rights and handle sensitive information responsibly. Balancing family, personal life, and the demanding schedule of CRNA school can be really challenging. Personal support from family and friends can help you manage life during CRNA school effectively. First, build a support network. Involve your family in your plan to apply to CRNA school. During school, connect with your fellow students, faculty, and alumni. Having a network who understands the challenges of CRNA school can provide emotional and practical support during school. Next, communicate your needs. Be open with your family about the demands of CRNA school and how it will affect your time and availability. During school, you may be less available for traveling, family events, and weekends. Set clear expectations with your loved ones and discuss how they can support you during school. If CRNA school impacts your finances, have open discussions about budgeting and financial planning to manage expectations and prevent unnecessary stress. Next, plan some quality time. Schedule regular family activities or quality time with loved ones. Even short, meaningful interactions can help you maintain your mental health during CRNA school. Plus, your brain will need some rest away from your textbooks and your computer at some point. Also, create a supportive study environment. Designate a study space that minimizes distractions and promotes productivity. A comfortable and organized environment can enhance your focus and efficiency. Clearly communicate to your loved ones your study and clinical hours so that your family understands when you need some uninterrupted and focused study time. This helps to balance your responsibilities and maintain quality time with your loved ones. Lastly, prioritize self-care. Self-care is essential in maintaining professionalism. Ensure you are well-rested, healthy, and managing your stress effectively to perform at your best at all times. Allocate time for self-care activities such as exercise, hobbies, or relaxation. Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing burnout. Incorporate mindful practices such as meditation or deep breathing exercises to manage your stress and maintain your focus. Be prepared for those unexpected changes or challenges during school. Flexibility in your plans and expectations can help you adapt and manage your responsibilities more effectively. Remember to celebrate your milestones. Recognizing your progress can boost your motivation and provide a sense of accomplishment. And lastly, seek professional help if needed. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to seek counseling or therapy. Professional support can help you navigate stress and help you maintain your mental health during school. Mentorship can be an incredibly valuable resource during CRNA school. Here's how mentorship typically works. Oftentimes your CRNA program will coordinate a mentor for you. It can either be an upperclassman or practicing CRNA. Mentorship can be incredibly valuable during school because they offer you guidance, support, and insights from experienced students or professionals. If you're asked to identify your own mentor, look for a mentor who aligns with your career goals and interests. This could be a faculty member, a clinical preceptor, or a practicing CRNA who has experience in the areas you wish to explore. If possible, seek diverse perspectives. You can work with multiple mentors, some who have different viewpoints, expertise, and work in different practice settings. For example, you can have a different mentor who loves regional anesthesia, OB, pediatrics, private practice. Multiple mentors can really broaden your understanding and provide a more well-rounded perspective. Communication is key. When seeking a mentor, clearly communicate your goals and what you hope to achieve through this mentorship relationship. This helps your mentor provide relevant guidance and support. Take initiative in setting up meetings, discussing topics, and seeking advice. Don't wait for your mentor to reach out to you. Also be open to feedback. Accept constructive feedback and use it to improve your skills and knowledge. Mentors provide some valuable insight that can really help you professionally and academically. So be respectful of their time. Recognize that your mentor may have a very busy work schedule. Be punctual for meetings and reschedule if needed. Lastly, always show appreciation. Acknowledge the time and effort your mentor invests in your academic development. Express gratitude regularly to maintain a positive and supportive relationship beyond CRNA school. As we finish up the Tips for Success portion of this lecture, I'll briefly discuss doctoral projects and national exams. Doctoral projects in CRNA school are a culmination of the student's research and academic efforts throughout their studies. Depending on the CRNA school you attend, you may have the opportunity to choose your own project topic, or you may choose from a set group of topics. Some schools will require you to work in a group to complete your project, and some will require you to work on your own project. Students will closely work with a faculty advisor to identify a research topic, conduct a literature review, design and implement a study, and analyze data. The final project will be a written manuscript and presentation that contributes to the body of knowledge in the nurse anesthesia field. The project is typically completed in the last year or two of the program and requires a significant amount of time and dedication from the student. It is an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem or question and contribute to the advancement of the profession. Once school is in full swing with didactic material, clinical, and your doctoral project your time management plan with school and outside responsibilities will once again need to shift and adapt to accommodate space for your success, as well as your self-care. Now we will discuss two national exams that you will take during and after CRNA school. The C-Exam, or Self-Evaluation Exam, is a 240-question adaptive exam offered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, or NBCRNA. This exam is utilized by CRNA programs to prepare their students for taking the NCE, or National Certifying Exam, as well as gain benchmark data for how their program is doing in preparing their students for the NCE. It also gives the student a breakdown of areas that they are performing well in, as well as areas where they may need more focus. Students have a total of four hours to take this exam. The C is usually taken a couple times during the CRNA school to trend the progression of gained knowledge throughout the program and give the student insight on their knowledge strengths and weaknesses well before taking the NCE. The NCE is simply the exam you need to take and pass to become a CRNA. This exam can only be taken once a student has successfully graduated from an accredited CRNA program. The NCE looks and feels exactly like the C-Exam. It also is adaptive and ranges from 100 to 170 questions and has a maximum time of three hours. Further details about both of these exams can be found on the NBCRNA website.

CRNA application

admission requirements

financial planning

study strategies

professionalism

support network

doctoral projects

national exams

time management