SRNAs demeaning other DNP specialties

[SRNA123]

Hey everyone,

I just started my first year in a CRNA program. Currently, we are taking many of our classes with other DNP specialties such as Nurse Practitioners, Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and a few others. In many of the classes, our professors randomly selected assignment groups. All of the groups are a mix of specialties. The first major assignment is due next week so many of the groups are working on the assignment. A few of my classmates have been posting screenshots making fun of how people (in other specialties) have responded to the assignment questions. My classmates have been asking for CRNA student-only groups. Saying things such as “I guess we really are a different breed from the other DNP specialties”. Many more negative comments toward the other DNP specialties have been made in our CRNA group chat. I understand the frustration of working in a group project, but it just seems a little insensitive and entitled. I feel like they are bringing people down, rather than empowering other nurses to continue on to higher education.

I have dealt with many difficult people in the past, as do all of us working in healthcare. I have never had an issue moving past the problem or situation and tend to let things go quickly. I know there can be very strong personalities in the OR and I am okay with that and very much understood that before choosing this as my career (and taking out a lot of student loans). I just did not think I would encounter it so much with my classmates. It seems daunting to be around such negativity and entitlement for the next three years. If anyone has advice from similar situations with classmates or has had a similar experience, I would love some insight.

[Oldmahubbard]

This doesn't surprise me that much. It is rather childish. But the truth is CRNA programs are really tough to get into, and most other APRN programs are not. There is a difference.

It is unfortunate in my opinion that any APRN program still has fluff classes and group projects.

If I were you, I wouldn't participate in any of the belittling.

You will meet narcissists from time to time in life, no matter where you work. Ignoring them is the only option I am aware of.

[imenid37]

I guess it is a bunch of generic CRNA students who think they know it all and are better than others. I am a CNS in a DNP program. We have a lot of practicing CRNAs. They are smart, articulate, and well mannered people. We have been in groups together. As pre-APRN students, some people are very cocky about their ability. Humility is coming. It always does. Some people are -$$holes for life. Most, when kicked in -$$ realize we all need each other.

[HeartHero]

SRNA123,

I think it shows a great deal of maturity and emotional intelligence to recognize this type of behavior among your classmates. I, too, just started my CRNA program, and my cohort is also intermingled with different specialties for the core DNP classes. I'm currently in a working group with one of my SRNA counterparts and 2 students in other specialties. The truth of the matter is that the other students really do view things a little differently that we do, but I think that's primarily due to their background. They're not ICU nurses. They never have been. So why is it fair for us to expect them to want to do a project on VAP when that means absolutely nothing to their clinical experience? Critical care topics don't reach all of nursing, but all of nursing reaches critical care nurses, if that makes any sense.

More truth - working with these students directly mimics the environment in which we'll work as providers. We all have the same end goal here - to acquire a terminal degree that will empower us to better serve our patients. My advice to you is to continue working hard in your journey to become a DNP prepared CRNA, and respect all those you meet along the way. If you want, you can drop some truth bombs on your arrogant, entitled classmates. Just remember to choose your battles wisely.

At the very least, there WILL BE a CRNA or an anesthesiologist or a surgeon in their clinical experiences who knocks those jamokes down a notch. And those who can't handle such a fall shouldn't ride such a high horse ?