At VCU, the CRNA school does not affect the residents really whatsoever. A senior resident is the one who makes the schedule every day, and residents always get preference. CRNA's more often than not relieve residents, and not the other way around. The CRNA presence at VCU helps keep the work hours reasonable, leaving more time to study / moonlight / enjoy life.
Autonomy is great and really increases job satisfaction. Residents are happy and attendings / surgeons are not malignant. Didactics are not strong, which many residents (who do well on boards anyways) do not mind. Lecture every day after a long day in the OR is a drag. Chairman is well connected for fellowships. Overall highly recommend VCU for anesthesia.