Shadowing CRNA

Mully · May 13, 2014

You definitely should shadow. I got rejected when I called the hospital HR dept. Then I called the school I was applying to and asked if they had any advice. They immediately set me up with someone at their main hospital clinical site. They said I could come in anytime I want for as long as I want. Fast forward, I'll now be attending that school in the fall. I think it looks extra good to shadow where you are applying.

icu2crna · May 13, 2014

You definitely should shadow. I got rejected when I called the hospital HR dept. Then I called the school I was applying to and asked if they had any advice. They immediately set me up with someone at their main hospital clinical site. They said I could come in anytime I want for as long as I want. Fast forward, I'll now be attending that school in the fall. I think it looks extra good to shadow where you are applying.

I guess you were lucky. I don't know if I call the school they will do this for me.

TheguyRN · May 14, 2014

Yes, you will need to shadow. Most places will ask you about your shadow experience. Why would they accept you into a CRNA program if you haven't even taken the time to see what the profession does.

I shadowed a CRNA at my own hospital, does your hospital not have CRNAs? I was told it's difficult to find places willing to let you into an OR if you aren't a student/employee. Try emailing the CRNA school and seeing if they can set you up with an opportunity...

kbl7td · May 14, 2014

Are you not currently working? I find it hard to believe you can't shadow in your own facility. I can shadow anytime I want. I just watched an open heard for 5 hours yesterday and was right at the head of the bed the entire time observing the open heart, and helping the anesthesiologist.

missnurse01, MSN, RN · May 17, 2014

I found the email address of the chief crna at a local hospital as my hospital did not use crnas at all. The hospital I contacted was a teaching hospital so I think that made it a little easier maybe. She emailed me back right away and I shadowed twice there. I would try contacting a chief CRNA and not calling HR. Go straight to the one you need, and who will be most likely to help. Good luck.

UStrmcrdoRN · Oct 19, 2015

I currently work FT as an ICU RN in a busy San Diego unit-over 13 years as an ICU-RN, have my CCRN-CMC and ATCN, also held position of an RN-Manager for over an year (then wanted my life back!) have 3.89/4.00 GPA, A in all science subjects, finished a counselling session at Kaiser-Fullerton for their CRNA program which I thought went very well last month and then the rude awakening- Just cannot find some way to find an opportunity to "shadow" a CRNA in San Diego-not even in my facility which employs CRNAs!!! Then to find out that recently some of the facilities have instituted policies forbidding any shadowing opportunity unless one is from an "vetted educational porgram" is disheartening.. anyone in the same boat?! I would very thankful for any advice/suggestions that would improve my current predicament....Good day all!

UStrmcrdoRN · Oct 19, 2015

Hi! is this a new trend where hospitals are closing opportunities for "shadowing" CRNAs?? they claim "liability issues" for the change. I have worked alongside CRNAs while i worked at Phoenix but i do not have any paper work starting the same..