Experienced CRNA...ask me anything

Ichbinstark · May 7, 2018

Do you or have you ever known anyone to get their CRNA after having disciple on their RN license? Specifically a reprimand. No encumberment, no agreement, just a letter of reprimand.

offlabel · May 21, 2018

Ichbinstark said:
Do you or have you ever known anyone to get their CRNA after having disciple on their RN license? Specifically a reprimand. No encumberment, no agreement, just a letter of reprimand.

I don't, but then how would I know? Is it attached to the license? Public knowledge? I'd explain it to the admissions committee so they wouldn't find it on their own (they probably would not, but still) and if I was a good enough candidate and it was a good enough explanation and the "offense" were not egregious enough, I know I'd get in somewhere. Then it is a moot point IMO, once I pass my cert exam.

BosLeyDog1 · May 27, 2018

In my 25 room OR, CRNA's do the cases. They are the front line of patient care, from general anesthetics, spinal and MAC. Without exception, they are completely tied to their phones. I remember 2 occasions that I have told the CRNA that the heart rate was up. They don't just look at the phone, they make and recieve calls, too. One guy's ringtone is a siren. Another one made a "rolling" motion (like "keep going")and turned his back to us while he was on his phone and I was starting the timeout! When I got his attention and told him to hang up, he said to the person on the phone, (I'm hoping it was his wife) "OK, I have to go, love you, sweetie ". I have brought these things to the attention of the chief CRNA but she doesn't think there's anything wrong with it, "as long as it doesn't compromise patient care". She did say she would speak to the guy that was on the phone with his wife, but I never got any feedback from either one of them. I am sorely tempted to call Anderson Cooper and have him do an expose on 60 minutes. I think the public would be angry and appalled at this behavior in the OR. Be honest, do you think this is wrong, or do you agree that it's OK as long as patient care isn't affected?

offlabel · May 27, 2018

If it wasn't a phone, it would be a magazine, soduko, or crossword puzzle. I hear these complaints every so often and the reality is far less egregious than the complaint. As far as circulators pointing out vital signs to the anesthetist, you've blown any credibility at all right there. Whatever you think you're seeing is either being tolerated by the CRNA, is/has been treated or is transient and the anesthetist knows and isn't going to do anything about it.

When the surgeons start complaining about it, then there is a problem. Until then, tend your own fires.

BosLeyDog1 · May 28, 2018

I guess you told me

Guest805836 · May 29, 2018

While I think it is unprofessionnal (and potentially unsafe) of any member of the team (surgery or anesthesia) to ignore the timeout and any case related communication, most anesthesia trained people are aware of HR and whatnot modifications even if it doesn't look like it. The annoying thing is when the person doesn't set their alarms accordingly and it beeps all the darn time; but in general, if the machine ain't beeping, there is probably nothing dangerous going on.

goodgrief · Jun 9, 2018

Are you the anesthesia chuck norris?

06crna · Jul 7, 2018

Following up on this thread. It has been one year. I am:

1. Still working

2. Still trying to retire

3. Still willing to answer any question

Carry on.

Oldmahubbard · Jul 7, 2018

06crna said:
Following up on this thread. It has been one year. I am:
1. Still working
2. Still trying to retire
3. Still willing to answer any question
Carry on.

What stops you from just retiring?

06crna · Jul 8, 2018

I left a medically-directed ACT practice with a stifling, hierarchical culture and returned to independent PRN/locums coverage. I'm traveling and having a great time.

Oldmahubbard · Jul 8, 2018

06crna said:
I left a medically-directed ACT practice with a stifling, hierarchical culture and returned to independent PRN/locums coverage. I'm traveling and having a great time.

Do they need any Psych NPs? haha

loveanesthesia · Jul 8, 2018

That's fantastic! The whole idea that the ACT, especially a stifling ACT, improves patient care is such a scam. Glad to see an experienced CRNA stay in the workforce because a serious shortage is just at the beginning. We're going to need all hands on deck.