After watching the episode I did think that it was an unrealistic portrayal of an anesthesia provider but it was what was said in the ASA letter that was more concerning to me. I am not a CRNA (yet) however I have read a lot of history behind the role of a CRNA's particularly as it pertains to military. The ASA President stated " Anesthesiologists are at the forefront of treating soldiers on the battlefield" Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought CRNA's were/are the anesthesia providers for the military. I would like some comments from the CRNA's who were/are part of military missions.
I agree they have a legit grip but it's still funny as hell
I think the ASA has a legit gripe. It IS a fictional character, but it did dummy down a complicated job.
We gripe all the time that nurses are portrayed as glorified handmaidens and love interests on these types of shows, while the doctors and interns do the 'real' work that they'd have to show nurses doing, to be real. But then their 'stars' wouldn't be at the bedside for all the dramatic effect.
And dramatic effect or not, I cannot conceive of a highly trained medical person leaving a much lessor trained person alone in such a situation. It was just a silly hook to put that other doctor under the bomb for the 'cliffhanger'.
It's even been mentioned here about how nurses are also horribly portrayed in these programs.
I can understand why the ASA was upset.
Squeeze the ambu bag a time or two, and you too can be an MDA. Not.
Nursingadvocacy.org has used my letter to the producers of Gray's Anatomy, as well as other organizations. Personal letters make a difference. I urge you to write and send it to them. They make sure it gets to the right places, and redistribute them wherever needed. Write to Sandy Summers at [email protected]
Personally I don't think we should be so happy to see MDA's made to look so unprofessional even if it is a TV show. We are all anesthesia providers and need to be aware that the public has trouble differentiating between us and may see us all as the same. I agree with the position the ASA has taken on this issue because the public will believe a lot of what they see on TV and it gets old having to reeducate them everyday.
FINALLY, a voice of reason on this thread. The rest of you have totally lost your objectivity. How long ago was it that there was a thread about a magazine article that quoted some plastic surgeon who said he wouldn't use CRNA's? Y'all went absolutely ape-sh*t.
I find it very interesting that somebody who is not a nurse, or even nursing student, has so many strong opinions about the profession. Just something to chew on.
I find it very interesting that somebody who is not a nurse, or even nursing student, has so many strong opinions about the profession. Just something to chew on.
And I find it interesting that a nursing STUDENT (not even an anesthesia student) thinks they know so much about anesthesia politics. I have a basis for my opinions - you don't.
I too think they have a point about being misrepresented. HOWEVER, having been active duty army as a registered nurse and having been deployed, MDAs are definitely NOT on the military frontlines providing anesthesia. A forward surgical team RARELY uses MDAs. 95% of the time its 2 CRNAs per team and they are on the frontline.
Ok, how many medical TV dramas are realistic? I can only think of a couple. So before we slam the show as to it's content, let's remember what exactly it is, drama.
I too think they have a point about being misrepresented. HOWEVER, having been active duty army as a registered nurse and having been deployed, MDAs are definitely NOT on the military frontlines providing anesthesia. A forward surgical team RARELY uses MDAs. 95% of the time its 2 CRNAs per team and they are on the frontline.
So he made a very missleading statement.
Actually you are flat wrong. The MDA's ARE on the front line in Iraq. They are either manning the OR's side by side with the CRNA's in Balad, or are flying as part of a 3 member team called Critical Care Air Transport Team(CCATT). I know as I did two deployments in less than a year.
I too think they have a point about being misrepresented. HOWEVER, having been active duty army as a registered nurse and having been deployed, MDAs are definitely NOT on the military frontlines providing anesthesia. A forward surgical team RARELY uses MDAs. 95% of the time its 2 CRNAs per team and they are on the frontline.
So he made a very missleading statement.
Si,FSTs deploy with CRNAs, not MDAs. MDAs are in the CSHs.
soliant12
218 Posts
I agree they have a legit grip but it's still funny as hell