When did CRNA's get left behind!?

[Berliner]

It seems to me from my searching that nurses were the first to administer anesthesia, started the first schools, and then were left in the dust. I've been trying to find out when and why this happened and came across this in one of allnurses links-

The numbers of physicians in this specialty did not greatly expand until the late 1960's and 1970's (only 7775 in 1963). This parallels a time in surgical history when operations became much more complex and death rates increased. Anesthesia was labeled at that time as difficult and dangerous. Therefore, anesthesiologists salaries sharply increased, attracting many more physicians into the field. (1)

Regardless, since the first demonstration of ether for anesthesia in 1846, physicians have always specialized in anesthesia, leading the way in progress and research. The American Society of Anesthesiologists, the American physician's professional organization, was officially incorporated in 1937 (2)

(1) Um, ok- why didn't nurses salaries increase and thus more nurses enter the field????

Why/ in what circumstances, do physicians still get more money? From another thread, smiling_ru had noted that in group scenarios, "MDA's get paid a higher percentage of the group income....because they are taking part of the money billed for CRNA services." - How has this happened and is there anything to be done about it?

(2) What happened to nurses!!!

Finally, it seem to me that no one outside of an OR knows about CRNA's- are we trying to be covert? When I had told some of my co-workers that I was applying to a CRNA program, some of them blindly said that they wouldn't feel comfortable receiving anesthesia from a nurse! I've been told that CRNA's have the same, if not better, outcomes. Does anyone have a quotable source for this!!! I'd like to shout it out to the world!

[Gump]

Here's an interesting link regarding outcomes:

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

[Berliner]

Thanks, will read through! I love your tag line- absolutely perfect for the experiences I had in and applying to various nursing schools!:chuckle

[smiling_ru]

This is a link to the history section of the AANA. It will give you some answers. http://www.aana.com/about/history.asp

Basically once anesthesia became a lucrative opportunity physicians were interested. There have been many laws made and changed as a result of this. Once you are in school you will hear the entire history.

Every CRNA makes a choice regarding what type of practice they want. If helping to pay an MDA's salary is not something they want to do they do not have to. There are plenty of CRNA only, and sole provider opportunities. There are also groups where the MDA's are the employees of CRNA's.

I work with MDA's in the position I have now, but I do not feel that I am being taken advantage of. It is collegial and if there are any political issues they are checked at the door. I earn over a quarter million a year not counting benefits. I am not limited in the types of procedures/anesthesia I provide. So, it can work. It is just a matter of finding the right environment.

Not to say that we could not be left behind. That is one of the biggest reasons there is such high membership in the AANA. We must stay together and support each battle to prevent future problems.

[Berliner]

Thanks for giving me hope! I hope I don't offend others on this board, it's just my opinion, but doing something like coming up with nursing diagnosis to help the profession stand out was the stupidest thing ever. I agree on standing together and expecially getting more research of our own out there. Any other ideas on how to spread the word/ get CRNA's recognized for they do? I'm so far set on word of mouth- does the AANA do any awarness drives...or is that stupid?:imbar

[loisane]

Berliner,

You have stumbled upon an issue that is a great source of frustration for us "involved" CRNAs. We are America's "Best kept secret" (I didn't say it first, there is a PR film with that title). Believe me, it is not going un-addressed. But we always could use greater effort in this department.

This was CRNA week. I am proud of my state association, that we had more visibility and PR initiatives this year than any time in my memory. I hope you saw some evidence of the same in your area.

Our national association is active on this front also. But the most effective tool are our own members. Person to person is not completely un-effective.

As for the other issues you raise-the money, the respect, the history. There just isn't enough time or space to address it all. smiling_ru has done a great job of summarizing the essence of it all. There is alot of info on the aana webpage. Personally, I found the book "Watchful Care" very enlightening. It is a great reference for our history, but I think it sheds great light on how we got to where we are presently also.

But the MOST important message here is-GET INVOLVED. You will become a junior member of the AANA as a student. Learn about our association, and how you can help. Then stick with it, when you graduate. Remember that the only reason we have the position we have now, is because those that came before us worked for it. Nobody handed it to them, and they won't hand it to us.

loisane crna

[Berliner]

YES! So true. Thank you for the book reference. I am really passionate about nurses' skills not being recognized for what they are and with my apps to CRNA programs, am channeling that passion into this field. Whether I get in this time around or not, I hear your words and will keep to the call!