CRNA Shadow

[lytilcrna]

Hey folks, I have a serious question to ask.
How do I go about requesting to shadow a CRNA? Should I try thr hospital that I am working at , should I find anesthesia groups around my area instead? How should I present myself to them? (ex. :call2: Hello, I am pursuing a dergree in Nurse Anesthesia and I am interested in shadowing a CRNA for x amount of weeks is that an option with your group? ) How does that sound...too elementary? Give me some feedback guys I want to start ASAP. How was your experience?:fingersx:

[RN29306]

Unlike traditional nursing, nurse anesthetists do not eat their young..CRNAs love to see new people interested and eager to learn about the profession. Surely you have a contact with someone in the anesthesia department at your facilty. Try and corner an approachable-looking person next time a pt comes up directly from the OR or go to the anesthesia business office at your hospital. Tell them you are very interested in the profession of a CRNA and would like to be paired with someone who enjoys do that sort of thing.

Oh yeah, avoid the charge RN for the department of surgery if at all possible. Lesson learned the hard way.

Go down with an open mind. Things are much different in the OR, esp in how anesthesia uses drugs vs what an ICU setting is like.

[lytilcrna]

I love it! What an awesome idea. I feel alot better knowing that CRNA's don't eat their young. It really bothers me how a majority of RN's I know are so negative with new folks and people who want to learn and advance. I was a little concerned with how to approach the situation but your nugget has been helpful to me.
Thanx!:You_Rock_Emoticon:

[RAYMAN]

Good info above. That's exactly what I would do. CRNA's usually love to talk about their job and the ones I talked to were always enthusiastic about it all and glad to help. Since you work in cicu, you surely see them frequently. Just grab one and ask them about the job and ask if you can shadow. Since you work in a peds area, it might be good to watch some adult stuff too and I'm sure whatever crna you shadow at work will have some friends that might could help you out. I would recommend you spend at least an entire day too so you get a good feel for it all. Good luck!

ray

[lytilcrna]

:bump2: Nice...I am feeling even more confident. Here is a question though.

I don't get to socialize/ interact with the CRNA's or the ...ologists for that matter due to the fact that I work nights:nurse: . Have anymore advice? I think I can still approach them and be welcomed.

Keep it coming folks, you are dealing with an enthusiastic spong here!

[JenSICUCCRN]

What I have done is go to the CRNA that I have admired their care (I also requested her for my husband's surgery last summer), and I am staying after work from time to time for 4 hours at a time to shadow her. I also work nights. The advantage for me is that I work in Trauma/SICU and work closely with CRNA's and the OR staff every shift. HTH

Jenny

[RAYMAN]

Ah man, that's easy. I worked nights too. Just stick around after your shift...maybe go back to the posting desk. Everyone is already there when you are ready to leave. Where there's a will there's a way...cliche but true....even more so!

[lytilcrna]

You see what I mean!!! All one has to do is ask for help and folks are out there that will help. I would never have thought of all these options that you guys have given me...(nerves of applying I guess) and just by saying hi I need some help here I got a good amount of information thanx so much guys. Believe me I am not afraid to ask for help so you will be hearing more from me . :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[FutrCRNA]

I agree - CRNAs are very helpful in mentoring CRNA-wannabees. When I was applying to NA school, I called the program director of one of the schools I applied to and asked if I could shadow him for part of a day. He was awesome b/c he set me up with a range of people to follow around: a CRNA faculty member (who answered a ton of questions about the profession, the program, and general helpful hints for school) and then one of the SRNAs (I got to follow her around a few cases and see what life is like as an SRNA) and then I got to spend some time with the PD himself (just chatting about the program and how to be successful in school). I ended up in another program, but I'm still very thankful that PD allowed me the opportunity to shadow him/his program. I don't know if all PDs are that helpful, maybe I just got lucky, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

[MmacFN]

I did not really have that option

Here in AZ there are not many CRNAs who are practicing to scope it seems. Only in remote areas. However, im lucky enough to know alot of MDAs here and have access to the OR every 2 weeks from now until i goto school. Should be helpful.

I talked about my first day in my journal!

[lytilcrna]

The information that I am geting is priceless!! I am so excited I don't know where to begin:aargh4: . I will start this week and see how it goes.