Excuse my ignorance....

[AbbyLane]

Please excuse my ignorance on the matter but I'm curious...can CRNA's work with more than one CRNA during surgery? Is that normal? Can you work at places where an Anesthesiologist has to watch over you while in surgery? Is there such a thing?

I ask all of this because the thought of becoming a CRNA down the road really interests me but its terrifying to think how much risk comes with the job. I understand that if you're properly educated you're probably going to feel comfortable enough by the time you graduate. Idk I just feel like it would be comforting to have someone there who could assist you if something really bad were to happen even though it's rare. TIA for the replies ?

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Moved to SRNA forum

[murseman24, MSN, CRNA]

In most large urban centers you will work in what is called an "anesthesia care team" (ACT) model. This is where you will have one anesthesiologist in charge of usually 4 rooms. They will see the patient in preop and release them from postop. They are usually present when the patient goes to sleep and are available throughout the case if needed. You will develop an anesthesia plan together before the surgery. That being said, you will be required to handle about any and all problems that could happen during the surgery. You will be adequately trained to do so. Most people get into anesthesia because they want as much autonomy as they can get without going all the way back through med school, so they don't want anyone "watching over their back."