Having Doubts...

[lionkingfan56]

Hey guys, I just had a few questions. Recently I've been nervous about CRNA. Will I find it boring? Will there be enough patient interaction?, Will I be tired of this after a few years. I had also considered FNP but have move past that. Do any of you ever regret going into CRNA, does it ever seem boring or monotonous? I think this may be more that I am just not into ICU nursing at all (I have 1 year) and am just about at my wits end with it. But, I hear every say how "boring" they thing anesthesia would be and I just wanted to hear some CRNA opinions. Thanks everyone.

[armygas]

I find each and every case (no matter the type) invigorating and I never ever tire of the job. I really can't get enough... and that is the honest truth.

Edit: I really can't call it a job.... it is more of a passion.

[lionkingfan56]

Sorry, I'm still not that age yet where I quit listening to what everyone else says I should do. I think CRNA is the way, because no matter what other path I think about taking I keep coming back to CRNA. Thanks. Any others who wish to comment on their job satsifaction, I would love to hear it.

[deepz]

Yes, a high tolerance for boredom is very helpful, as is an affinity to thrill-seeking adrenalin freakiness. The best of both worlds.

Seriously, the ability to maintain alertness after long, long hours in the OR is paramount.


:nurse:

[lionkingfan56]

Well I was able to sit all the way through "Watchmen" and not fall asleep, so I think that counts.

[notnecessarilyanesthesia]

look... it's a job that however monotonous and repetitive as it may seem, you are still aware that you have someone else's life completely in your own hands (more than i or you could ever realize before actually attending nurse anesthesia school). when you are good at it, other things in the operating room such as the music, the conversation, or a book (yep, i said it) make it more entertaining when the need arises.

you also practice every day with more knowledge than you wanted to ever know (i never realized how much i didn't know as an icu nurse for four years) about the human body and you are able to parlay that knowledge with the skills already mastered as an icu nurse to be a much better clinical practitioner than what you may have ever thought you were capable of.

personally, i say if crna is not your only choice at this point, go the other route. this profession needs individuals that are dedicated to it, not those that ho-hum and are pulled in different directions. it's the hardest thing you'll ever do.... but let me just say this once and maybe this question won't be asked again... most of us have outstanding job satisfaction. every job has its perks, as well as its downfalls. however, once we are done with school, most of us are glad that we did it.

[lionkingfan56]

Yeah I cannot remember where I read it, but I think something like 90% of CRNA's would go back into the field. I still want to be a CRNA, don't get me wrong, but I was just questioning what some of the ups and downs are of the profession (every profession has them too).

[MmacFN]

lion

what dont you like about the ICU?

[RAYMAN]

I will address patient interaction since everyone has covered the other points. I think there is plenty. No, you aren't talking to them and their family for 12 hours but the time you spend is brief and intense. I derive a great deal of satisfaction to walking into a nervous patient's room and in the matter of minutes have obtained a great deal of personal information and won their confidence. It is a good feeling when you see the patient starting to change in front of your eyes. They are scared to death, especially of the unknown, and by a few simple interactions with you they are smiling and feeling reassured when you leave. Then you see them in pacu and they are smiling, not in pain and vomiting, and thank you for making their experience so good....doesn't get much better than that. Don't even get me going about OB.....that is really the best.

[ethernaut]

if you have the opportunity, shadow as much as humanly possible, from start to finish, several several days and cases. shadowing once or twice doesn't really do a decision justice.
do the same thing for NP. this might shed some light into your decision.
going to CRNA school to only find out it wasn't what you thought, is not only expensive and a waste of time, but that seat you took was somebody else's who actually wanted to be a CRNA.
as to others' posts about you really needing to enjoy boredom with long cases, i couldn't agree more. for example, i did an aneurysm clipping that took over 16 hours (started at 1pm day 1 - the last 11 hours of which i was involved in starting at 8pm and going until 7am day 2). i hadn't had a worse call night. needless to say, it hasn't swayed me to give up anesthesia. perhaps call, but not anesthesia.

