Questions Unanswered!!

Focker, CRNA · Jan 21, 2006

I just started crna school last week, as an ICU nurse interested in the field, I had no idea how polarized the politcial climate between CRNAs and Anesthesiologists was. We just had a class discussing the history of nurse anesthesia and a few contrasting points to that article were discussed. I am still just beginning to understand the different viewpoints, but my overall impression is that independence and economics are the two major motivators. The "care team model" that was referenced several times by the article on ASA, I believe is equivalent to anesthesiologist supervision of CRNAs, which is not required in many states. This is a huge point of contention for both groups, and as was said in the article, millions of dollars have been spent by both sides on lobbying and promotion. Anesthesiologists promote AA's, because AA's are required to be supervised by an anesthesiologist. Supervision equates to the anesthesiologist getting a cut of the payment for the anesthesia administered to the patient, and thus the economic motivation. The AANA's position is adamant that supervision is not necessary, mostly evidenced by the fact that safety is equivalent between CRNAs and Anesthesiologists. The AANA definitely did not accept the ASA's "care team model" and it is my understanding that the AANA has declined to even have talks with the ASA because of it. I don't believe that I know enough yet to really form an opinion, but I feel pretty confident that, as an SRNA, it behooves me to stick with the AANA.

deepz · Jan 22, 2006

Dr Mark Lema's 'Ventilations' columns have often fanned the flames of contention between the A$A and the lowly nurse anesthetists that Dr Lema and his ilk would wish to enslave. He is a craven ideologue whose agenda centers on his bank account.

For an alternative view on stupervision:

http://www.gaspasser.com/animal%20farm.html

deepz

Nitecap · Jan 22, 2006

In response to this article: http://www.asahq.org/Newsletters/2003/04_03/ventilations04_03.htm I was wondering what was some practicing CRNA/SRNA's think about this. Sorry if this article has already been discussed, I did a search and did not find anything. SO DON'T THROW ANY FLAMES PLEASE!! I was just wondering if the ASA did accept CRNA's for a care team approach would you guys leave AANA and join them. Please read the article for more details. Thanks. :-)

Most CRNA practice within the anesthesia care team model at present. According to 2003 AANA data 38% of the 13,000 CRNA surveryed practice as an employee of a anesthesia group. The care team approach is the most commonly used mgmt approach.

The AANA is a professional organization representing CRNA's, while the ASA represents physician anesthesia providers. The 2 or totally different, the ASA will not represent, support, advance the practice of nurse anesthesia. They want complete controll and cant and wont get it.

The BS of numbers dwindling is garbage as well. The AANA the official numbers for 2004 were 29,003 and will be greater when the 2005 final numbers are up. 43% being male.

As well about 1400 people graduated from CRNA programs in 2005, compared with 1390 (grogono.com) MDA'sfinished residency.

As well many new programs have opened, we are graduating the most CRNA's ever at present and have the most programs open.

Also not sure where he gets 25% not belonging to the AANA. The aana boast over 90% membership. I know the ASA does not have 90% membership, prob not even close. Plus since sept. 11th many CRNA's have had to increase their retirement ages, as has many other professions. I would not worry about this article, its totally biased blab. Almost every point he makes can be refuted and proven to be wrong with correct data.

'

If you want to be a member of the ASA be a MDA or AA. If you want to be a member of the AANA become a CRNA. The 2 organization will meet occassionally but never ever ever merge, i promise you.

The anesthesia care team practice models have been around for a while.

London88 · Jan 22, 2006

deepz:

Thanks for the reference that was pretty entertaining.

deepz · Jan 22, 2006

deepz:
Thanks for the reference that was pretty entertaining.

De nada. How about that final point? -- that if the A$A's vaunted superiority of docs over CRNAs actually held water, the British system, with only docs doing anesthesia, would be clearly and demonstrably better than ours, where half the hospitals in the USA use CRNAs only. Makes sense to me. Don't know why more isn't made of that argument in AANA PR.

BTW there are 33,000 of us now, according to AANA.

deepz