Anyone attended previous Nurse anesthesia school and withdrawn

[suarc]

Hello,

I recently made a difficult decision to withdraw from my anesthesia school because it just was not the right fit for me, I felt like I would be doing myself and my future patients a deservice if I continued. The environment just was not conducive to learning, without going into details.

My gpa is great and I left in good standing. I was wondering if any one has made this decision and reapplied to a different school and if so, what was the outcome.

Thanks,

[srnamom]

I have to think that at least some people DO learn well under such conditions, otherwise, why is it so pervasive?

It's pervasive because it's entrenched practice and because there is little or nothing SRNAs can do to eliminate it, not because some learn well under such conditions. Either program directors don't know how bad it really is, or don't choose to fight that battle. I haven't experienced it, so I can't comment on which is more likely.

[Jamaica3]

I am very thankful and concerned that I am now hearing about the hazing that occurs and the abusive enviornments. Would someone be kind enough to send me a response as to the schools that are most notorious for this, and what schools actually do not condone such atrocities......this is the kind of stuff this forum was created for. For networking to take place amongst nurses that would benefit those who would listen.

[gluck]

Individually we may have little power, but collectively we have lots of power. The schools do need students and future CRNAs

If we out the schools that are the worst offenders than maybe we can start to make a difference and change behaviors.

[ILoveRatties]

This is not a school thing--it is a clinical site/individual CRNA-MDA thing. Many clinical sites have students from more than one school.

So many of you want to think that it is 'some schools', and that if only there were a list of programs to avoid, all would be well for the wannabe-CRNA.

Instead, you should be asking yourself how you would/will cope with what is PERVASIVE.

The best advice I have for coping

1. Understand that your future depends on staying under the radar--be 'a' SRNA, not 'that' SRNA.

2. Do not go into any clinical day without knowing the particular quirks of the CRNA & MDA you will be working with that day.

3. Utilize the simulation lab, if your program has one, before starting actual clinical. The less bad you are when you start, the less hazing you will get. If your intubations are smooth, and if you appear calm, you will be far ahead of the typical new SRNA.

4. Take a little notebook with you in the OR, and note "pearls and pitfalls' that you are told during the day. This is also a good way to get the info you need on different CRNAs preferences, re inducing, gas preference, maintaining, emerging, etc.

5. If you tend to be anxious/'nervous', do not drink coffee in the morning. Some people even get a script for beta blockers to blunt the fight/flight response.

6. Get your head around the fact that you will be supervised every single moment, that someone will be breathing down your back every second. Every move you make will be subject to criticism all day long. They are quick to criticize, less likely to give you the space to self-correct. You will want to say 'give me a chance'--won't happen. I'm talking about things like how you put EKG leads on, how you tape IVs, tape eyes, talk to the pt, every little thing. Even after you've been in clinical for months and months.

That's all I can think of for now.

[gluck]

The problem pervades health care, not just anesthesia, but it Is going to vary from program to program. While some hospitals/groups may tolerate this behavoir, some are trying to put an end to it, and others encourage it in a top down fashion stemming from the program directors themselves.

Personally, I want to avoid the worst of the worst. It sounds like that's what you got and I am sorry. But protecting their identity just allows the practice to continue

[jls189]

This is not a school thing--it is a clinical site/individual CRNA-MDA thing. Many clinical sites have students from more than one school.

So many of you want to think that it is 'some schools', and that if only there were a list of programs to avoid, all would be well for the wannabe-CRNA.

Instead, you should be asking yourself how you would/will cope with what is PERVASIVE.

The best advice I have for coping

1. Understand that your future depends on staying under the radar--be 'a' SRNA, not 'that' SRNA.

2. Do not go into any clinical day without knowing the particular quirks of the CRNA & MDA you will be working with that day.

3. Utilize the simulation lab, if your program has one, before starting actual clinical. The less bad you are when you start, the less hazing you will get. If your intubations are smooth, and if you appear calm, you will be far ahead of the typical new SRNA.

4. Take a little notebook with you in the OR, and note "pearls and pitfalls' that you are told during the day. This is also a good way to get the info you need on different CRNAs preferences, re inducing, gas preference, maintaining, emerging, etc.

5. If you tend to be anxious/'nervous', do not drink coffee in the morning. Some people even get a script for beta blockers to blunt the fight/flight response.

6. Get your head around the fact that you will be supervised every single moment, that someone will be breathing down your back every second. Every move you make will be subject to criticism all day long. They are quick to criticize, less likely to give you the space to self-correct. You will want to say 'give me a chance'--won't happen. I'm talking about things like how you put EKG leads on, how you tape IVs, tape eyes, talk to the pt, every little thing. Even after you've been in clinical for months and months.

That's all I can think of for now.

Great advice and very well put. Thanks for sharing.

[griffly]

I have seen some comments in the past discussions about hazing. I'm curious to know what type of hazing goes in in CRNA school.

[californianurse]

I have seen some comments in the past discussions about hazing. I'm curious to know what type of hazing goes in in CRNA school.

Check out page 1 and 2 of this thread. I'm not speaking for any school in particular, but for several definitions of "hazing" as illustrated by previous posters. Hope that's helpful.

[LadyCRNA]

I was fortunate to be a "distance" student & the group I trained with was EXCEPTIONAL! My "home base" was in the Detroit area & I had to travel there every semester (plus much more) and when I would return to the "mother ship" I despised almost every second of it.... the mentality of the CRNA's and doctors/ologist were very much like the scenerios described above. I could elaborate but no need - we've all been there and know what it's like (and there will always be CRNA's who justify and claim their "pimping" is NOT hazing to calm their pea brains and own insecurities).

I would suggest looking for a group who is looking to hire & perhaps "sponsor" you during your education/training. Of course, you will be obligated to return some years of service BUT if it is the right group - you won't mind signing a contract. They have a vested interest in your education and want you to learn & you get awesome hands on experience!

Good Luck to you! Remember, there will always be some form of humiliation during any training.

[prodigy]

Hit, punch, slap, or haze me during clinicals in the OR and the hospital will be missing some staff members.

[Skip219, BSN, RN]

Hi,

I sorry to hear about the horrible non-profressional conditions described in previous posts. I too withdrew to return 1 yr later. The academic conditions at my school have been described as "weed-out" nature. Many say fly under the radar so not to get noticed. You learn the material so you can get ready for next test-purge it. Good luck.

[shang36]

could you please write, what did you have to do to return back to school.Did you reapply?