Oklahoma CRNA Program?

smiling_ru · Jun 16, 2003

My understanding is that the anesthesiologists in Oklahoma are firmly opposed to a CRNA program there. So, without the backing of an anesthesia group (to get into the larger hospitals) you can not open a program. There may be more to it than just that, but I know that is one of the stumbling blocks and it is a big one.

szoozoo · Jun 16, 2003

I live in Toledo, Ohio and we don't have a CRNA program either. I wish we would because moving will really hurt my family! At MCO they basically teach a lot of MSN programs but not Anesthesia! I have no idea why they did not start the CRNA program at MCO. People are leaving for Michigan because that is the closest location (Detroit)!!!

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2003

Come to Philly, there's lots of programs here (6 in the surrounding area I think). Not that that helps your problem any, I agree it really stinks if you have to uproot your whole family to attend school. I would contact the nursing schools in your area and tell them you would like to see a CRNA program, and tell all of your friends to do the same! Maybe start a petition?

TexasCRNA · Jun 17, 2003

Not to rain on the parade, but I personally don't want a crna school popping up everywhere ( like NP programs)and I am glad the AANA board keeps a tight rein on how many schools there are at present.

This also makes the competition tough to get in ( and stay in) and ensures only the best become crnas.

I understand how some people don't want to move to go to school or start a new career, but how bad do you want it??

I know numerous people, including myself that have sold their homes, uprooted and moved their families half way around the US, lived in areas less than desirable, not have a pot to pee in, debt up to the gills and still thay find a way to go to a program and become a crna.

Now, I am not trying to blast anyone but to encourage you that if you really want to become a crna then move and do what you gotta do, then move back to your roots after the 24 or 27 months.

You gotta go get it and why waste years with shoulda, woulda, coulda.

OKIE-DOKIE · Jun 17, 2003

Gowkout, I agree....I will definitely go wherever I need to go to get my CRNA education. However, I was simply stating that it would make my life and others' lives easier if they did have a program here in Oklahoma. That would save many people the headache and sacrifice of having to uproot in the first place. Why go through more than you have to?? CRNA school is hard enough without that added stress along with it. With the severe shortage of CRNAs (which will worsen in the future with the aging of the population), why would it be advisable to discourage any program from flourishing? There's only one type of person who can make it through CRNA school in the first place despite how many schools there are out there. Gowkout, I can understand your bitterniss about having to go through all of that sacrifice for your CRNA education. That is why I would like to see more programs in states that have few to none...so others won't be forced to sacrifice the way you have. It just makes sense.

MICU RN · Jun 17, 2003

While I can understand wanting new programs in states that don't have any. I have to agree with LEE that the last thing we need is to over saturate the field and start too many schools like the NP programs have done. The more we keep the standards up and control the supply the better off we will be as crna's.

loisane · Jun 17, 2003

If you will allow me to split hairs---------

The Council on Accrditation does not control the NUMBER of nurse anesthesia schools. It does set standards that all schools must meet, so that indirectly does limit the number of programs that exist to those who can meet those standards.

As a profession and a professional organization, we are still ENCOURAGING the development of new nurse anesthesia programs. All the current programs are pretty well maxed out for the number of graduates they can produce. And if we are going to continue to turn around the current shortage, we could probably use more programs.

Of course, there are multiple barriers to starting new programs. It takes money. It takes academic faculty, of which there is also a current shortage. It takes the ability to offer lots of varied clinical experience, which means a strong partnership with hospitals and their medical staff (ie MDAs).

Even established programs deal with conflicts surrounding these issues, so just imagine how difficult it is for a program just starting to balance all of this.

Of course, it can be done. It takes committment and leadership. To Okie-Dokie, what does the Oklahoma state nurse anesthetist association think about the lack of programs? It might be a question they have already explored, and they could be a source of information for you.

loisane crna

KSCRNA · Jun 17, 2003

A number of Oklahoma students have gone to the Newman University Program in Wichita and had their families stay in Oklahoma.

OKIE-DOKIE · Jun 17, 2003

Yes, it can be done. I'd just have to leave my husband behind. A lady at work put it well. She said "Husbands and wives who are in the Army, Navy, Air Force, etc. have to leave their spouses for months on end. Going off to CRNA school wouldn't be much different, so think of it like that!" That just told me that people leave their spouses for large periods of time all the time, so it can be done right?. I guess their marriages survive. How hard is it on a marriage? Can anyone tell me who has been through it (separated from their spouse for school)? I guess if I went to TCU they have a deal where you can be on campus for 1 semester (the first one in Fall) and the rest is done by teleconferencing, internet, etc. for the rest of the duration at a distant clinical site (I heard they have one here in Tulsa). During that first semester on campus my husband could probably drive out to Fort Worth (4 hours away) every 2 weekends and watch me study! HeeHee! I know it is definitely doable if I want it bad enough. I never meant to imply I wouldn't go through whatever I had to to get through CRNA school. I just wanted to see if there was a way I could make things easier. Why not, right? It couldn't hurt! Loisane, I actually wrote an e-mail to the Oklahoma Association of Nurse Anesthesia over the last weekend describing the situation and how I would like to do whatever I can do to help get a program initiated here. I haven't heard back from them, yet. I'm sure they are fully aware that there is not a program here in Oklahoma and that there needs to be one, without me having to e-mail them and tell them. I just wanted them to realize that there is, in fact, an interest in a CRNA program here and that I'm willing to help out and do whatever I can do to get one here. One part of their mission statement is "To promote the practice of nurse anesthesia through development of educational programs." I hope they can somehow help. Thank you all for the great advice. I have found this discussion board to be a great source of knowledge, wisdom, and support. I appreciate all of you! Thanks!

Angela

fence · Jun 17, 2003

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Cynthiann · Jun 17, 2003

Originally posted by OKIE-DOKIE
Yes, it can be done. I'd just have to leave my husband behind. A lady at work put it well. She said "Husbands and wives who are in the Army, Navy, Air Force, etc. have to leave their spouses for months on end. Going off to CRNA school wouldn't be much different, so think of it like that!" That just told me that people leave their spouses for large periods of time all the time, so it can be done right?. I guess their marriages survive. How hard is it on a marriage? Can anyone tell me who has been through it (separated from their spouse for school)?

I haven't been in that situation but seen and heard of many who have especially since I live next to Tinker AFB by OKC. Many marriages and relationships are fine despite the separation. But you asking this question reminds me of all the bad stories I've hear when spouses go TDY. I was just talking to my cousin whose husband is in Iraq - she just got home from the hospital because she had an anxiety attack. But you can't compare it since it was because the people on base lied to her about their living conditions there in the middle east (ie no water for 6 days in 120F weather).

I'm in OK and wished there was a program here too. But I am willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish my goals. Actually I look at it in a positive way - a reason to leave Oklahoma, I don't care for it here. If you hear from OANA let us know what they say, I'm curious.