nursing student observation

athomas91 · Sep 19, 2004

it is a fault of all parties involved...there needs to be more education on what CRNA's are and how independently they practice. this is an initiative of the AANA.

why not bring it up in a discussion?!? :)

sweetsleeper · Sep 19, 2004

As a CRNA for several years, I promise you there is an "attitude" there. It is almost like we CRNAs disowned the nursing profession! Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, I do most of the things an anesthesiologist does, but I was a nurse first. The other thing is that I believe that alot of nursing faculty (especially those in BSN/MSN programs) don't really know what a CRNA is. CRNAs have historically had a problem with being noticed by the public. Part of that is our own fault. We are probably the greatest "secret" in the nursing/medical community today. A hot topic lately is how we can become more "noticed" by the public by using the media, etc.

shirleyTX · Sep 19, 2004

I plan on going to the national student nurses asso. convention this year, the AANA will be hosting a seminar, and I do plan on getting their input on this question.

I think for me the biggest concern is as a student, I already know I have to watch what I say and to whom about becoming a CRNA, and keep that philosphy as a new nurse. But it is VERY upsetting to sit , everyday and hear professors recognize every other NP, and completely ignore CRNA's. I agree with you, CRNA are NURSES.... And as much stuff people have to go through( high grades, ICU exper., futher grueling educ.) to become a CRNA, I would at least think they would be shown alittle recognition and respect in the nursing arena.

Shayna24 · Oct 5, 2004

I also have two semesters left in my BSN program, with my goal to become a CRNA. I have noticed the exact same thing at my university! Every other type of advanced practice nurse is recognized in our textbooks, lectures, etc. except for CRNA's. Our textbooks seem to be the worst on this, especially because they are representing nursing. I am young also but from reading and talking with a CRNA realize the "attitude" out there and that some nurses think CRNA's are leaving the profession. I really do think that a small part of it is that many nurses may not fully understand what it is. Several times in the hospital during clinicals or whatever nurses have asked what I want to do when I get out of school. I have told a few that becoming a CRNA is my goal and a couple asked what that was. You know if I had said an ARNP they would know exactly what type of nursing that is.

If you ask this question at the national student nurses asso. post the answer they gave ya!

I plan on going to the national student nurses asso. convention this year, the AANA will be hosting a seminar, and I do plan on getting their input on this question.
I think for me the biggest concern is as a student, I already know I have to watch what I say and to whom about becoming a CRNA, and keep that philosphy as a new nurse. But it is VERY upsetting to sit , everyday and hear professors recognize every other NP, and completely ignore CRNA's. I agree with you, CRNA are NURSES.... And as much stuff people have to go through( high grades, ICU exper., futher grueling educ.) to become a CRNA, I would at least think they would be shown alittle recognition and respect in the nursing arena.

shirleyTX · Oct 6, 2004

I can understand other healthcare professionals not knowing about CRNA's, but I honestly feel as a nurse, YOu should know the different aspects of your own field. What makes the issue worse, is that it's hard to seek advice (unless speaking with a CRNA directly), due to the negitive reaction one might give. Personally, I had a well woman exam done by a WHNP. She knew I was starting UT, BSN program and asked about graduate school. I told her about becoming a CRNA and right away she said "you want that much responsibility, people lives"? Of course, I was fresh into nursing and really thought about what she said. Now, one semester shy of graduating( still very fresh)- I now think "Of Course I want that much responsiblity" I have no doubt that yes, I want to take part in that area of nursing, but this is something I share sparingly.