What else do I need?

[nurselizk]

I'm on a path to becoming a CRNA, with great GPA and GRE scores, and building solid experience in a busy SICU. I have a very strong work ethic and love taking on challenges. But, what about other things like personality characteristics? Are there things that can't be learned that are required to become a good CRNA? I believe in my myself and I make sure I know my stuff I act or speak, but I don't ooze confidence. I keep hearing what a tough place the OR is. How so? This is too important to me, and CRNA school too big a commitment, to find out that I don't have 'what it takes.'

[TangoLima]

I am so glad you asked this question. You sound very much like me. Although I have great GPA and expect to do well on GRE, I take a while to come out of my shell, so to speak. Although I get along well with others, I'm more of an introvert. I'll be interested to see what others have to say about this.

[SLSB2]

Anesthesia school is a competitive place. Let's just say that there are more Type A personalities than not. During the residency, you are working with different CRNAs, MDAs, surgeons and OR nurses everyday. Not to mention at different hospital clinical sites. (I went to 8 different sites in 20 months) Everyone has different expectations of you. It is important to assert yourself in every situation without coming off as cocky or over-confident. There is a fine line to walk. I've had neurosurgeons screaming at me to lower the blood pressure and demanding my attending come in the room. Although this is frustrating, I had to maintain my composure. Most of the time the MDA would not defend you and you felt like a jacka**. That is just the nature of a competitive residency.

This post is not to discourage anyone from pursuing anesthesia. I just want you to know that the OR is no place for timidity!

SLSB2 CRNA

[utahliz]

I still would like input from CRNA's on this, but I shadowed today and I know I will be fine. I'm not a person who strides into the room acting like I own the place, like my classmates who just started CRNA school do. The OR is a small group. I'm great with small groups. It's a place where ya gotta know your stuff. I know it, and I know that I know it. I'm always surprised by people saying that I look like I feel confident when I'm flying by the seat of my pants. I had a great day today. I can do this, and I know I'll get in somewhere. It's just a matter of getting a chance to interview. Spend a day shadowing, and I'm sure you'll find the same thing.

[dfk, RN, CRNA]

I still would like input from CRNA's on this, but I shadowed today and I know I will be fine. I'm not a person who strides into the room acting like I own the place, like my classmates who just started CRNA school do. The OR is a small group. I'm great with small groups. It's a place where ya gotta know your stuff. I know it, and I know that I know it. I'm always surprised by people saying that I look like I feel confident when I'm flying by the seat of my pants. I had a great day today. I can do this, and I know I'll get in somewhere. It's just a matter of getting a chance to interview. Spend a day shadowing, and I'm sure you'll find the same thing.

they will come down to earth soon enough, wanting or not.