Watchful Care - History of Nurse Anesthesia

[ADMIN]

Watchful Care: A History of Americas Nurse Anesthetists



http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/imagehosting/244ac8b6e7626d.jpg


<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=nurseanesthet-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=082640510X&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&lc1=0000ff&bc1=000000&bg1=ffffff&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>


One of the most effective ways to devalue a profession, or any group for that matter, is to ignore their history. Anesthesia texts written for primarily a physician audience have for decades systematically avoided mention of the considerable contributions made to the specialty of anesthesia by Nurse Anesthetists. This book tackles, and successfully masters the task of tracing the development of anesthesia as a nursing specialty from the 19th century to the 1980's. The author also chronicles the multiple, albeit unsuccessful, attempts of organized medicine to stifle the development CRNA's, the profession that has been providing the majority of anesthesia care to Americans for over a century. The book is a "must read" for anyone, nurse, physician or patient, who has an interest in the subject of anesthesia.

What do the forum members think?

[jackson74]

You can buy this book from the AANA for $24.95 plus shipping, instead of $90 or more that you would pay at Amazon. I highly recommend it. I read it in 2 days, couldn't put it down. Its amazing how many times MDA's have tried to limit CRNA practice in the past century. It gives SRNA's and wannabe SRNA's a deeper understanding of the profession and the importance of supporting the AANA at the national level and the state organizations at the local level.

[Sumatra]

I read this book when I was preparing for interviews with schools and it really gave me a greater understanding of the AANA, and the contribution nurses have made to anesthesia. It should be mandatory reading for all srnas. Sounds sorta cheesy, but reading this book made me really proud to be a part of this profession.

[MmacFN]

Its an awesome book.

As many have said, it shows us that we stand on the shoulders of giants.

[TranMan]

You can buy this book from the AANA for $24.95 plus shipping, instead of $90 or more that you would pay at Amazon. I highly recommend it. I read it in 2 days, couldn't put it down. Its amazing how many times MDA's have tried to limit CRNA practice in the past century. It gives SRNA's and wannabe SRNA's a deeper understanding of the profession and the importance of supporting the AANA at the national level and the state organizations at the local level.

Thanks for the post Mike and Thanks for the tip Jackson. I will be ordering from AANA soon.

[PICCmeRN]

You guys are incredible!!! Thank you, this is so refreshingly different from the typical "nurses eating our young mentality". You all have info and are willing to share your wisdom (complete with handy links). Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I can't wait to read this book and start peeling back some of the layers of interview apprehension. Any more tips?? I'm all ears. Bless you guys!

[PropofolDiva]

Got the book this weekend from a friend. Read it in 2 days. I plan on rereading it just to digest some more info. It was an eye opener for me in more ways than one. It was also surprising to find out that the opposition came from so many different avenues. Some were ridiculous, some just downright mean! The ANA bit was surprising to me as well. I remember when all the CRNAs at this huge trauma center was laid off and some were rehired by the anesthesia group who had just signed a contract with the hospital, I didn't quite understand how and what caused that to take place. The book answered a lot of questions and have raised even more.
Now, I have a better understanding of that sense of pride that just about every CRNA I know seems to have when talking about their profession. I also didn't quite understand the hesitation that some have in embracing the AAs.... I use to think ... what was the harm? Now I get it!
It reminds me of my old high school motto ........ "Persevere and Excel". Cheers to all those who have been fighting the battle for this profession over the years.

[6hipguns]

Another great book on nurse anesthesia history is Virginia Thatcher's, History of Anesthesia With Emphasis on the Nurse Specialist. Written in 1953, it's available to download as a PDF off the AANA site at:

http://www.aana.com/resources.aspx?ucNavMenu_TSMenuTargetID=164&ucNavMenu_TSMenuTargetType=4&ucNavMenu_TSMenuID=6&id=1730
It's under Resources, Archives, then Historical Resources if the link doesn't work.
A lot of stuff in Watchful Care is actually taken from Thatcher's book and it's free. Takes a while to print, but it's there.

[MmacFN]

cool find!

[assilem]

thanx for the link

[in2b8nsed8]

You guys are incredible!!! Thank you, this is so refreshingly different from the typical "nurses eating our young mentality". You all have info and are willing to share your wisdom (complete with handy links). Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I can't wait to read this book and start peeling back some of the layers of interview apprehension. Any more tips?? I'm all ears. Bless you guys!


I agree completely...this site is awesome and everyone gives perfect advice. Thanks to everyone!

[captgaston]

I have an interview in two weeks, I will be reading this book very soon. Thank you all... And PICCmeRN is right; the people on this site serve as a reminder why I am making this career change.....

