A Natural???

Specialties CRNA

Published

Last week, I had to attend a code review that was mandatory for newer nurses in my unit. We have a big, fancy SIM lab, and even though it was on a dummy, I had a ball intubating him and running through scenarios that I might not see in my home unit (neuro ICU). To make a long story short, I was nicely "kicked out" because I was doing too good of a job of running the codes and I guess the powers that be wanted some of the other nurses to utilize their critical thinking skills.

When I went to sit in the control room, the anesthesiologist that runs the SIM lab asked me if I had ever considered going to anesthesia school and I replied that I had tossed the idea around a bit and asked him why he asked. He told me very matter-of-factly that I should go because I was "a natural."

I took this as a very big compliment, even though I'm not quite sure what he meant exactly, and was flying high the rest of the night. It certainly got the wheels turning in my head and I've already sent away for info on the local program as well as a registration form for the GRE.

The thing is, even though I know that grad school is in my (near) future, I don't know if I should "go for the gold" and apply to anesthesia school. I think I would love the challenge of the profession and I'm sure I could hack the schooling, but I'm daunted by both the application process and the time commitment required to get through, only because I have a 6-year-old son.

Anyone care to offer me any insight? What did he mean when he said I was "a natural?" From lurking here, I know you are a wise and honest bunch and I guess I just need some feedback from those with experience on whether or not I should just go for it.

Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in SICU, Anesthesia.

I assume he was complimenting you on your ability to take charge and think on your feet. As I am presently just applying to anesthesia school so I can only give you my perspective as a future SRNA. I think the biggest challenge ahead of you is balancing school requirements with a six year old. I am not saying it cannot be done however I think this depends on your support system so that the needs of your child will be met. Perhaps someone who has been through a program with small kids can offer some encouragement here. You indicate that you like a challenge and feel that you could get through school, however you are somewhat put off by the application process. I must admit that the process of applying to anesthesia school is very time consuming, however it can not compare to the rigors of anesthesia school. I have talked with a friend presently in school, and although he indicates the program is challenging, the workload is immense. If applying to school is daunting to you then perhaps you should reconsider. Granted, the application process is time consuming and the school is 24 to 36 months long depending on the program you choose, however the rewards are well worth it. Perhaps you should shadow a few CRNA's and get a better perspective on what they do. After doing so you will either want to pursue it or not. In the event you do, the application process will seem like a breeze. As for caring for your child while it school, I will let others give you some advice there. I have three children, and the youngest will be off to college for my first year of school. My wife will be in school also. I would not consider school until my youngest was through high school because I wanted to be there for him his last year of high school. Only you can decide whether you can manage both, or whether it might be better to put off school until your child is older.

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Thanks for the reply, Tom. I appreciate your honesty and I know I need to consider a lot of things before applying. My DH is extremely supportive and he is all for me going, however he is limited in seeing himself as the complete workaholic that he is. When everything is boiled down to its essence, the only thing holding me back is my son. But that's a BIG thing to consider.

I've actually considered getting an MSN in something else, like nurse educator so I could teach nursing, continue to work in ICU and still be off when my son is off. Granted, this is not my passion, but later on down the road I could persue anesthesia school as a post-master's program.

I'm smart enough to know that I'm not going to get any black-and-white answers here, but I do appreciate honest feedback. Ultimately, the decision is up to me, but as the pragmatic side of my personality holds me back, the fire in my belly tells me to go ahead and go for it. Call me conflicted.......

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Originally posted by Elenaster

I'm smart enough to know that I'm not going to get any black-and-white answers here, but I do appreciate honest feedback. Ultimately, the decision is up to me, but as the pragmatic side of my personality holds me back, the fire in my belly tells me to go ahead and go for it. Call me conflicted.......

I am not a CRNA, nor do I have plans to be one, but I am a mother (of 5, youngest 5 yrs old) and a student. I understand that CRNA school is rigorous. As a woman, a wife and a mother you will figure out a way to make it all balance. My question to you is, has anything you have ever wanted and attained been a cake walk? We both know the answer to this. Elenaster, I say GO FOR IT! :kiss

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Elenaster,

I'm sure you have noticed some people always seem to struggle with ACLS, PALS, etc. No matter how experienced or educated some people are, they just choke up even in the class room setting of ACLS. I was in a PALS class with a pediatrician who fumbled at everything he did. He could not even figure out how to hold the choking baby...go figure. You are one of those people who do well in that area...a natural. If you are able to stay calm and think and act quickly, then you have some of the qualities that make a good critical care nurse and CRNA.

