Today is the day that I decided to pursue a career as a CRNA. I knew I wanted to get into nursing, but I also knew that I wanted to be more than an RN. After researching different careers, I'm certain I found the one!
The only problem... I'm a 30 year old IT professional starting from scratch. My plan is to start with the ADN program at my local community college. Become an RN and continue with my BSN, hopefully landing a job in a critical care unit along the way. Then onto a CRNA program. It looks to be a tough road, but definitely doable I believe.
So does anyone have any advice from me, starting from the very beginning? Anything you would have done differently in your career?
When I first began to seek shadowing experiences I too was turned down over the phone.
Next I went to the hospital and asked to speak with someone in the anesthesia department. Once you are face to face with someone and they see how serious you are about wanting to learn about their profession...your chances of them helping you get into the OR are definitetly better than over the phone.
Also I would try to go to a large teaching hospital where new faces (students, residents, etc..) in the OR are the norm...this is easier than going to a provate hospital where are afraid they will be sued for HIPAA violations.
Be persistent, and spend some time with a few differnt CRNA's..maybe even in a few different settings if possible. There is so much more to this field than what may appear at first glance...don't get me wrong...I believe it is the best job in healthcare...but you need to make sure YOU have the mentality to want to eat, drink, and sleep anesthesia for 2+ years in school and for the rest of your career. Good luck in finding a place to shadow.
mammothsnw
87 Posts
When I first began to seek shadowing experiences I too was turned down over the phone.
Next I went to the hospital and asked to speak with someone in the anesthesia department. Once you are face to face with someone and they see how serious you are about wanting to learn about their profession...your chances of them helping you get into the OR are definitetly better than over the phone.
Also I would try to go to a large teaching hospital where new faces (students, residents, etc..) in the OR are the norm...this is easier than going to a provate hospital where are afraid they will be sued for HIPAA violations.
Be persistent, and spend some time with a few differnt CRNA's..maybe even in a few different settings if possible. There is so much more to this field than what may appear at first glance...don't get me wrong...I believe it is the best job in healthcare...but you need to make sure YOU have the mentality to want to eat, drink, and sleep anesthesia for 2+ years in school and for the rest of your career. Good luck in finding a place to shadow.