[gthcrna]

Thatcher is a bit of a tough read. It is full of great information and is considerably more in depth than Bankert (Watchful Care). The only issue I have is that if I am not mistaken WC ends around 1990. There needs to be a follow up for the rest of the '90s and 2000's. So many things - opt out, reimbursement changes, etc. I would like to see a sequel!!

As it has been stated so many times, we really do owe a debt of gratitude to those who fought the fight for so many years before any of us were on the scene. The CRNAs who let their AANA membership expire, don't contribute to important causes and sit back and say "my job is fine, I have nothing to worry about" in my opinion were very poorly socialized into this profession by their CRNA Program. When you work with students it is vital they understand that without AANA, none of us would be doing what we do and love today.

I am on a soapbox, but since I am already here - those SRNAs and future SRNAs - never allow your AANA membership to go unpaid. I have been a dues paying member of AANA since graduating in 1992. I may not always agree with things they do, but it is the one and only organization with our concerns and needs in mind. With the economy being as it is, I dread the fallout of people allowing their AANA membership to lapse because they can't "afford it". For the vast majority of CRNAs, it is less than 1/2 of 1% of their gross income. Seriously.

I am slowly becoming one of those "old" CRNAs who is tired of fighting. I have written more than my fair share of letters to elected officials, done the CRNA day at the state capitol, met with the Governor, lobbied for our needs, contributed to the various PACs when I can. It is time for you to make guys like me proud and keep this alive and thriving. I will fight until I can't do it anymore - I am not planning on quitting anytime soon. We have to be a united force to affect change.

Most of our battles are not to increase our scope of practice or autonomy, they are mearly to keep what it is we already have. In order to enjoy the benefit, you must be willing to toil. It is only fair. Be an ardent supporter of AANA once you have graduated. Take it from an old guy, without AANA, none of us would be here.

Jerry :soapbox:

[captgaston]

I just called the AANA today and ordered WC as per recomended. Thanks again everyone!

[gorillagas]

I read this book when I was preparing for interviews with schools and it really gave me a greater understanding of the AANA, and the contribution nurses have made to anesthesia. It should be mandatory reading for all srnas. Sounds sorta cheesy, but reading this book made me really proud to be a part of this profession.
I agree with Sumatra. Also, reading about how the US military utilized nurse anesthetists and how it helped grow and establish this profession makes me want to join. Well see, just got accepted to school, cant wait to start!

[Cptnmikey]

Anyone done with the book that would like to pass it on? If not, that's cool, just don't want it to go to waste on a shelf when I could be reading it! :)


-Mike

[EMTRNBSN]

concur on the sequel - will investigate Thatcher ASAP. however, I think if I am ever on an ADCOMM, applicants will be required to submit a book report/review on Watchful Care with their application. If you don't read Watchful Care and discuss intelligently, No interview. :beerglass: :beerglass:





Thatcher is a bit of a tough read. It is full of great information and is considerably more in depth than Bankert (Watchful Care). The only issue I have is that if I am not mistaken WC ends around 1990. There needs to be a follow up for the rest of the '90s and 2000's. So many things - opt out, reimbursement changes, etc. I would like to see a sequel!!

As it has been stated so many times, we really do owe a debt of gratitude to those who fought the fight for so many years before any of us were on the scene. The CRNAs who let their AANA membership expire, don't contribute to important causes and sit back and say "my job is fine, I have nothing to worry about" in my opinion were very poorly socialized into this profession by their CRNA Program. When you work with students it is vital they understand that without AANA, none of us would be doing what we do and love today.

I am on a soapbox, but since I am already here - those SRNAs and future SRNAs - never allow your AANA membership to go unpaid. I have been a dues paying member of AANA since graduating in 1992. I may not always agree with things they do, but it is the one and only organization with our concerns and needs in mind. With the economy being as it is, I dread the fallout of people allowing their AANA membership to lapse because they can't "afford it". For the vast majority of CRNAs, it is less than 1/2 of 1% of their gross income. Seriously.

I am slowly becoming one of those "old" CRNAs who is tired of fighting. I have written more than my fair share of letters to elected officials, done the CRNA day at the state capitol, met with the Governor, lobbied for our needs, contributed to the various PACs when I can. It is time for you to make guys like me proud and keep this alive and thriving. I will fight until I can't do it anymore - I am not planning on quitting anytime soon. We have to be a united force to affect change.

Most of our battles are not to increase our scope of practice or autonomy, they are mearly to keep what it is we already have. In order to enjoy the benefit, you must be willing to toil. It is only fair. Be an ardent supporter of AANA once you have graduated. Take it from an old guy, without AANA, none of us would be here.

Jerry :soapbox:

[Summitk2]

I think if I am ever on an ADCOMM, applicants will be required to submit a book report/review on Watchful Care with their application. If you don't read Watchful Care and discuss intelligently, No interview.

