What's in like in the OR as a CRNA?

Published

Specializes in Med surg, cardiac, case management.

I know that CRNAs perform anesthesia, but I wonder what they do during the surgery besides that.

I've heard people say that once they've induced the patient there's really nothing to do except periodically check the monitors.

I can't confirm any of this, because for some reason my school doesn't have OR rotations. So I'm curious as to what other people have observed.

Thanks.

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After the induction, the CRNA is responsible for continuous monitoring/assessment. It requires attention to detail, all the time. The CRNA needs to be ready to intervene/add gtts/give fluids, etc etc etc. It is the CRNAs sole responsibiltiy to keep the pt safe and maintain hemodynamics--that patient's life is literally in your hands. True, you are not in constant motion performing a number of tasks throughout the day as you are as an RN, but your mind must be constantly at attention and calculating.

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Dear putmetosleep,

I am very interested in becoming a CRNA, but am a restless type of person. Dont' get me wrong, I would be very calm and collected dealing with intake, but my mind or something needs to be active a lot and i don't think they'll let me bring a squeeze ball into the OR. what are your thoughts? how long is the average surgery where you work or for a typical CRNA? thanks,

usedbrain

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Usedbrain,

Well, I don't start CRNA school until August, so I can't tell you my personal experiences with average legnths of surgery. But from my experiences shadowing, the CRNA role can last anywhere from as long as it takes to insert an epidural for a laboring woman to an open heart surgery (or others, just an example), lasting as long as 7 or more hours for a complicated case. You really never know. But the thing is, there's always something to be done. You may end up doing 3 or 4 cases one day, and being in on just one case another day. You may spend one night moonlighting where you respond to multiple codes/airway management issues. Who knows. That's the beauty of it.

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A CRNA told me once anesthesia is 99% boredom and 1% the worst thrill you can imagine in your life

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Dear putmetosleep,

Thanks and good luck with everything! As long as there are things to do while in surgery I think I will do well.

sincerely,

usedbrain

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Specializes in CRNA, Law, Peer Assistance, EMS.

"99% boredom and 1% sheer terror" is the old adage. I would say the 99% figure is a bit exaggerated. It also depends where you choose to work. If you are doing outpatient knee arthroscopies day in day out you might find your adventurous side rather insulted. If you work in a large academic center you should not be 'bored' beyond your desired limits. Anesthesia is not just sitting on your ass after the patient is asleep as a general rule.....but a 12 hour facial reconstruction thrown in every once in a while might make it seem that way.

It simply is THE best job on earth.

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