ADVICE NEEDED...Start school in Jan.

[kkrnkk]

Hello everyone!

I start Anesthesia school in January and I am really excited and scared to death at the same time. I know there are things that I need to get done like finances, etc. But, the main thing that I am worried about is the fact that I lack ICU experience. I plan to work part time in an CVICU at a larger facility for the next few months if I can get a job in one with no experience. But, I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions about what I should study to help myself make the transition easier. Are there any particular areas that would benefit more than others? I know I need to learn the airway better. But, are there other things that would help me? I have 5 years of ED experience if you were wondering. Thanks and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[AL bug]

I started anesthesia school this past May and when I asked this question, the kind people on this board said to "relax as much as possible before school starts. They will teach you everything you need to know." This is very good advice. It will get hectic. We took 6 administration classes and cellular phis this summer. Just started real classes today (A&P, Basic Princliples of Anesth. and Pharm) today and it is very thorough.

I think it is normal to feel apprehensive about starting an anesth. program. I felt like I needed to be studying get ready to study to prepare to study, etc. However, now I really feel I will be taught everything I need to know. Our textbooks are great(I think) and I will be ready the same material covered by about 3 different authors from different textbooks. So maybe people further along in school and graduates can give more educated opinions but I wouldn't spend a lot of time studying before you start in Jan.

If the program accepts ED experience, they should be prepared to teach you all the hemodynamic material and equipment. Any ICU experience you can get will be helpful though. Hope all this made sense, usually feel like I just ramble here. Good luck.

[kkrnkk]

Hey AL bug

Thanks for the info, I really hope apprehension is normal because I definitely have quite a bit of it! The first classes in the program are A&P, basics of anesthesia, and another one. So, I jump right into it and quite frankly-I'm nervous. I guess I should look at it in a little different light-like they accepted me, they thought I was qualified, so I can do it-right? But, that's really difficult to do. I think that such an emphasis is put on ICU experience that it has really made me feel inferior to the other students and second-guess my abilities. Hopefully, this is just a stage and it will be over soon. Don't worry, I always feel as if I ramble here too! Thanks again, by the way where do you go to school?

[lgcv]

kkrnkk,

I have a lot of ICU experience and honestly anesthesia has very little in common with what I did in ICU. Assertiveness, critical thinking skills, and a certain amount of autonomy are what truly help, and you gained that in the ER. You may need to review the hemodynamic info a little more than your classmates, and bone up on ventilation (all things they will teach you) but other than that you should be well prepared.

The emphasis on ICU experience appears to have more to do with selection to schools than what you will be doing as a CRNA, don't get me wrong, you could not do this coming from a floor, but from the ER you have the most important skills you will need. Relax your going to do just fine!

[kkrnkk]

THANKS!! That makes me feel sooo much better!! That is the first time somebody has told me that and I am so glad to hear it. Where are you in school? kk

[lgcv]

Newman University in Wichita Kansas