shadowing--how many hours/times?

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I'm curious as to how many hours of shadowing a CRNA people have done.

I have just gotten vague answers when I've asked the contact people at our program--there's no required amount.

Also, how long before the program? I am just setting up some time now, is this too late if I want to turn in my application this November? I had planned on starting at the beginning of the year, but other things (like knee surgery) happened.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Trauma ER and ICU...SRNA now.

I don't think any program has a set amount of hours. Basically, the goal is to assure yourself that you want to be a CRNA as well as to assure the school that you want to be a CRNA. School is competitive to get in, they don't want to accept someone and then have them quit becasue they don't like it.

As to when, as long as you can speak about it in the interview you should be fine. And I know people who only shadowed one day. So, it's an individual thing.

Good luck

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When I was in nursing school a few years back I was able to interact with CRNAs during our OR rotation and see what they did during the surgeries, but it wasn't an actual shadow experience. I had thought about becoming a CRNA before that, but that made me want to become one even more. I have been looking forward to shadowing, but betweem school and work I haven't been able to fit it in. I can't believe how time flies and now it's close to application time.

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU, L&D.

The amount of hours you shadow is all about what you are trying to get out of the experience. What a CRNA does, what are the hours like, what the environment is like, if you feel this is a field that you would be comfortable in, and also to get to know your CRNA that you would want to use as a reference when the time comes.

Good luck!:up:

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