CRNA vs. Politics

Specialties CRNA

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CRNA vs. Politics

Hello everyone, I have a question that perhaps will reveal some opinionated replies.

I am only a phlebotomist, EMT and LPN, working on my ADN. However, I'm young and level headed. I Enjoy healthcare and genuinely appreciate the job descriptions of CRNA's and my goal so far is to have my CRNA in 8 ½ years. There's only 1 problem. I hate politics. This however does NOT mean I don't care. I care a lot, but I quickly get annoyed with the irrelevant, illogical debates that often go on within politics in general. I don't wish to join a profession and work hard at school the next 8 years of my life to inadvertently join a field that in my spare time I need to be throwing my political weight around to keep the profession quality. That is my major concern.

For clarification, I AM NOT stereotyping CRNA's or CRNA's on this board. I DO care. I AM NOT as informed as I want to be about this topic (which is the reason of me writing this thread). I DO NOT take 1 persons point of view as fact.

To my question...Are there CRNA's out there that don't feel the need to become a part time politician? I am not implying that these people don't care about their field, or let others do the work. Honestly though, can a person live a quiet life of patient care, enjoying your job as a CRNA, with out having to have a deep interest in politics?

Yes, this question has been spurred on by some recent thread activity here. I realize that this is but a small portion of CRNA's in America, but I believe it is a quality sample group nonetheless. If people are worried by repercussions of a post, please private message me. Thank you all for your quality, professional thoughts on this subject.

Jeremy

More so, what is considered an active, pro-profession CRNA consist of?

Specializes in Ortho, surgical, ER, ICU, Transportation.

The only thing I hate about online forums is that you can never send nonverbal messages or tone of voice. In my original post I never wanted to get the mood across that I didn't care about CRNA. I would be a member of AANA, and go the conventions and conferences say my opinion...I would be involved that way. Everything is hypothetical, because I'm not close to anything yet.

I posted in defense last night on little sleep. I am genuinely sorry to Yoga. I had no intentions of personally attacking anyone. I now know the sensitivity of the subject and that there isn't much gray area. I can completely understand the severity of the topic, especially when people work so hard for their profession, then to think someone will change it on you. I would fight hand tooth and nail as well. To be honest, my post should have been better thought though. However I got a lot of good info about how people feel on the topic. Thanks.

Jeremy the observer from now on :rolleyes:

Good luck Jeremy!

You probably DO have what it takes to be good in whatever profession you ultimately choose...determination, the seeking of knowledge, the ability to speak your mind, and the ability to see and accept differences in opinion.

In our profession political activisim is job security and is our duty. Very few professions are in the same dilemma as the CRNAs where political apathy can directly affect our profession. In most professions people can just go to work, do their job and not have to worry about constantly keeping an eye on the political scene. CRNAs on the otherhand must always know what the the AAs (jump in with your 2 cents jwk) and the MDAs are up to because at any given day, while you're having fun working, the legislature in your state can pass a law that changes EVERYTHING you do. Or your hospital may decide that AAs are a better financial option than CRNAs but you did not want to be a part of the hospital committee so CRNAs had no input. I could go on and on. Its almost like saying I want to reap the benefits of the profession but I don't want to help promote and protect the profession, You'll let someone else do that. You'll likely find out that although you think you hate politics now, when you get done with CRNA school you'll want to engage in political activities.

CRNAs on the otherhand must always know what the the AAs (jump in with your 2 cents jwk) are up to

Oh I bet he's bringing more than 2 cents on this one....probably the whole piggybank......LOL

Oh I bet he's bringing more than 2 cents on this one....probably the whole piggybank......LOL

I would recommend that you order a copy of "Watchful Care" from the AANA.com website bookstore. After you have read the book carefully and learned all of the challenges that CRNA have overcome to maintain and improve the profession to deliver anesthesia care to patients- you will then understand the need to be a part of the 10%. That doesn't mean you have to devote 24/7 to the politics of the profession but you will need to make a contribution. There are many ways to make that contribution, find your niche and be the best in it. Read my post After You Finish Anesthesia School for some of the things you need to do- I am not saying you have to do all but find ways to contribute that fit you. If you can not find something to contribute then please reconsider your reasons for wanting to be a CRNA.

I would recommend that you order a copy of "Watchful Care" from the AANA.com website bookstore.

I can't believe I missed an opportunity to (again) recommend this book. I must be slipping!

Absolutely must reading for everyone interested in nurse anesthesia. Reading this book is a most excellent way to answer the question posed be the OP.

losiane crna

I would recommend that you order a copy of "Watchful Care" from the AANA.com website bookstore. After you have read the book carefully and learned all of the challenges that CRNA have overcome to maintain and improve the profession to deliver anesthesia care to patients- you will then understand the need to be a part of the 10%. That doesn't mean you have to devote 24/7 to the politics of the profession but you will need to make a contribution. There are many ways to make that contribution, find your niche and be the best in it. Read my post After You Finish Anesthesia School for some of the things you need to do- I am not saying you have to do all but find ways to contribute that fit you. If you can not find something to contribute then please reconsider your reasons for wanting to be a CRNA.

Since you clealy mistook my comment for something it wasn't, try this. My comment was implying that JWK, if you are familiar with him, is that he is fairly outspoken. It was an attempt at humor. You are preaching to the choir about becoming involved about with CRNA politics. Even though I am maxed financially as a single out-of-state student, I am on TANA PAC's (TN) list of monthly automatic donations from my checking account. Don't question my reasons or motives for becoming a CRNA.

I am very interested in learning more the challenges that CRNA's have traditionally faced and have ordered the "Watchful Care" book from AANA, but I would also like to learn more about current issues. I would assume that the AANA probably keeps everyone abreast, but it appears that I cannot join until I am officially accepted as a student. How can I learn more about current challenges while I'm waiting for my acceptance letter?

Since you clealy mistook my comment for something it wasn't, try this. My comment was implying that JWK, if you are familiar with him, is that he is fairly outspoken. It was an attempt at humor. You are preaching to the choir about becoming involved about with CRNA politics. Even though I am maxed financially as a single out-of-state student, I am on TANA PAC's (TN) list of monthly automatic donations from my checking account. Don't question my reasons or motives for becoming a CRNA.

Relax ... I'm sure he/she mistook you for the OP. No need to get super defensive.

I agree with Kat!

I caught your humor and the response does not fit your post...

Since you clealy mistook my comment for something it wasn't, try this. My comment was implying that JWK, if you are familiar with him, is that he is fairly outspoken. It was an attempt at humor. You are preaching to the choir about becoming involved about with CRNA politics. Even though I am maxed financially as a single out-of-state student, I am on TANA PAC's (TN) list of monthly automatic donations from my checking account. Don't question my reasons or motives for becoming a CRNA.

You are correct- I did not intend to reply specifically to you but to the original poster. I did not erase the quote. My congratulations on getting involved early. I did not intend to question your motives only those of the original poster. Sorry for the error :uhoh21:

You are correct- I did not intend to reply specifically to you but to the original poster. I did not erase the quote. My congratulations on getting involved early. I did not intend to question your motives only those of the original poster. Sorry for the error :uhoh21:

Hey CRNA, DNSc, my response now that I am re-reading it sounds a little more harsh than what was meant. I could not figure out how my post generated your response. That's the problem with these postings, you never know how it was meant to come across in the first place. You are absolutely right about getting involved, I just wish I could do more now, but you know how it is as a student.

Take care

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