Blanka

Do I sense a little contradiction? First of all, I was comparing CRNA preceptors mentoring SRNAs with MDs, mentoring anesthesia residents. Between those two groups, I have found that many CRNAs tend to run the show like a bootcamp, whereas physicians are treating residents more as their colleagues. I am sure you are not implying that best way to make your students best and brightest is to get physical with them or scream at them every time they tape eyes differently (then you would like them to), because that's how another CRNA 'drill seargant' forced them to do it during last rotation at a different clinical site, etc. It is not that they have no right or reason to demand it, it is the way in which they do it. When I was at school, I met many, probably majority, CRNAs, who were nice and reasonably tough, but it takes only one mean person per site to ruin your day. Generally, you don't learn anyhing this way you could not learn in a more collegiate way anyway. This was my original point, as I was sure that micugirl ran into one of those preceptors who confuse toughness with meanness. I could stop right here, it really says it all, one thing I would add is that the statement about CRNAs eating their young came originally from a preceptor. He said it with certain pride... : (

You need to face your emotions, etc., not to avoid them. It is difficult, no question, but also more healthy and effective over time. Drugs, (antidepressants) on the other hand, will only make you care less when some preceptor starts making your day miserable, but they won't make your real problems (whatever they are...) go away. When you don't care anymore and everything is 'just fine', how do you know you are learning...? $0.02 BTW, don't listen to all those hotshots from your class who tell you how competent they feel around big cases after 3rd rotation. These people often do not realize how much they still do not know. I think it is more healthy to be scared at the beginning and certain lack of confidence is IMHO also normal, especially when people come from units where they had only limited autonomy and were directed most of the time. Don't you have a friend in your class, who already has some OB experience, so you can ask her/him about recommended setup, etc.? I also know some people, who had similar problems with preceptors in clinicals, but at the end of rotation they received fair evaluation. How has it been for you? It is hard to give you specific advice, without knowing dynamics of your class, program, clinical sites, etc. Just hang in there! Remember, you are winning with every passed day!

Congratulations!

This was for you, piscesguy...

I do not believe that the best thing I can do for Micugirl is to smother her with endless empathy, she has a work to do ahead of her! Describing her situation in a broader perspective and expecting her to face it directly, without antidepressants, etc. is the best form of support I can provide... On the other hand, your last two sentences contain some good insight and advice, stick with that!

I feel your pain, but my best advice is to stick with it, no matter what, and don't even consider antidepressants or withdrawing from your program! This is definitely NOT the best way how to deal with relatively small problems like that. Imagine war, imagine real suffering others have to go through every day outside of your little world. Compared to that, you are just another priviledged whiner, at best... We all went through similar experiences - unfortunately, most CRNAs, unlike MDs, seem to enjoy eating their young. It is a shame, for several reasons, but right now they are your preceptors and you are a student. Get used to it, it will get better... Good luck!

I took my boards at the end of January (160 questions). I thought it was a difficult test. I felt like I was prepared, but after getting 160 q. my confidence was shaken, as you can imagine. Fortunately I passed... This is what I studied (besides the 'core' literature, e.g. Barash, etc.) and what I recommend: Valley NA Handbook (Nagelhout) Good review of diseases and surgical procedures. Prodigy Exam Five simulation tests with links and explanations, computer based. R&R (test book only) Another review course. The book has tests that are good for general systems info (cardiac, renal, endocrine, etc.). Anesthesia Secrets by James Duke Covers anesthesia concepts. Good luck, I hope you passed!

Just to let you know... I took my boards two weeks ago, 160 questions. I got the letter an hour ago - I passed. :)