Getting to Shadow a CRNA for the First Time
Last year, I took a traveling job in NC and even though it was 13 weeks, I must have made a good impression, because it was the unit’s manager and educator that gave my recommendations and helped me shadow a CRNA in that hospital. It was actually weird because I texted the CRNA one day and the next day I was downstairs in the OR shadowing. He had never met me before, but took the initiative to come 30 mins before his shift, asked my size and got me scrubs that fit! He explained and showed me his daily routine, from setting up the room to delivering the patient out of the room. He gave me tips on the application and interview process. The first day I shadowed we did 2 tracheostomy’s, which really bummed me a bit, because I have seen that done at the bedside before. But what I thought was really neat, was the workflow of the OR staff in the room, specifically how they all interacted. As a nurse, you typically follow the Physician’s orders and your nursing judgement, but in this case, it was the CRNA making those orders. No more, “what med would you like?” or “is it ok if I…” I loved the autonomy and precision he exemplified. I remember thinking, “ this is soooo me”. I was even MORE stoked about becoming a CRNA.
Advice From a CRNA
I got in my car that day, and took notes of what he mentioned earlier. What really stood out the most, was “it all ends in CRNA”. I was in the process of applying to several schools, some of which were 20 hours away from home and, of course, had my doubts. After he said that, I realized, wow its true, it doesn’t matter which school I go to, it matters that I become a CRNA. I wanted to attend the best CRNA School.
Getting to Shadow One More Time
I job shadowed a CRNA a second time as preparation for applying to CRNA School, because some schools required a second shadowing experience. I thought of just making it up, but again, this CRNA was able to get me in the OR with 2 days notice AND after my contract ended in that hospital. After all, it’s not what you know, its who you know. That day he had a CRNA student, so I couldn’t be my nosy self. We did 2 conscious sedation cases, which was kind of boring, but beggars can’t be choosers. I was determined to get into CRNA School.
S. Cantu RRNA
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