Can I shadow you? Location not important

Specialties CRNA

Published

Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

So, it's about that time, time to start applying to CRNA programs. I have been working in a cardiac icu for the last 8

months, and am in the process of studying for my GRE and then probably my ccrn next. I have read, read,

researched and read some more about the CRNA profession however, i haven't had the opportunity to shadow a CRNA and ask some frank questions regarding the profession. Before i jump head first into CRNA school, i would love to better investigate the profession by shadowing a crna.

So i guess my question is, are there any CRNA's that would be willing to allow me to shadow them for a week? If so that'd be awesome and i'd be in your debt!!

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

8 months? That's it?

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Specializes in ED.

I've been shadowing a few CRNAs when I'm off from my nursing school classes and I LOVE it. I have about 5-6 friends that are all CRNAs so I get to shadow with them.

Do you know anyone that knows someone that can get you a hook up? If not, have you tried speaking to someone at the hospital's education department? We have a "Corporate University" that handles our shadowing program. Maybe you have something similar - perhaps the office that handles your continuing ed classes, etc.

If not, ask around some of your work buddies to see if anyone knows the OR supervisor or coordinator and see if you can get in that way.

Best of luck!

Meredith

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8 months? That's it?

is there something wrong with that? he or she is not starting CRNA school today you know :confused:

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

be aware that a lot of facilities no longer allow shadowing due to HIPAA regulations and risks of you being injured/infected. Perhaps you could interview some CRNA's?

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Yeah not to mention, he may have started out in the nursing profession 'pretty sure' he wanted CRNA, but wanted a taste of floor nursing JUUUUUST in case.

If they didn't tell you on day one, "In order to pass this in ANY way, you CANNOT work." ... puts a damper on my whole "going to school" thing ;)

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Specializes in Sec/Tech.

Try asking the ones at the hospital you work at, just make sure it is at a time when they are not busy. Sometimes after various nurses and advanced practice nurses see a patient on my floor and neither of us are busy I just ask questions. Nearly everyone has been receptive and enjoyed answering my questions or clarifying something for me that I heard them mention to someone else. If they don't want to or can't talk they tell me so and go off my floor, no harm in asking.

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.
is there something wrong with that? he or she is not starting CRNA school today you know :confused:

There is a lot wrong with that. He/she will figure it out when she gets into practice and she/he will see things he/she has never seen before. 8 months is getting a taste.

I work with many CRNAs who have GREAT background experience...and many who don't...you can really, really, really, tell...:cool:

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

Sorry been out of town and away from my computer.

One of the problems with networking at my hospital is that there are no CRNA's. In nevada the two anesthesiology groups of MDs apparently are pretty powerful and not many CRNAs work in the state of nevada.

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

Sorry been away on vacation for the last week.

One of the problems with networking at my hospital is that there are no crnas. In nevada, the anesthesiology groups are pretty powerful and have pretty much black balled most crnas from working in the state (or at least as much as I've been told).

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.
There is a lot wrong with that. He/she will figure it out when she gets into practice and she/he will see things he/she has never seen before. 8 months is getting a taste.

I work with many CRNAs who have GREAT background experience...and many who don't...you can really, really, really, tell...:cool:

I'm a "He" just to address the whole gender issue.

Aside from that, i'd have to disagree with your above statement. From the people that i have talked to who are currently in anesthesia school, I have been told that there has been no real difference between the people with 1 year vs 15 years xp. Basically citing that anesthesia is anesthesia and vastly different from bedside nursing. Now granted, these are all still students and their opinions may change once in the workplace, however, this is still coming from people with first hand xp. But I'm not here to debate what is the proper amount of xp needed before one should start CRNA school...AANA has declared it 12 months, if i get accepted on my first go around i'll be sitting around 21...eligble.

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

But... back to the topic. Any CRNA's out there?? Like i said location is not a problem, i like to travel anyways ;)

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