You mean an adcom for 3rd grade? I would refuse to apply to a school requiring a book report. Appreciation cannot be forced, but it can be inspired. If you had the benefit of sitting on an adcom (vs. high horse), I would rather you'd be more inspiring than requiring.

[MmacFN]

Summitk

It does not seem unreasonable to expect people who want to become nurse anesthetists to actually know something about the history of the profession before trying to be one. While a book report may seem alot, we require people to take the GRE exam which has been proven not to have any relevance to anything in grad school. In comparison, it isnt much to ask and if you would not be willing to do something which actually relates to the profession I would question if you would be good for the profession.

The Adcomm's job isnt to be inspiring to you, it is your job to inspire THEM. The adcomm's job is to be discerning and selective taking people who will be good for the profession and excellent CRNAs.


You mean an adcom for 3rd grade? I would refuse to apply to a school requiring a book report. Appreciation cannot be forced, but it can be inspired. If you had the benefit of sitting on an adcom (vs. high horse), I would rather you'd be more inspiring than requiring.

[EMTRNBSN]

these attitudes might have something to do with why Summit got turned down at 4 schools before finally getting in at the
5th... :pound: :beerglass: :beerglass:

like mike said, cupcake...., it aint about your "druthers".... thanks for playing and good luck in Samford.... try not to be too much of a disrespectful close minded richard....:beerglass: :beerglass:



Summitk

It does not seem unreasonable to expect people who want to become nurse anesthetists to actually know something about the history of the profession before trying to be one. While a book report may seem alot, we require people to take the GRE exam which has been proven not to have any relevance to anything in grad school. In comparison, it isnt much to ask and if you would not be willing to do something which actually relates to the profession I would question if you would be good for the profession.

The Adcomm's job isnt to be inspiring to you, it is your job to inspire THEM. The adcomm's job is to be discerning and selective taking people who will be good for the profession and excellent CRNAs.

[Summitk2]

I just wanted to share my 2 cents and made a dumb impulse post. EMTRNBSN--I apologize for the personal offense and tone of my post--it shouldn't have been directed at you personally.

Mike, I never said applicants shouldn't have knowledge or appreciation of the profession--of course I'm on the same page as you on this. However, I don't think this kind of preparation should be required--I believe it should be expected. Most schools don't require advanced certifications (eg CCRN), but it is expected that you're an expert clinician in your field and should hold such certifications. As an applicant, you should be expected to have a thorough knowledge and appreciation of the profession. Also, I agree with your thoughts on needing to inspire the adcom as an applicant in the interview; I guess I was picturing their later role during the program as mentors & educators who have a vested interest in the formation of your professional career.

I did read Watchful Care, and gained a great appreciation for the profession, well before I ever applied to anesthesia school. However, if this kind of reading were ever to be suggested/ required, I think it should occur during the program--as should lectures on historic and current issues. I think creating hoops (yes, including the GRE) by adcoms is ridiculous. It does nothing to separate applicants except for more check-marks. I do agree that you should be able to respond to profession-related questions demonstrating an accurate knowledge of the profession and a genuine appreciation of its past.

Digging up my background, attempting to offend me and paint me in a bad light--all attempting to be sly, is sophomoric at best. I will not post again as I did, and I expect that I shouldn't receive such nastiness in return.

I also apologize for the highjack. Inspiring book. Great website.

[MmacFN]

hehe

No worries man, everyone does this from time to time, I sure have.

I agree with you totally, it should be expected. Unfortunately many people are now interested in anesthesia school because they know the annual income and nothing else. These people will never go the extra mile and meet these expectations unless they are mandatory. It is unfortunate, but that is the reality today.

So sometimes you have to make mandatory what seems like common sense to be expected.....

Like everything, there are saboteurs and assassins everywhere even when it comes to applying for school.


I just wanted to share my 2 cents and made a dumb impulse post. EMTRNBSN--I apologize for the personal offense and tone of my post--it shouldn't have been directed at you personally.

Mike, I never said applicants shouldn't have knowledge or appreciation of the profession--of course I'm on the same page as you on this. However, I don't think this kind of preparation should be required--I believe it should be expected. Most schools don't require advanced certifications (eg CCRN), but it is expected that you're an expert clinician in your field and should hold such certifications. As an applicant, you should be expected to have a thorough knowledge and appreciation of the profession. Also, I agree with your thoughts on needing to inspire the adcom as an applicant in the interview; I guess I was picturing their later role during the program as mentors & educators who have a vested interest in the formation of your professional career.

I did read Watchful Care, and gained a great appreciation for the profession, well before I ever applied to anesthesia school. However, if this kind of reading were ever to be suggested/ required, I think it should occur during the program--as should lectures on historic and current issues. I think creating hoops (yes, including the GRE) by adcoms is ridiculous. It does nothing to separate applicants except for more check-marks. I do agree that you should be able to respond to profession-related questions demonstrating an accurate knowledge of the profession and a genuine appreciation of its past.

