From SRNA to CRNA

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I'm not sure if there was a thread created about this already.

What was the transition from SRNA to CRNA like? Was there a formal orientation? Did you graduate competent and confident and hit the ground running? If there was a training period how long was it? When did you begin to feel confident and independent? Who was your mentor? CRNA? MDA? Mix of both?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I can't say that what I'm about to describe is the norm for any place. But for me, it was trial by fire. They didn't put me into any thing ridiculous but i was terrified, and you should be too. I had like 3-4 weeks off before I started my job. I wasn't even sure if I knew what hole to put the laryngoscope into but i figured it out eventually. It takes a good 2-3 weeks before you even start to feel comfortable at the head of the table. I struggled with myself until I finally felt comfortable and now after 6 months...it's all gravy baby! Just do yourself a favor. Don't be scared to ask for help, if you need it you ask. And people know that you are new, they aren't and shouldn't let you sink. You'll be fine, just keep an open mind and remember you will be learning for the rest of your career !

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I can't say that what I'm about to describe is the norm for any place. But for me, it was trial by fire. They didn't put me into any thing ridiculous but i was terrified, and you should be too. I had like 3-4 weeks off before I started my job. I wasn't even sure if I knew what hole to put the laryngoscope into but i figured it out eventually. It takes a good 2-3 weeks before you even start to feel comfortable at the head of the table. I struggled with myself until I finally felt comfortable and now after 6 months...it's all gravy baby! Just do yourself a favor. Don't be scared to ask for help, if you need it you ask. And people know that you are new, they aren't and shouldn't let you sink. You'll be fine, just keep an open mind and remember you will be learning for the rest of your career !

Milk of Amnesia; I think you attended SMU, Minneapolis?

Will you recommend the program?.. Getting started in a few weeks. Somedays, I ask

myself if I really wanna do this? I make decent money as it is ( nothing compared to a CRNA of course).. I guess what I am trying to say is.. Was 'it' all worth it in the end?

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Specializes in ICU.

I haven't met anyone who's regretted the decision to become a CRNA...but that's just my personal experience.

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I haven't met anyone who's regretted the decision to become a CRNA...but that's just my personal experience.

Couple on this website... Very few though.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

I think the bigger the anesthesia group/hospital the more likely you are to have a some type of orientation to help with the transition of being a new CRNA.

My transition consisted of 2 days of orientation to the OR with another CRNA and then I was put on call by myself as the only anesthesia provider in house after 2 weeks.

Where I am at now we give the new CRNAs at least 3 months of structured orientation.

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