[lionkingfan56]

To be truthful NP doesn't appeal very much to me, I'm just heading into CRNA and 23 and just nervous (I think anyone is about going into something knowing it's a career for life). I've shadowed 6 CRNA's and loved everything I have seen, I just must stop listening to what others and family say and do what I wish to. I'm sure none of you were as indecisive as I was at 23 :D.

[My_brain_hurts]

I know what I don't like I about the ICU. . . POOP!!!!!!! Well I take that back, when a pt hasn't pooped in like a weeks it's totally awesome to know the GI is working. It's the cleaning of the poo I could live without :eek5:

But seriously folks. . .
I never officially shadowed. I had a class in the OR and became fascinated with anesthesia's role. I sat through procedures ranging from heart valve replacement to bunion removals; it wasn't the procedure that interested me but the management of the pt. I LOVE that aspect of the ICU. I'd rather have one pt that required me to be in the room with them all shift long titrating meds and monitoring them than two stable pt's just there for observation. That's just me. When I first heard about the CRNA I was like NO WAY I want to do that, its sounds way too boring. But that was before I set foot in an OR. After that, I knew where I wanted to be --in the OR at the head of the bed!

[elevenyrs]

Well, for me everything seems to be falling into place. I applied and got accepted to the first school I interviewed. I have a super supportive husband who I know will take over while I'm in school as far as housework, bill paying, grocery buying, etc. We just sold our house last week so we don't have to worry about that payment while living on one income. We don't have any kiddos to take care of, it's just us.
So why, just 5 months before school starts am I getting cold feet. I absolutely have the "fire in the belly" to become an awesome CRNA but I would lie if I didn't say that I am getting scared.
I know I can do whatever I put my mind to and I've always been one to go with my "gut feeling" and it has never failed me but right now as of this moment I am freaking out.
I feel like maybe it's just nerves because we will be moving 1000 miles away from home and everything will be new....
Did anyone go through this before starting school?

[perhayem]

Well, for me everything seems to be falling into place. I applied and got accepted to the first school I interviewed. I have a super supportive husband who I know will take over while I'm in school as far as housework, bill paying, grocery buying, etc. We just sold our house last week so we don't have to worry about that payment while living on one income. We don't have any kiddos to take care of, it's just us.
So why, just 5 months before school starts am I getting cold feet. I absolutely have the "fire in the belly" to become an awesome CRNA but I would lie if I didn't say that I am getting scared.
I know I can do whatever I put my mind to and I've always been one to go with my "gut feeling" and it has never failed me but right now as of this moment I am freaking out.
I feel like maybe it's just nerves because we will be moving 1000 miles away from home and everything will be new....
Did anyone go through this before starting school?

I am going through that right now! Word on the street is that it is totally normal. I have kids in the mix, but moving away I almost feel would be more stressful for me personally. It will all work out... thats what I tell myself... over and over and over. It is my CRNA school mantra. I think having an awesome and supportive husband will be my saving grace. Sounds like yours is a keeper too. Much love for the sig others!
Good luck! Like I mentioned... it will all work out. ;)

[elevenyrs]

I am going through that right now! Word on the street is that it is totally normal. I have kids in the mix, but moving away I almost feel would be more stressful for me personally. It will all work out... thats what I tell myself... over and over and over. It is my CRNA school mantra. I think having an awesome and supportive husband will be my saving grace. Sounds like yours is a keeper too. Much love for the sig others!
Good luck! Like I mentioned... it will all work out. ;)


:) Thanks! You definitely made me feel better and I admire you for going doing it with kids. On of my friends has 4 boys and she is in her last year...I call her my hero.
Anyway, It's nice to know that this might be somewhat of a normal process....cause when I look at the big picture....I want this really bad and nothing is stopping me except me and my brain that is going 100 miles/hr.....haha

[Sleepzeta]

I am in the same boat as you guys. I am terrified. I have worked to get to this point for so long. I have 4 kids and a supportive husband but right know I think I needed to pop a downer to slow down the speed my brain is going. We can not sell our house so I am counting on loans to supplement the missing paycheck (good luck to me)

[GeraldoV]

There hasn't been a day that has gone by since Dec 2008 that I haven't thought of becoming a CRNA. Out of state travel, leaving a spouse at home, the cost of school, and competing for a seat. All are very stressful and big obstacles to overcome and that is before you start a program. :aargh4:

Just the other day one of the docs tried to get me to go with him to the Galapagos to dive with whale sharks. Had to say no, saving for CRNA school. In the end, I know it will be worth it.

