TX CRNA's made me look at nursing as an option

[sunnyjohn]

Hello. I discovered this board a few days ago and have been glued to it ever since! How fascinating to read the ideas from nurses all over the country.

Ever since I was a young girl I have always wanted to be a doctor. Truly I never gave nursing much thought, even though nursing is the "family profession". My great aunt is a nurse. She has been for over 50 years. I was raised in a former British colony and she is what we call a "Sister". For many years she taught young women (and men) to provide quality-nursing care, including two of her own daughters.

Sadly, the education system and society lead me to think that nursing was a "pink-collar ghetto". Boy was I wrong!!!!!!

Depressed and sad I had with more education than I knew what to do with (former stockbroker, BS in History and Physiology, and more Chemistry, Biology and Science classes than I care to admit!!!). I decided to enroll in a Surgical Technology program in order to see if I really had what it took to be in healthcare and a doctor.

It was during my time in that program that I met some of the most amazing people. Nurses.

I remember my clinical experiences at the VA hospital in Dallas. This one CRNA had the locker across from me. Each morning she would come in and regal me of stories of her day. I would watch as she strapped on her modified tool belt (yes, from Home Depot) with all her supplies on it. It was like watching a soldier getting ready for war.

During CRNA week she and her fellow CRNA's spent the entire week loading me up with pamphlets and books and magazines about their work. It was being "recruited" they said.

One day I was in the OR and a resident asked, "What are you going to be when you are done? Just a scrub tech?" Those two CRNA's spoke up and said, "She's not JUST anything! She is going to be a hard working professional!"

At Methodist in Dallas this one CRNA was so inspiring and so encouraged me to pursue my goals was moved to tears.

I have since finished my Surgical Tech program. I still don't know if I will be a CRNA, CNOR (who I think are great as well) or some other type of nurse. Who knows, I may still go to med school. But one thing I know, nurses are an integral part of the team. Without the care they provide out healthcare system could not function. Physicians train hard and are wonderful people, but they cannot do it alone.

I wish to thank every nurse who has helped me to realize my goals. As a healthcare professional and maybe one of your ranks in the future, thank you.

[apaisRN, RN, CRNA]

What a neat post. I'm not a CRNA yet, but I'm proud that one of my soon-to-be colleagues was such an encouraging inspiration.

[yoga crna]

Nursing has a history of eating their young. We try not to do that in anesthesia. I have always encouraged bright nurses to consider anesthesia and have enjoyed mentoring the new grads. Everyone, especially me, seems to be better for it.

Yoga