kirbykd

Hey. I'm graduating in Aug and am in the process of looking for a job. I need some advice on good questions to ask potential employers.

Currently, in NC, the law and Nurse Practice Act states that CRNAs must work in "collaboration" with a physician (which can be a surgeon, dentist, podiatrist, anesthesiologist). The bill currently in committee in the state legislature will change the law to say that CRNAs should be "supervised" by a physician, if it passes. The biggest difference in practical terms is that if the physician is "supervising" the CRNA, then the physician will be held as liable, if not more so, legaly for the anesthetics provided. In NC, the bill could have a truly negative effect on rural health care. NC has 35 counties without any access to MDAs. All anesthetics in those areas are provided by CRNAs. Surgeons (or other physician) will have to claim "supervision" thus liability, for CRNAs to continue practice in those areas.

Sorry, I didnt realize you guys had already had such a torrid controversary on the subject. It is certainly the buzz around NC right now.

What do you guys think about AAs???? I'm in North Carolina and as of now AAs cannot practice in this state. However, the MDA association of NC is having a bill introduced into our state legislature to allow AAs to practice in NC. NCANA is fighting the bill tooth and nail through lobbying. I'm interested to hear from any CRNAs/SRNAs that currently work with AAs? What do you think of their practice? Do you think they are as qualified as CRNAs?