Digging up my background, attempting to offend me and paint me in a bad light--all attempting to be sly, is sophomoric at best. I will not post again as I did, and I expect that I shouldn't receive such nastiness in return.

I also apologize for the highjack. Inspiring book. Great website.

[Esper]

I think it would be a good "hidden" requirement. I could easily skim a book and write a report on it (I think that's what they teach you in high school). But if you just sprung it on people in the interview, that would be good.

Just like my school had a "hidden requirement" of shadowing. Nothing official, but we were told later that you had you said "No" to that question you were discarded

P.S. I know Summit and trust me...model nurse and student...

[skipaway]

these attitudes might have something to do with why Summit got turned down at 4 schools before finally getting in at the
5th... :pound: :beerglass: :beerglass:

:
That was harsh EMT....btw...it still says you're a "pre-srna" Have you been accepted? You seem to have lots of opinions.

[EMTRNBSN]

good on you for manning up. bad on you for groundlessly attributing false motives and calling names. take it how you will, it was objective commentary, plain and simple.

IMHO, it's bad form to snivel if totally unprovoked, you get nasty and someone goes DEFCON 1 on yer ass.... you attacked me ... i chose not to put tracers across your bow...you weren't entitled to a warning at that stage....

PS: SummitK2, I already thought you were basically good to go, but if Esper sez so....well hot damn! be glad to buy you an adult beverage some time. (and what's up w/ K2? inspiration or goal?)

skipaway, with all due respect, not your "fight".... if you'd like to throw down a gauntlet, i may or may not accommodate, as time permits...i'd much rather learn from you, unless you want to spar for the fun of it....ROE: no sniveling over inadvertent bruises and bloody noses...me personally, I prefer to stick to buying adult beverages...





I just wanted to share my 2 cents and made a dumb impulse post. EMTRNBSN--I apologize for the personal offense and tone of my post--it shouldn't have been directed at you personally.

Digging up my background, attempting to offend me and paint me in a bad light--all attempting to be sly, is sophomoric at best. I will not post again as I did, and I expect that I shouldn't receive such nastiness in return.

I also apologize for the highjack. Inspiring book. Great website.

[skipaway]

skipaway, with all due respect, not your "fight".... ..
May not be "my fight" but with all due respect....it was harsh and I'm calling you on it. You don't have to act that way to your collegues. I'm sure Summitt would rather learn from you than get blasted from you.

[EMTRNBSN]

classic law of dueling... when a challenge is issued, the challengee, in this case, me, gets choice of weapons....

i chose to bring a "harsh" LAW rocket to summit's totally unprovoked knife fight. game over. potentially childish running gun battle nipped in the bud.

hopefully, we can be friends now.

relatively speaking, no such thing as "disproportionate response" (that's a joke)

PS: yer AWESOME! :beerglass: :beerglass:



May not be "my fight" but with all due respect....it was harsh and I'm calling you on it. You don't have to act that way to your collegues. I'm sure Summitt would rather learn from you than get blasted from you.

[Esper]

:laufband:

[EMTRNBSN]

I like your idea. something to filter out and reward those proactive individuals without undue spoonfeeding...

I really do think it should be a requirement in some form....

would also like to see an update of both Watchful Care and Jan's book on practice options.... another dated but "must read".....

:beerglass: :beerglass:


I think it would be a good "hidden" requirement. I could easily skim a book and write a report on it (I think that's what they teach you in high school). But if you just sprung it on people in the interview, that would be good.

Just like my school had a "hidden requirement" of shadowing. Nothing official, but we were told later that you had you said "No" to that question you were discarded

P.S. I know Summit and trust me...model nurse and student...

[Reina]

So does anyone with a Watchful Care book want to sell it to an eager reader? If not, I can purchase it from AANA....I just thought I could lighten someone's bookshelf and prevent the dust from collecting....

[medic7577]

So does anyone with a Watchful Care book want to sell it to an eager reader? If not, I can purchase it from AANA....I just thought I could lighten someone's bookshelf and prevent the dust from collecting....

Nah...Go ahead and buy it. Ive already read my copy twice. You're gonna want to hold onto it and reread later. Yeah, its that important! We stand on the shoulders of Giants!!!


Later,


Griff

[Reina]

Yeah, I'm not one to get rid of books - I still have my health assessment, anatomy, and that 50 lb medical surgical nursing textbook (to name a few). I have kept most of my nursing books and look forward to collecting many more! I will print the order form and buy it tomorrow.

Thanks!
P.S. I hope I am not turning into one of those "hoarders." Have you seen that show on A&E?