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Response to Shadowing/Lena Gould, CRNA, MSN

Hello

It is great that you have shadowed a CRNA as you mentioned in your inquiry. It appears that you are seeking other CRNAs to shadow in New York for further experience. Please keep in mind that it is not the quantity of times to shadow a Nurse Anesthetist but the quality of the experience. What do I mean? Well, an ICU Nurse can have only one shadow experience and demonstrate an understanding of the CRNA role. Eventually, when you apply to a nurse anesthesia program, your written essay and how you articulate your shadow experience will be under scrutiny during the interview. Have you been able to shadow the CRNA early in the morning when the anesthesia machine was checked? Did you witness the emergency and anesthetic drugs that was drawn up prior to patient arrival in the operating room? Did you witness the checking of the functionality of airway equipment?

After the anesthesia machine was checked by the CRNA, did you witness the CRNA approach the patient and asses their airway, health status, and speak about their anesthetic plan of action? Did the CRNA inform you that one of the patients were deemed a difficult airway? If so, was the difficult airway cart brought in the room? Was a fiberoptic scope utilized? Was a bougie? If the patient had a general anesthetic, was a LMA or endotracheal placed? Why? Was the patient over 250 pounds and a decision to intubate with a endotracheal tube not a LMA? Did you ask the CRNA why this decision was rendered? Why not a LMA? How was the patient emerged? Any reversal agents?

Were any of the patients very sick and invasive monitoring utilized? Arterial line? CVP? Did any of the patients have regional anesthesia (spinal, epidural, or block)? For what type of surgery? Knee arthroscopy? Total knee? Were any of the patients sedated for a procedure? Versed and fentaly? Propofol infusion?

Did you ask pertinent questions to the CRNA? Or did you just stand back and not engage in the process of the shadowing experience. So, again, if an ICU Nurse can articulate this information during an interview for a nurse anesthesia program, it is more than sufficient to satisfy the requirement as an engaged shadowing experience.

I hope this will help you in understanding the shadowing experience.

Take Care Lena Gould, CRNA, MSN
Founder, Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program
www.diversitycrna.org