My first meeting

Published

I scheduled a meeting with the director of the University of Tennessee anesthesia program. Its setup for April 1st. I already have a list of things I want to discuss, but I also wanted y'all's opinion of things YOU would be sure to ask....don't want to leave anything on the table and have to call back. That's not a good look lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Anesthesia, Critical Care.

1) how many nerve blocks, on average, does each SRNA do on actual patients from start to finish?

2) is there a nerve block rotation and do all students get to go to it?

3) how many central lines on average does each SRNA do on patients from start to finish?

4) is there an autonomous/independent SRNA rotation that all students get to experience?

5) do the SRNA's get an opportunity to write PACU orders and learn to manage the PACU?

Ask how is the implementation of the doctorate for nurse anesthetists effecting the length of their program, the amount of classes taken, and if there is going to be any effect on the length of clinical rotations?. You may also ask if there is pain management rotation where you get learn to do ESIs etc. Few schools would offer one, but it would be interesting to find out if the schools that you are interested in had this option available. What is the attrition rate over the last 5yrs, and how does the school handle remediation for students that are having academic and/or clinical set backs? You want to know the average case numbers for the school (hearts, crainis, generals, MACs, peds, regionals etc). A good school is going to exceed the minimum in all specialities by a lot! You should do at least a 1000+ cases by graduation, 50+PNBs, 10+CVLs, 50+Neuraxial techniques, 10+on pump open hearts, 10+thoracotomies, 100+ peds cases...Simulations should not count towards actual numbers, and you need to inquire the school is counting simulations towards actual numbers. Lastly, you need to find out when doing speciality cases such as open hearts, if there will be other nurse anesthetists students sharing those cases (will they be in the same room at the same time) with you. Some schools have 2-3 students in the same room at the same time counting the same speciality case. The only other thing I can think of is the type of preceptor arrangement at the clinical sites. Will you be 1:1 with a clinical preceptor or 2:1 (two students to one preceptor). Are the students used as staff or do you have the ability to float from around in the ORs if something interesting or unique comes up. A good school will give you the chance to talk to other SRNAs, unimpeded by faculty, currently in the program. I just got off a long 4 days of call, so hopefully this all makes sense.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Anesthesia, Critical Care.

Another note.

Make sure your check their website for all available information before you go. You don't want to ask a question that could be answered easily by something they have listed on their site. Other non clinical questions can include places they have for living if you will be going to a new state, if not ask if they have out of state clinical rotations, how Long they are, and if housing is provided the days you are there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the great response

Up Vote Up Vote ×

gulp*

I'm aspiring to become a nurse anesthetist and the info you provided is great. Thanks for the input.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion