Queasy during surgery??? :/

[babynurse06]

hello all- i currently work in a NICU (neonatal) just wondering if thats accepted (icu requirements) the same way as adults?? i would like to advance my career at a young age and thought about CRNA....but i also get queasy at the sight of surgery....i know as a CRNA you don't really have to watch....but would it be a bad idea to become a CRNA for this reason????

i appreciate any thoughts

[Tia]

There are quite a few people that are queasy in the OR for the first couple of surgeries and then they become use to it. A good CRNA always knows what is happening on the other side of the drape so that means you will have to see the surgery. There are numerous types of surgeries that can change your anesthetic requirements based on what is happening at that point in the procedure.

The best course of action at this point is to shadow some CRNA's but let them know that you get queasy and see if you feel better after watching a few. Good luck and always eat a good breakfast before you go into the OR.

Sincerely,

Tia

[skipaway]

Yes, you can have NICU experience though, some, believe additional adult ICU experience would be helpful.

And don't believe anyone who tells you that a CRNA doesn't have to "watch" the surgery. That is one of the most important things a CRNA does. They need to be always aware of what the surgeon is doing. You need to be able to time your anesthetic to the procedure and if you haven't been watching what's going on, you'll be in the dark. Also, some complications from the surgical side can be picked up by the anesthetist and the patient can be treated better if you have been vigilent and have been watching the surgery.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

If surgery makes you queasy why pursue it? There are many advanced practice categories that aren't, well, gory.

[Phishininau]

I used to say the same thing. Weak stomach was the reason I cited for not following through on going to medical school after my first bachelors degree. However, after seeing a few surgeries and dealing with what I dealt with in the unit for a few years, surgery is not that bad to watch. It doesnt bother me in the least, anymore.

Most of the things that go on in surgery are pretty controlled. There isnt a LOT of blood unless something goes wrong. An evisceration in the unit is a lot uglier.

The program that I am in required Gross Anatomy, which includes a cadaver dissection. I assure you that after doing that, surgery is nothing to worry about. I dont think there are too many programs that still require the full gross anatomy class, though.