I agree that you should spend time in the OR with CRNAs to see what it is all about. This will also be important in your interview too since CRNA programs will want to know what you have done to make sure becoming a CRNA is for you.

As for the childcare issue...that will be one of the toughest things in school. It will be a balancing act to be in school, study and spend time with your family. I have 2 young children and it is definitely my biggest concern too. I do not want to miss out on any part of their growing up and I don't plan on it. I will set aside some time each day in my busy schedule to be with my wife and kids. One night a week will be for wifey and me and since my wife will be working weekends while I'm in school, then the weekends are mine with the kids. It will be hard, but it will also only be 27 months. I have been told by several people in CRNA school that the hardest part is time management and this will be even more so if you have kids. It can be done, it will just take dedication and good time management skills. I met one senior CRNA in my last interview that has 3 kids and travels 1.5 hours to school each way every day and she still finds time to spend her family....now that's dedication!

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Elenaster,

I appreciate the personal struggle you are facing regarding childcare and related issues. It is a huge factor for SRNAs. It is near impossible to be successful at juggling both without an extreamely flexible and willing partner.

But I would like to speak to another issue. You mentioned an interest in education as a future role for you. I would like to lobby you to consider a future in nurse anesthesia education. There is a tremendous nursing faculty shortage, and the shortage of nurse anesthesia educators is even worse.

Once you complete a master level CRNA program, and gain some clinical experience, you will have great qualifications to teach in a nurse anesthesia program. (Doctorates will be required eventually, but no definite plans for that yet. Program directors will be required to have them by 2014).

It sounds like you not only did well in your sim lab experience, but that you also greatly enjoyed it. That is what it takes to be "a natural". Anesthesia is a stressful field. To be competent, you have to manage that stress. To be excellent, you have to THRIVE on the stress! If that sounds like you, find a way to make it happen. You will be glad that you did.

loisane crna

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i believe that most who venture into this field are "naturals" that naturally gravitate towards such an autonomous, diverse, and clinically challenging field

they are pretty strict on who they let in - i wonder if they saw the "natural" in us all??

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Thank you all for your thoughtful replies. I think I'm going to have meditate on this for a while and decide what's best for myself and my family. In the meantime, I can at least prepare for and take the GRE and do some shadowing.

Loisane,

I really appreciate your suggestion and you've given me an option I've never considered. It's truly something to think about seriously. Thank you!

Respectfully,

Elena

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Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

Don't know much about the CRNA stuff, but I've got a good feeling that you can tackle just about anything.

Hope you find the balance you're looking for. If you can do that, there'll be no stopping you !

Yaaaay for you !!! :D

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Originally posted by loisane

Elenaster,

I appreciate the personal struggle you are facing regarding childcare and related issues. It is a huge factor for SRNAs. It is near impossible to be successful at juggling both without an extreamely flexible and willing partner.

But I would like to speak to another issue. You mentioned an interest in education as a future role for you. I would like to lobby you to consider a future in nurse anesthesia education. There is a tremendous nursing faculty shortage, and the shortage of nurse anesthesia educators is even worse.

Once you complete a master level CRNA program, and gain some clinical experience, you will have great qualifications to teach in a nurse anesthesia program. (Doctorates will be required eventually, but no definite plans for that yet. Program directors will be required to have them by 2014).

It sounds like you not only did well in your sim lab experience, but that you also greatly enjoyed it. That is what it takes to be "a natural". Anesthesia is a stressful field. To be competent, you have to manage that stress. To be excellent, you have to THRIVE on the stress! If that sounds like you, find a way to make it happen. You will be glad that you did.

loisane crna

I have been thinking about this path quite a bit lately. I enjoy the academic setting and do plan on earning a doctorate down the road. I am glad to hear that there may indeed be opportunities in the field of anesthesia education.

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There is no "Maybe" about opportunities in Nurse Anesthesia Education. The shortage in the CRNA ranks is not as great as the shortage of CRNA Educator! Less than 1% of all CRNAs are faculty- we need more. The average of the doctoral prepared CRNA Educators is 49 and more than half are planning on retiring in the next 10 years. It should be a concern to all CRNAs as to who will educate the next generation of CRNAs since a profession that is not growing is dying!:)

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