CRNA Shadowing

[speed]

When would be the best time to shadow a CRNA for a day, before starting RN school, last year or 2 in RN school, etc? Also, who should I talk to at the hospital to request shadowing a CRNA, How should I ask them, and what type of questions should I ask the CRNA if the hospital permits the shadowing?

[AL bug]

I didn't shadow until after I had been working in the ICU for a while. One reason was I wanted to have some clue what they were doing before I got there. I was applying to CRNA school at this time, so I had a good idea and just wanted to make sure this is what I wanted to do. Call the anesthesia dept and ask to speak to the chief CRNA if they have one or MDA or whoever is in charge of their anesthesia dept. Tell that person you are planning to go to anesthesia school and want to some shadow a CRNA. Ask when would be a good time for them. Tell them you want to go on a busy day and see a variety of types of anesthesia. If you have any nursing experience, you will know a little of what they are doing when you get there. They are usually good to "narrate" while they are working. If you don't know what they are doing, wait until a time that is not as busy and ask them. Ask about their hours, shifts, relationships with RN,MDA,other CRNA's,etc.

[meandragonbrett]

Great post AL, I also want to add that you don't have to be in nursing school or post-nursing school to shadow. Although, it will probably take an act of congress as it did for me. They lied about my age to get me in b\c i'm under 18. But I also know several of the CRNAs and the chief of anesthesia, which helped a bunch! Good luck!

Brett