Geraldo

[in2b8nsed8]

To be truthful NP doesn't appeal very much to me, I'm just heading into CRNA and 23 and just nervous (I think anyone is about going into something knowing it's a career for life). I've shadowed 6 CRNA's and loved everything I have seen, I just must stop listening to what others and family say and do what I wish to. I'm sure none of you were as indecisive as I was at 23 :D.

Lion, if I would have been decisive at 23, I wouldn't have to work so hard to become a CRNA now! Now I have kids, pets, tons of bills, house, spouse, job that I sometimes hate, sometimes love more than anything, school (working on a BSN....if only I would have known 10 years ago what I wanted to be when I grew up)...so many responsibilities...so little time. I am impressed by those that know what they want at such a young age! Keep it up and you will get far in life. ICU can be a challenge so hang in there until you get into school. Remember that everyone you care for is counting on you to help them through their critical illness, try to put yourself into their position and it will make you a better nurse. Just try to remember that when your next confused patient tries to take a bite out of you! Ok...done with the advice. Good luck and get lots of experience!

[helicali]

I'm not gonna lie to you, but I really like CCU. I work with open hearts and we rarely get the GI bleeds. I like manipulating the drips, working the IABP, and knowing your pt inside and out. But I really lve the collaboration with all the disciplines regarding your of's plan of care.

[jimmybridget]

I couldn't agree with you more. There are nights that are not good, but overall, I really like CCU as well.



I'm not gonna lie to you, but I really like CCU. I work with open hearts and we rarely get the GI bleeds. I like manipulating the drips, working the IABP, and knowing your pt inside and out. But I really lve the collaboration with all the disciplines regarding your of's plan of care.

[RescueNinja]

I am going through that right now! Word on the street is that it is totally normal. I have kids in the mix, but moving away I almost feel would be more stressful for me personally. It will all work out... thats what I tell myself... over and over and over. It is my CRNA school mantra. I think having an awesome and supportive husband will be my saving grace. Sounds like yours is a keeper too. Much love for the sig others!
Good luck! Like I mentioned... it will all work out. ;)

So I just got done working four nights in a row, in which I was away for three days from my family (I work 60 miles from home), and returned home Monday morning. I returned last night (for number five) to work to cover half a shift for a friend, and when it came time to leave at 5 pm, I started bawling in front of my husband and two kids because I had to go back. Not because I hate my job, although my two pts were high maitenence and nuttso ALL four nights, but I felt soooo lonely (and tired and hungry... a little cold) being away from them for that much time; I felt like s#*t. In my hour drive I thought about things and came to the conclusion that I had a bad case of the blues. I am OK now that I am home.

Is this how I am going to feel when I go to CRNA school in three years? If so, what are some good coping mechanisms that I can incorporate into my life now to prepare me and my family for this? I know that it will be temporary and will be so worth it since my husband's factory job is iffy (he's laid off for the week with more to come...). I guess my biggest worry is my kids' emotional well-being, especially my youngest who has endured mama being in school her entire life. I am either going to be a great role model, or an abesentee mom in their eyes.

My soul is tortured and hurting. I need some advice from those who can truly understand what I am going through.

[trp100329]

I'm not going to sugarcoat it - the answer is YES, this is how you're going to feel in CRNA school, at least part of the time. Is it worth it? I don't know yet - I'm not finished. I certainly hope that it is.

