Pediatric CRNA

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i've been researching information on CRNAs for the past two years during my nursing career, and i have found very little in terms of pediatric CRNAs. i've found that there aren't programs specializing in pediatrics and that most anesthesia cases are adults, but that's about it.

i was wondering if there were any pediatric CRNAs or persons knowledgeable on the subject who could speak to the path(s) to become a pediatric specialist. i’m planning on working full-time in an adult SICU and casual in a PICU prior to entering a CRNA program to help start my pediatric experience, but i'm lost beyond that. ;o)

THANKS!! =)

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i do about 1/2 to 2/3 of my work as a peds crna. there are no specialty schools per se. there are specialty rotations at about every school for peds tho. i think to be a peds crna, work somewhere with a peds hospital, or one that does a rather large peds service. most ppl don't like peds and anywhere you pony up to do peds they will train you and or get you the experience.

d

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we did a 3month pediatric rotation...some did extra rotations because that is what they wanted to specialize in...but there is no "specialization" per se...it is like gaspassah said - you work at a pediatric facility... then you are a pediatric CRNA...

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i've been researching information on CRNAs for the past two years during my nursing career, and i have found very little in terms of pediatric CRNAs. i've found that there aren't programs specializing in pediatrics and that most anesthesia cases are adults, but that's about it.

i was wondering if there were any pediatric CRNAs or persons knowledgeable on the subject who could speak to the path(s) to become a pediatric specialist. i'm planning on working full-time in an SICU and casual in a PICU prior to entering a CRNA program to help start my pediatric experience, but i'm lost beyond that. ;o)

THANKS!! =)

The others who wrote above about no "specialization" for peds are right. When you get trained as a CRNA, you are trained to care for all patient populations. however, I have heard that one program does offer a pediatric anesthesia certificate to practicing CRNAs who opt to do a sort of "fellowship." While this may be nice to have, it is certainly not necessary to practice pediatric anesthesia. The university that offers it is Wayne State in Michigan.

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It doesn't take too long to get comfortable doing peds. It seems a lot more ominous at first, especially with infants and preemies, but you get used to it pretty quickly. Lots of tricks to learn along the way, but some good exposure in school and a few months actually on the job and you'll have it down pat, especially if you're in a pediatric hospital.

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Like others have said different programs offer different amounts of PEDS training. When you get out it is up to you to seek a job at a Childrens hospital or facility that does alot of peds if All you desire is PEDI anesthesia.

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It seems like you have a good plan already. It is hard to get into most programs with all pediatric experience as an RN. I am in a pediatric practice and our group simply takes people with the desire to do peds. I will say that our strongest CRNA's did have some pediatric or NICU experience as RN's. I will also say that even with ped experience you really won't know if you want to do ped anesthesia until you do your ped rotation in school. I have a good friend who did all NICU as a nurse but decided to do OB anesthesia.

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Yeah, just request more time in your pediatric rotation, let them know upfront. I know my program would let you do extra time in peds if requested, but like someone said, most people dont want to do peds, so its an advantage for someone like you, who does!

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I did PICU for many years prior to CRNA training. Did not get the best opportunities for peds in training. But after getting out I've really made an effort to take any peds cases that come along. My peers are willing to give most all peds cases to me, so I keep improving my skills and I read anything I can re: peds anesthesia. But, I must admit I really love OB too, so I probably won't seek a children's hospital.

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you guys are all awesome! thanks so much for replying! =) i have no doubt that CRNA school will be the hardest thing i've ever done, but getting there has now become much easier from all the information i've found on this site. thanks again! =)

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Specializes in Cardio-Thoracic SICU.

Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan offers a post-masters certificate in pediatric anesthesia, if that helps you at all.

To those who posted that many SRNAs and CRNAs don't like peds cases, can you elaborate more? What is it about the peds cases that they don't like?

I plan to pursue anesthesia and have been thinking about peds, too. Any information would be appreciated.

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Specializes in ICU, UT knoxville, CRNA Program, 01/07.

Such great responses. Thanks to everyone for being so helpful and supportive. Best of luck.

Brian

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