Why a CRNA??

kkrnkk · Sep 23, 2002

The CHALLENGE- the AUTONOMY- the ability to take care of patients at a much higher level- (still be able to do the things I enjoyed about nursing like teaching, interacting with patients and thier families, etc.) AND OF COURSE, THE COMPENSATION.

Brenna's Dad · Sep 23, 2002

Four or five things.

1. Cash

2. Interest in Anesthesia.

3. Hours

4. Challenge

5. Autonomy

(not in any particular order)

meandragonbrett · Sep 24, 2002

I've always wanted to do anesthesia, it intrigues me. Although, I never wanted to be a physician and was willing to do something else if I had to. But I discovered CRNAs through my mom and started reading and learning more and more about the profession. I saw the autonomy that they have and that they can function alone and that's what I wanted.

Brett

Brenna's Dad · Sep 24, 2002

I have to admit that autonomy is also a big attraction for me. It's just getting a little tiring convincing residents that I really DO know what I'm talking about and that people DON'T always act like a textbook.

Doug Cameron · Sep 24, 2002

Brenna's Dad - your reply hit a chord with me. I have had the same experience. It hit me again today, as someone who I didn't know assumed I was ignorant because my nametag said "RN" after my name. Does it get any better in the OR as a CRNA? I realize there will always be ....personalities...who are insecure and like to demonstrate their superiority; but on the whole, do you think a CRNA receives more respect?

AL bug · Sep 25, 2002

Reasons for chosing CRNA

1. Autonomy

2. Getting to do the things about nursing I love (technical aspects) and not having to do so much crap work (pun intended)

3. Physiology, Pharmacology, and relation to sciences

4. Money

5. Respect-yes I have seen the difference in the level of respect between RN's and CRNA's

meandragonbrett · Sep 25, 2002

I have seen the respect difference as well. The CRNAs where I work are looked upon very highly by all staff members.

Brett

smogmatt · Sep 26, 2002

but what do you all mean when you say "the Challenge" what specifically?? to put it another way what would you tell your best friend when they ask at the end of the day "so what do you like best about your job" what do you say

what single experience makes you say, as your are shuting your locker for the day "ahh yep that's what it's all about!!"

just wonderin'

Matt

kmchugh · Sep 26, 2002

Well, the challenge....

I guess part of that is the fact that just getting here is the hardest thing I have ever done. I really mean, school was tough. Never worked so hard in all my life.

Also, there's the challenge of a particularly difficult case, such as open heart surgery when coming off pump, or carotid surgery, or intercranial surgery. In most cases, there are a lot of different actions that could be taken at any particular juncture. Making the right choices, improving the patient's physiological status. Having the surgeon complement you at the end of a case, ask for you for future cases, because s/he knows you can be trusted to take the best possible care of the patient.

Best parts? Man, thats a big question. I don't currently do OB, but there is enormous satisfaction in putting an epidural into a woman in labor, and watching her relax over a period of just a few minutes as it takes effect. The look she gives you as you leave the room. Coming back a few hours later to be present for the birth of a baby, to help with starting that baby out in life. "ahh yep that's what it's all about!!"

Or going to see a patient preoperatively, finding out they are in terrible pain and frightened to boot. Being able to prescribe something to relieve that pain, and the anxiety as well. Or the feeling waking a patient up in the recovery room, and having them tell you the pain they had before surgery is gone. No, I don't do the surgery, but it wouldn't be possible without me. "ahh yep that's what it's all about!!"

Or, like yesterday. Doing a monitered anesthesia care (MAC) case. These can be most challenging, since the patient is never put fully to sleep. The procedure is done mostly with local anesthetic, but you must be there to monitor, provide sedation. At the end of the case yesterday, the patient told me she was very nervous going in, but just the sound of my voice, confident and comforting (her words, not mine) really helped her get through a very scary experience. "ahh yep that's what it's all about!!"

Kevin McHugh, CRNA

gotosleep · Sep 26, 2002

Wonderful response Kevin. I'm a first year SRNA and that is exactly what I needed to hear.

randy

Notanurse · Sep 26, 2002

Hey Kevin,

Reading your response about "putting an epidural into a woman in labor, and watching her relax over a period of just a few minutes as it takes effect. The look she gives you as you leave the room.", reminded me of my wife during delivery. The doctor that performed that procedure could have been a veternarian for all my cared. She loved him! You're right about that "look". That's when I decided to explore this field....can't wait to achieve those coveted initials.