Can I shadow you?

[Crossfit SRNA2b]

Hello,

So, it is about that time, time to graduate from my BSN program and start an exciting career as an RN in the ICU. Even before starting nursing school my goal has been to graduate from a BSN program, get a job and experience in a high acuity ICU for a year or two and apply and get into a CRNA program. Now, i have read, read, researched and read some more about the CRNA profession, what is expected, scope of practice, course curriculum etc... to the point where it has probably hurt my learning as i often spend more time researching that than spending my time studying for my current classes lol.

Anyways, the one thing that i am lacking in allowing me to make the best educated decision on if the CRNA route really is the best route for me (e.g. versus NP or MD) is having shadowed a CRNA. So i guess my question is, are there any CRNA's around northern california, northern nevada area that would be willing to allow me to shadow them for a day or two??? (Heck i'll even drive withing a 12 hour radius). I would be most appreciative, and immensly in your debt.

If no one is able to accommodate, does anyone have any advice on how to go about finding a CRNA to shadow? Should i contact an anesthesia group directly? Should i do a google search and then email the nearest ones with my request? What is the proper etiquete?

Thanks in advance for anyone's and everyone's time spent in giving me tips, advice and or letting me shadow you :)

At the end of the day, i not only want to figure out what is right for me, but also what career choices are not right, and i would hate to take a spot from some other individual in CRNA school if it is truly not a good fit for me. As i can say with confidence, the science aspect surrounding the profession very much intrigues me, but the daily "grind" and what actually being a crna is foreign to me.

[Laught3r]

my guess would be: first pass your NCLEX, second get a job in an high acuity ICU, third get pass your orientation phase and get your legs under you, then at the facility where you are employed ask if on your days off if you can shadow a fellow employee into the OR.

[aCRNAhopeful]

Hello,

Now, i have read, read, researched and read some more about the CRNA profession, what is expected, scope of practice, course curriculum etc... to the point where it has probably hurt my learning as i often spend more time researching that than spending my time studying for my current classes lol.

I'm glad I'm not the only one that does that:up:.

Definately the next huge hurdle for you will be getting a job in a high acuity ICU. I lucked out at the last second to get into a critical care job and am so thankful for it. But I almost didn't because I didnt start looking or applying to places earlier. Try to get a foot in the door of every micu, sicu, cvicu, trauma icu or any other ---icu that you can (maybe skip neonatal...).

Once you have your job you will have plenty of opportunities to make connections with the anesthesia dept at your hosp. You may even get to know some of them as they bring patients back to the unit, such as is the case with open hearts. But like the last poster said get into ICU! Don't let that slip by and miss valuable experience.