OK, I'll admit it, this is a personal thing I have. I worked real hard to get where I am. In fact, the nurse anesthesia program was the most challenging, demanding thing I've ever done. Even after I had graduated, I was not able to use the title CRNA. I still had to pass boards. I was pretty proud of myself when I could use that title. I think most CRNA's feel the same way. So it bugs the snot out of me when someone who hasn't earned the title uses it here or elsewhere.
I've seen a couple of excuses, the most common is "Well, it's what I want to do." I think that's great. Our profession is suffering a severe shortage, so we welcome you to the profession with open arms. But the fact that this is what you want to do in no way gives you the right to assume the title, even as a screen name. I worked very hard to earn that title, and it makes me pretty angry when someone who has not yet earned it uses it. Every time I come across it, I report it to the moderators. There is one school I am currently considering contacting about a student who is using the title while still in their program. Perhaps his program director can get him to see the error of his ways.
There are practical considerations as well. As CRNA's, we are currently involved in a number of political battles around the country. When you call yourself "CRNA," you give the impression that's what you are, and people take your statements to be based on education and experience you don't yet have. It is all too conceivable to imagine a possibility where a "wannabe" with the best intentions could harm our profession.
If for no other reason, you might consider not using the title out of simple respect. CRNA is a title we have earned, and you have not. It is insulting to many of us when someone who isn't a CRNA claims that title. If that doesn't bother you, then consider the damage you may be doing to yourself. If you do get into a program, and your clinical instructors find out you are using that title before earning it, your road may suddenly get much rougher.
In short, CRNA is a title we have earned, and we like to keep to those who have earned it. The day you pass boards, you can use it too. Until then, don't do it. It's disrespectful.
I totally get your point, having started my program, the enormity of the amount and information and the huge responsibility plus the mental shift from the RN who call's the doc w/the problem to the one who has to take the call now (all you folks who casually said, 'call anesthesia' when you had the impending resp failure and now you're gonna be the 'anesthesia' part dealing with the MP 4, morbid obese, rotten teeth, receding chin, w/unstable C-6 fx pt they want you to just come on in and tube 'em already, can appreciate this!!) sunk in pretty fast.
Using CRNA in your screen name, however innocent, implies you are something you are not (especially to newbies to the board who don't know anything about you yet). Incorrect assumptions can easily be made. Also, when I pass boards and finally get to use the title, I don't think I would want anyone to 'belittle' the hard work and sacrifice the achievement really represents. If you don't think it is really about that, think about how you would feel if there was a 1st semester nursing student who doesn't even know how to give a bedbath using RN as a title anywhere (even a screen name)-how pissed would you be? you'd be thinking "Who does she think she is!!!???!!!"
That said, a lot of people use screen names as 'wishful or hopeful' thinking titles never purposefully meaning to deceive. However, it is something to reign in now, especially in a professional forum, when the internet is becoming increasing the source lay people turn to for medical information.
Traumacrna sounds totally swamped, and it really is hard to deal with this when you're in school and working, too. the PIA of changing screen names ( and letting those you on your email list know you changed it) would likely get very low priority on a student's list of stuff to get done. Give him a chance, sometimes you just need time to put yourself in other's shoes and process the issue.
NOTE to all CRNA wannabe's or students, show respect and use SRNA in your screen name, it truly will be appreciated, by CRNAs now and you as earn the title in the future.
Peace and remember, relaxing is a GOOD thing for your soul.
Thinking on this issue some more, I have to say that it really IS an big deal in today's online world. Many of you may know that this Bulletin board was used as a reference in an article, and a thread was quoted in a scientific journal last year. (i believe it was the American Journal of Nursing, someone correct me if I am wrong). In view of things like this happenening, it is even more important that those who actually are professional nurses and advance practice nurses are correctly identified as such if their voice is to be used in representation of their professions.
I guess I am in the minority here, but I fail to see the huge deal this is being made to be. It's not like this is a court of law and the defendant is sworn in, it is a BB. Traumacrna is not putting up a front that he is a full fledged crna, as he has openly discussed that he has just been accepted to school. By the way, don't bring the respect issue my way, as I have nothing but respect for CRNA's. In addition, I personally know the sacrafices and hard work anesthesia school takes, as I will be graduating soon with my GRNA (politically correct term until I pass boards and become a CRNA).
I agree with you on this one...lighten up already. It's a BB not the OR. Nobody is being deceived here. It's not like he is telling patients he is the nurse anesthetist.
The reason why I provided you with my telephone number was because I was willing to discuss this matter with you more in detail over the phone. Tones and assumptions are sometimes misinterpreted via email. My intention was to only discuss this matter with you. If you and I had been talking face to face, I am sure I could convince you that I am very flexible and respectful and most of all reasonable. I'll be responding to you all in the next couple of hours.
Ramon
Ramon
It isn't that you must defend your usage of your chosen screen name, because that's indefensible. It is claiming a title you have not yet earned, which as others have pointed out is not only disrespectful and self aggrandizing, with medical titles it may be illegal.
I will NOT be calling you. As a gentle hint, allow me to suggest that you not post your phone number on a public bulletin board. I WILL however be contacting your director. "Petty and childish" does not seem to jive well with "I have a tremendous amount of respect for you..."
By the way, regardless of your incredulity, I am passing no judgement on you. I am telling you that what you are doing is wrong. You have been told this in the past, and you responded with "what's the big deal?" The intent of this thread was to tell you specifically what the big deal was. You are a student, period. You have a long way to go.
