SRNA's Did you do a clinical with a CRNA?

heartICU · Sep 19, 2005

Just wondering how many SRNA's tjere are out there that got to do a clinical in the OR with a CRNA? And if you did...was it helpful during the application process and also now while you are in school? Have a nice day:) Ivy.

Yes. It is actually required for many programs to have shadowed a CRNA for a day or two.

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2005

Lots of nursing schools will give you some clinical time in the OR. So when you go, be sure to buddy up with the CRNA and ask lots of questions. I shadowed a CRNA for a few days as part of my clinical experience in the OR for nursing school, and it definitely reaffirmed by belief that I wanted to apply! Both schools I interviewed at wanted to know about my shadowing experiences.

emtmoon1 · Sep 20, 2005

During the last semester of my BSN program we were required to complete a "Capstone" where we shadowed an advance practice nurse in the field of choice for 120 hours. Shadowing a CRNA for 120 hours was a great experience and was the final factor in my decision to pursue a career as a CRNA. Any time spent in the OR with a CRNA will give you a taste of what their responsibilities and skills really are. I strongly recommend this and it also goes a long way with the application process for CRNA school.

Kiwi, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2005

we were required to complete a "Capstone" where we shadowed an advance practice nurse in the field of choice for 120 hours.

Sweet!

UCDSICURN · Sep 21, 2005

During the last semester of my BSN program we were required to complete a "Capstone" where we shadowed an advance practice nurse in the field of choice for 120 hours. Shadowing a CRNA for 120 hours was a great experience and was the final factor in my decision to pursue a career as a CRNA. Any time spent in the OR with a CRNA will give you a taste of what their responsibilities and skills really are. I strongly recommend this and it also goes a long way with the application process for CRNA school.

Good for you! Sounds like you're in a progressive program that realizes that everyone doesn't want to be a public health nurse. The RN-BSN program I'm in now is really trying my patience with the fluffy garbage hoops they're making us go through. :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire ...Give me the hard sciences any day..........

ivypetals · Sep 22, 2005

I'm actually doing 120 hours with the CRNA & MD...wonderful teachers...I will never be able to repay them for all the info and education they are giving me. I've already learned how to intubate! I get to do this a lot. Yikes and also how to bag/mask vent. My MD as I call him is so great...he gives me homework on the drugs and the why's of what we are doing. Its so cool. I am so excited to go to clinicals and then so hum..hum about going to work:). I will get to log a total of 240 hours with these 2 guys and hope that goes a long way with my application. I'm keeping a journal per the MD's advise about techniques I like, don't like and my experiences. One of the other nurses ask him why he gave me homework...his response was...she's going to CRNA school and she's going to be ready as it reflects on me! So how cool is it that I have free reign of the OR!

ivy

During the last semester of my BSN program we were required to complete a "Capstone" where we shadowed an advance practice nurse in the field of choice for 120 hours. Shadowing a CRNA for 120 hours was a great experience and was the final factor in my decision to pursue a career as a CRNA. Any time spent in the OR with a CRNA will give you a taste of what their responsibilities and skills really are. I strongly recommend this and it also goes a long way with the application process for CRNA school.

athomas91 · Sep 22, 2005

ivypetals - may want to keep that information on the down low once you start as an SRNA... your clinical site will want you green (so they can take credit LOL!!!)

this is not absolutely the case - just be cautious.

Andrea

apaisRN, RN, CRNA · Sep 22, 2005

True, athomas. Also it will not buy you popularity among your classmates and teachers to sound like a know-it-all. Tell people you have a great understanding of the CRNA role from all that exposure, but not that you already know how to intubate, etc etc.

ivypetals · Sep 30, 2005

I'm not in a progressive program...I'm just a hussler trying to go to CRNA school and I find a way to jump through the hoop to benefit myself...it never hurts to ask....or beg if it gets you what and where you want....everyone else is doing health dept stuff...I begged my instructor and the hospital to let me do this and just lucked out with an awesome MD who really loves to teach. I do public health stuff....as I'm preoping them!:)

Good for you! Sounds like you're in a progressive program that realizes that everyone doesn't want to be a public health nurse. The RN-BSN program I'm in now is really trying my patience with the fluffy garbage hoops they're making us go through. :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire ...Give me the hard sciences any day..........

ivypetals · Sep 30, 2005

Will keep my head low in school...I'm just so blessed and excited to get this type of instruction and teaching before I ever go! I mean how many students/nurses ever really get to do this stuff before they go to school? I'd say not many...I'll just look extra smart when I intubate on the first try! By the way I did it so much the other day that my arm is so sore! Got to lift some weights. What I have found from this whole experience is that I am perfect for this and I totally have found my nitch...I love it...the control, the responsiblity, the team....its so me!

True, athomas. Also it will not buy you popularity among your classmates and teachers to sound like a know-it-all. Tell people you have a great understanding of the CRNA role from all that exposure, but not that you already know how to intubate, etc etc.

tealuvr · Sep 30, 2005

i shadowed 4 crna's, and interviewed another three. my goals was not skill acquisition, but rather to learn if this role was a fit for me. i am 39 and want to ensure at this point i am making a good decision. i observed how physicians and crna's communicate at induction, how "breaks" are handled...including the mini-reports. in one instance, a surgeon didn't want me observing and the way the crna handled this made me feel humbled and part of a team. most surgeons were supportive of my plans. i was impressed with the communication required between the crna and sds, icu and recovery room nurses. i shadowed specifically to better understand the linchpins and conflicts around the role. my observation included time at a children's hospital, an adult hospital and a freestanding surgery center. this opportunity intensified my desire and permitted me to witness crna's responding to questions, developing their professional approach and how they intervened to correct misinformation. now my focus is on understanding legislative issues current to the role.

hope this helps.

tracey