Posted by Bob on January 24, 2009, 7:12 pm, in reply to "Re: CRNA Resistance"
I did not make a comment about your superior undergrad as compared to a nurse. I did a little more than "wipe ass" in the ICU. I started a couple of IV's, titrated a few gtts (drips), took care of critical patients without someone holding my hand and telling me what to do next. I am very familiar with vents, drugs, ECG's, running a code, sterile technique. That is just to name a few things I got out of the ICU. I noticed on some other threads about people getting experience as an EMT. How in the world is that going to prepare you for anesthesia school. I was an EMT, you can't do too much (give o2, sublingual nitro) My science background has made some of the didactics a little easier, but we are taught the scientific principles needed to understand anesthesia. Book knowledge will only take you so far. I personally believe that hands on experience is where you really learn. Someone with very little medical experience with have a tremendous learning curve, all those basic things I got in ICU will need to be learned in addition to learning to safely anesthetize patients.