Two newB questions

Specialties CRNA

Published

First I guess I need to self identify:

BSN 1st year student. No CRNA experience (yet)

Now on to my questions:

Is it ethical for a CRNA with a PhD to introduce themselves as Doctor Xxxx to a patient? If they have earned the title (even in EE or religion) shouldn't they use it?

I have been reading this board for about a year, and have seen references to studies that show that CRNA outcomes are equal to MD and better that AA outcomes. I was just wondering from anyone that visits the MD and AA boards if they site the same studies, or do they have there own that show there outcomes are superior to CRNA's?

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I believe if you are a CRNA, and you are caring for a patient in the capacity as a CRNA, then you should identify yourself as a CRNA. It's ok to let them know you have a phd in another subject area, but to not idenitify oneself as a CRNA would be extremely unethical even though most people would probably not think anything of it. If a CRNA identified oneself as a doctor, he'd better identify what subject area his doctorate is in.

I'll let someone else address your second question, but I believe there is no difference in outcome based on the anesthesia provider. someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Telemetry.

I would not bring up the PhD or the title of "doctor" if you are performing as a nurse anesthetist. Patients are confused enough as it is & it would definitely be an ethical/legal blunder on your part. Although I certainly appreciate how proud you must be of that PhD...I'm mighty proud of my MSN & will have a PhD as well some day...but don't let it get you into trouble.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
......have seen references to studies that show that CRNA outcomes are equal to MD and better that AA outcomes. I was just wondering from anyone that visits the MD and AA boards if they site the same studies, or do they have there own that show there outcomes are superior to CRNA's?

Two references:

http://www.aana.com/crna/prof/quality.asp

http://www.aana.com/press/2003/041103_pine.asp

And lots more to explore at aana.com

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