At this point I, surprisingly, had never heard of a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) until one day on the floor I overheard another nurse talking about the profession. Instantly I was intrigued, so I asked her some questions regarding what she knew about CRNAs and used her responses as a jumping-off point so I could go home and begin my own extensive research of the profession of "passing gas." The research went on for months and the more I learned, the more I realized becoming a CRNA seemed like a perfect fit for me! I shadowed a CRNA and became increasingly excited, dreaming about a profession that would allow me to use my extensive knowledge, critical thinking skills and vigilant assessment skills every day in a autonomous setting to provide comfort and safety to people. Wow....I was in awe.
All my CRNA research proved successful in teaching me about the profession but it also allowed me to realize I had a looong way to go yet before I could even think about applying to CRNA school! I needed to go back to school and obtain my Bachelor's degree and spend at least 1-2 years in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) just for starters. Whew...I remember how overwhelming and scary it all seemed back then, but I was determined to pursue my dream, so I marched on. In October, 2004, I transferred to the medical ICU setting. I was in for a wake-up call! I knew it was going to be a big change and take me out of my comfort zone, but I had no clue as to what degree. There was so much more to learn than I could have ever imagined. I didn't know anything about ventilators except for what their primary function was, I didn't know anything about common vasopressor drugs, or the fact that the nurses in the ICU were allowed an hour for lunch, whereas we were only allowed 30 minutes on the floor (or whatever length of time we could squeeze in a sandwich before having to tend to someone's pain or nausea medication regimen). I was lost and humbled beyond belief. Fortunately, I worked with some AWESOME nurses who were seasoned and knowledgeable, patient, kind and willing to give constructive criticism. They were great teachers, and before I knew it, things were starting to make sense! I found that I really enjoyed working in the ICU and especially loved all the educational opportunities that were around every corner!
I went back to school to pursue my Bachelor's degree and graduated from the University of Oklahoma in May, 2007. For the next year, I continued to soak up all the various educational opportunities that were available to me while working in the ICU. I also frequently "floated" to the Trauma/Surgical ICU where I was able to gain additional experience with those fragile folks. I made many friends along the way and found out what the "less glamorous" side of nursing was all about (I won't go into detail here). I also learned that when you're taking care of the sickest of the sick, you see the "less glamorous" side of patients and their loved-ones as well.
In preface, let me say this...Oklahoma does not have a single CRNA program. Not one. This created another stressor because this would mean I would have to move away to another state to go to school. However, I found that TCU in Fort Worth was the only school that offered an option where you complete the first semester in Fort Worth near campus and are able to complete the rest of the program via videoconferencing, etc. out of my hometown of Tulsa! TCU has contracted with clinical sites here in Tulsa to allow this option. I was happy and relieved about that! Consequently, because TCU was the only school that allowed this option and because the program had an exceptional reputation (with a 100% Board pass rate multiple years in a row), TCU became number 1 on my list. But, because I was so eager and ready to begin CRNA school, I did not want to put all of my eggs in one basket, so I looked at applying to several programs. Upon researching the admission requirements of these CRNA programs I was applying to, I decided to obtain my CCRN certification. It's basically a critical care certification that, when obtained, shows you and the world that you "know your stuff" in the critical care arena. Some programs require the certification, and others strongly recommend it. At any rate, I determined it would be a great thing to have in my corner, so I studied hard and passed my CCRN test in March, 2008! After this hurdle was behind me, I thought to myself, "wow, is this all really happening? Am I really nearly ready to apply to CRNA school?" Now, it was time to think about taking the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). No fun at all. Every school I was applying to required the GRE, so I had no choice but to suck it up and drudge through it. Ugh.
Fall, 2008, I sent out applications to 6 CRNA programs I would like to attend. I felt very fortunate that I received interview letters from every school I applied to! Because getting into CRNA school is so competitive, the application process/interviews are held nearly a year before the desired start date which, in my case, is Fall, 2009. Of course, TCU (my first choice of schools) was my first scheduled interview on January 8 at 1:15 pm. I was very nervous, but tried to relax the best I could through it. There was a panel of three interviewers. They were very friendly and the questioning was very laid-back. It seemed to simply be an interview geared towards getting to know who I was and what my goals were. I was allowed to ask questions as well. The interview lasted approximately 35 minutes. After the interview was put to bed, the waiting game was nothing short of traumatic. It was only a little over a week from my interview date that I received my acceptance letter from TCU (see below), but it might as well have been 6 months. That day was one of the happiest days of my life! My hard work had finally paid off!
Now, it's time for the real challenge...getting through CRNA school!! I've heard nothing short of horror stories from each and every current and former CRNA student I've asked about the rigors of the program. They all say it's "doable," but most of them agree they wouldn't do it again, now knowing what they know about how very stressful the program is. Yes, it's all very frightening to me to hear these things, but what can I do? I have to just jump in and hope for the best! One chapter of my life has closed and another one is beginning. My bags are packed and I'm ready to begin this new, exciting, challenging adventure! I'm ready to focus and do the work. "Beat me up, Scottie!"
My last day of work at the acute care hospital I worked at was August 4. I wanted to take a couple of weeks off to rest, reset and organize things before my move to Fort Worth on August 19th. It was difficult saying goodbye to everyone I had learned to love, respect and consider family at the "pink palace" (as we lovingly called the hospital) for nearly 9 years of my life! It's nicknamed that because the entire structure is built out of pink concrete!
Because I'm only going to be living in Fort Worth for the first semester of school (approx. 4 months), I'm going to travel very lightly. I do not plan on bringing any large furniture (that's what furniture rental companies are for!) or any dishes (that's what paper plates and paper cups are for!). I'm simply going to bring a couple pots and pans, a can opener, a set of silverware that I already own, clothes and few other odds and ends (see pic below). My official start date is August 21 and I couldn't be more ecstatic!!
Chris is very excited for me as well. We both know we're going to miss each other like crazy. Chris constantly tries to reassure me, saying "we'll be fine...we'll get through it. It's just 4 months. We can do anything for 4 months." He's right, I know. At any rate, I'm not ignorant to the fact that this little time of separation will be a bit of a culture shock to us both. Being able to see each other day in and day out (every day!) like we have for the past 14 months is a luxury we just won't have for a while. We've never been apart, so this is definitely going to test us.
Fort Worth, here I come! Say a prayer for me and wish me luck!
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