When I originally posted a response, I thought I was sending a private message, my mistake. Secondly, this is not a "personal beef" I was simply trying to be friendly and engage in a conversation.
Ramon
Folks if you want to exchange phone numbers, or if you have a personal beef please use the private message function.
Maybe it's just me but a screen name is just that, a screen name. It's a sort of "nickname." It would be a whole other issue if someone used a title in their actual name that they did not earn.
I never imagined that my screen name would cause such a debate. For reasons of simplicity, I often use the same screen name and passwords as I have so many to remember for school, work, etc. Recently a member sent me an email to a thread he had written objecting to the usage of CRNA in a SRNA's screen name. He also reported it to the board moderator and the moderator contacted me via email requesting that I choose another screen name.
Initially, I was angered. However, after much thought and consideration I have chosen to change my screen name. I respect this community and board and most importantly respect those CRNA's that have earned the title CRNA. That being said, I believe it is important for all of you to know that I have never posted an ad or posed as a licensed CRNA. I am currently a Trauma ICU Nurse and SRNA and have always been upfront about being a student. After reading many of your comments, I know understand your arguments and concerns. In addition, because we will one day be colleagues of one another, I have no problem addressing issues and being diplomatic.
I do hope we can all move forward and continue to discuss the issues that surround our profession and continue to help one another through the academic and socialization processes of a very rewarding profession as anesthesia providers. From this point forward, I will assume the screen name Traumasrna. Thank you all for your patience and understanding in this matter.
I never imagined that my screen name would cause such a debate. For reasons of simplicity, I often use the same screen name and passwords as I have so many to remember for school, work, etc. Recently a member sent me an email to a thread he had written objecting to the usage of CRNA in a SRNA's screen name. He also reported it to the board moderator and the moderator contacted me via email requesting that I choose another screen name.
Initially, I was angered. However, after much thought and consideration I have chosen to change my screen name. I respect this community and board and most importantly respect those CRNA's that have earned the title CRNA. That being said, I believe it is important for all of you to know that I have never posted an ad or posed as a licensed CRNA. I am currently a Trauma ICU Nurse and SRNA and have always been upfront about being a student. After reading many of your comments, I know understand your arguments and concerns. In addition, because we will one day be colleagues of one another, I have no problem addressing issues and being diplomatic.
I do hope we can all move forward and continue to discuss the issues that surround our profession and continue to help one another through the academic and socialization processes of a very rewarding profession as anesthesia providers. From this point forward, I will assume the screen name Traumasrna. Thank you all for your patience and understanding in this matter.
I have requested to have my username/screen name modified to traumasrna, and I am waiting for a response.
Ramon
Dear Board Members,
I never imagined that my screen name would cause such a debate. For reasons of simplicity, I often use the same screen name and passwords as I have so many to remember for school, work, etc. Recently a member sent me an email to a thread he had written objecting to the usage of CRNA in a SRNA's screen name. He also reported it to the board moderator and the moderator contacted me via email requesting that I choose another screen name.
Initially, I was angered. However, after much thought and consideration I have chosen to change my screen name. I respect this community and board and most importantly respect those CRNA's that have earned the title CRNA. That being said, I believe it is important for all of you to know that I have never posted an ad or posed as a licensed CRNA. I am currently a Trauma ICU Nurse and SRNA and have always been upfront about being a student. After reading many of your comments, I know understand your arguments and concerns. In addition, because we will one day be colleagues of one another, I have no problem addressing issues and being diplomatic.
I do hope we can all move forward and continue to discuss the issues that surround our profession and continue to help one another through the academic and socialization processes of a very rewarding profession as anesthesia providers. From this point forward, I will assume the screen name Traumasrna. Thank you all for your patience and understanding in this matter.
kestrel1121
43 Posts
Ok everyone just needs to chill!!
Kevin,
I totally get your point, having started my program, the enormity of the amount and information and the huge responsibility plus the mental shift from the RN who call's the doc w/the problem to the one who has to take the call now (all you folks who casually said, 'call anesthesia' when you had the impending resp failure and now you're gonna be the 'anesthesia' part dealing with the MP 4, morbid obese, rotten teeth, receding chin, w/unstable C-6 fx pt they want you to just come on in and tube 'em already, can appreciate this!!) sunk in pretty fast.
Using CRNA in your screen name, however innocent, implies you are something you are not (especially to newbies to the board who don't know anything about you yet). Incorrect assumptions can easily be made. Also, when I pass boards and finally get to use the title, I don't think I would want anyone to 'belittle' the hard work and sacrifice the achievement really represents. If you don't think it is really about that, think about how you would feel if there was a 1st semester nursing student who doesn't even know how to give a bedbath using RN as a title anywhere (even a screen name)-how pissed would you be? you'd be thinking "Who does she think she is!!!???!!!"
That said, a lot of people use screen names as 'wishful or hopeful' thinking titles never purposefully meaning to deceive. However, it is something to reign in now, especially in a professional forum, when the internet is becoming increasing the source lay people turn to for medical information.
Traumacrna sounds totally swamped, and it really is hard to deal with this when you're in school and working, too. the PIA of changing screen names ( and letting those you on your email list know you changed it) would likely get very low priority on a student's list of stuff to get done. Give him a chance, sometimes you just need time to put yourself in other's shoes and process the issue.
NOTE to all CRNA wannabe's or students, show respect and use SRNA in your screen name, it truly will be appreciated, by CRNAs now and you as earn the title in the future.
Peace and remember, relaxing is a GOOD thing for your soul.