I don't know that there's a good answer - for myself, I waited until the kids were older to go back to school, but every situation is different. You have to do what works for you and for your family.

On a positive note, you've probably already developed many of the coping skills you'll need, because you work so far from home. Just imagine your current situation and subtract money and add studying and classes. :)

Remember, too, that kids are tougher than we think they are. If they're old enough, maybe you could include them in some of the decision-making processes. They may have some really good ideas for helping all of you cope.

Good luck!

Terri

[gthcrna]

Having been a Program Director in the past, the applicants that scare me are the ones who want to be a CRNA because they want "out of nursing". CRNA is an extension of nursing, not an alternative. Patient interactions are brief but very important. Every bit of therapeutic communication you learned and practiced as an ICU nurse comes into play. I am glad that you don't "hate nursing". People who understand the unique thing that being a nurse first brings to the table tend to make the best CRNAs in my opinion (of course, being smart and vigilant is just as important!).

I have met CRNAs who you would be hard pressed to convince me they ever went to nursing school first. They lack a fundamental ability to interact with patients and allay their anxiety. I still work clinically because I love what I do (and I graduated from anesthesia school in 1992 - a long time ago!). I believe your experience as an RN offers an excellent foundation for the transition to Nurse Anesthesia. I have developed the ability to make a patient comfortable with me as their anesthetist in a very short time frame. Technically I could be the worst CRNA in the group, but the patient trusts me, and that is important (I'm actually not that bad, really - I was making a point).

I am proud of my accomplishment - it was hard! Nothing in life worth having is easy. Many times I came home from anesthesia school and vented to my wife. It was just as hard on her as it was on me. We had small children at the time and lived off of her salary as an ER nurse. It was very difficult, but the reward has been totally worth it.

If you know in your heart that you are dependent on your support mechanisms to cope, then I would suggest having them near you in anesthesia school. You will feel isolated, challenged, and overwhelmed at times. I can't imagine moving away and doing it without support mechanisms readily available.

I can safely say that anesthesia school was more difficult than my doctorate was.

Jerry

[RescueNinja]

Thank you for the advice, you are right, children are very resilient and can endure alot more than adults. My husband wants me to truck on through so that it is done and over, and we can go on with our life.

The current plan for school is to start when my baby is in the first grade, my kids will be reading and I thought I could write them letters when I start feeling blue, just quick messages to let them know that even though I am away, I am still thinking of them. I came up with that one on my own ;)

Thank you again, I guess these expiriences are a "blessing in disguise" to prepare for what's to come.

[RescueNinja]

I love this place, so many great resources, advice, and tips. Thank you, everyone.

[infidel]

I love this place, so many great resources, advice, and tips. Thank you, everyone.


Nahh this place doesn't hold a candle to allnurses.com.

On that site the moderators actually DO know everything and will waste no opportunity to tell you so.

[trp100329]

We use Skype a lot in our house to talk to my oldest son, who's overseas. Might be a good option for you to talk to spouse and kids in the evenings. Just a thought.

Terri

[perhayem]

Nahh this place doesn't hold a candle to allnurses.com.

On that site the moderators actually DO know everything and will waste no opportunity to tell you so.


lol... So bitter infidel... so bitter. Some new people (unfamiliar with your humor) may think you are serious, as they may be unaware of the current situation/not read previous posts. I totally get where you are coming from, but you may be inadvertently boosting their hits... yikes :salook:

[RescueNinja]

Nahh this place doesn't hold a candle to allnurses.com.

On that site the moderators actually DO know everything and will waste no opportunity to tell you so.

Dang, you're right, it is substandard compared to allnurses. I am, as well as everyone else on this forum, are that much dumber for spending the time here. :Flush:

[RescueNinja]

lol... So bitter infidel... so bitter. Some new people (unfamiliar with your humor) may think you are serious, as they may be unaware of the current situation/not read previous posts. I totally get where you are coming from, but you may be inadvertently boosting their hits... yikes :salook:

I am quite amused by the high jinks.:musik_wos1: :musik_wos1: