volunteering

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Where would be the best place to volunteer in the hospital to better understand and get closer to a CRNA? I want to start volunteering soon and would like to see what CRNA is like before I start schooling, so if anyone could recommend any unit or department that would awesome, thanks in advance.

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Specializes in Trauma, MICU.

In the surgery department or PACU (post surgery). I started as a volunteer in the PACU (I'm now an employee) and I see the CRNA's when they bring in the patients after surgery.

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In the surgery department or PACU (post surgery). I started as a volunteer in the PACU (I'm now an employee) and I see the CRNA's when they bring in the patients after surgery.

Is it possible to be with a CRNA as a volunteer when they are preforming their tasks?

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Specializes in Trauma, MICU.

Well...I have been working in my PACU since November 2004 - and last week one of the doctors let me stand in during a surgery (I had to ask of course). So I did get to see what the CRNA was doing.

Maybe once you get to know some of the people they might let you. Or you could even call and ask if there is anyway that you could observe. Maybe if you're lucky they might let you watch. Can't hurt to try!!!!! :D

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Well...I have been working in my PACU since November 2004 - and last week one of the doctors let me stand in during a surgery (I had to ask of course). So I did get to see what the CRNA was doing.

Maybe once you get to know some of the people they might let you. Or you could even call and ask if there is anyway that you could observe. Maybe if you're lucky they might let you watch. Can't hurt to try!!!!! :D

Thanks for the advice, I am going to start volunteering at a local hospital here and wasn't sure what unit or department to go to.

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You might want to see if a local teaching hospital has an 'anesthesia workroom'. I volunteered in the workroom for about 6 months...stocking the carts, etc. You get familiar with the supplies and get to view surgeries when done stocking the carts.

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Specializes in CVICU, CCRN, now SRNA.

I volunteered over 400 hours in an ER and a PACU prior to starting nursing school. Although I was interested in anesthesia, the exposure to the nurses was far more valuable. In my opinion, you should focus on nursing itself before anesthesia. Afterall, you will be a NURSE anesthetist. Don't put the cart before the horse, and make sure you want to be a nurse before you consider anesthesia too seriously. Good luck!

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