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    Re: AAs vs. CRNAs Archived Message

    Posted by DC on January 21, 2008, 2:43 pm, in reply to "Re: AAs vs. CRNAs"

    Hi, sharon...Thank you for your interest and research on AA-C's vs. CRNA's. My suggest to you is what Mike CRT had mention in his message, Is actually showding a CRNA and AA-C in the O.R. setting ACT Model.

    Another thing I would suggest to you is actually visiting an AA school program and CRNA school program, I would sit down and talk to both Doctors(MDA)who teach the Anesthetist program.

    As for the AA program, there(AA-C)classroom is Co-Directed and taught by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist(MDA).I'm sure It's the same manner as for CRNA school, especially when your teaching A&P on a Masters level vs. on a Bachelor's level at both schools(Anesthetist program AA-C/CRNA).

    Keep in mind 1/3 of practicing CRNAs or NA(Nurse Anesthetist)have not earned a Under-graduate degree. All AA-C's have/or must earned a Under- graduate degree,when applying to AA program. Why ?...because all AA-C's must have pre-med prerequisite just like the Anesthesiologist(MDA)does. In other words "Hard Science" All MDA's have pre-med, as well as all Doctors(MD)in general.

    To make it even more interesting when you do shadow a AA-C, I would shadow each one meaning A....# 1-6

    #1.AA-CRN,MMSc,BSN-Nurse(Master of Medical Science in Anesthesiology and Patient Monitoring).

    #2.AA-C,MHSc,CCP-Perfusionist(Master of Health Science in Anesthesiology).

    #3.AA-C,MSA,RRT-Therapist(Master of Science in Anesthesiology).

    #4.AA-C,MMSc,Cer.ATT-Anesthisa Technician&Technologist(Master of Medical Science in Anesthesiology and Patient Monitoring).

    #5.AA-C,MHSc,RCP-Practitioner(Master of Health Science in Anesthesiology).

    These people above I just mention # 1-5 have ICU/O.R. critical care experience. The majority CRNAs (Not all)always throwing the NO ICU CRITICAL CARE EXPERIENCE! at the AA-C profession. For example these are the critical care ICU/O.R. experience that the 5 people above have, as Allied Health Care Profession(AHCP). ACLS, PALS, NALS, IABP, LVAD, ECMO, CPB-Heart/Lung Machine, Cell Saver Machine, IRS Machine, Ventilator, Osscilator, VDR, PA(Swan-Ganz Catheter)Cardiac Out Put(Monitor), Central Venous Line, Arterial line, Anesthesia Machine, Difficult Airway inubation, Level One Rapid Transfusion Machine, FMS Rapid Transfusion Machine etc. all ICU/O.R. specialties. Other specialty includes Cath Lab, MRI, GI, Angio, PACU, CT, Hyperbarics, Gamma Knife, and E.R. .

    #6.Please do shadow a AA-C, with a Bachelor's of Science in Biology,Chemistry,Business Admin.,or any other profession with a Bachelor's degree with no hospital ICU critical care experience coming into AA school. I assure you they are just as competent as there fellow AA-C's with or with out ICU/O.R. critical care experience, or a CRNA in the ACT Model. AA-C's have extensive clinical hours meaning ICU and O.R. as competent and highly skilled Anesthetist. When AA-S(Student Anesthetist)start clinical rotation in the Hospitals there Preceptor are AA-C's or Anesthesia Residents(MD/MDA's). Which make these Anesthetist highly experience and Safe Anesthesia Providers.

    If I was a patient I assure you I would not hesitate letting a AA-C put me under Anesthesia. I would "TRUST" them with my life. After all they do have pre-med("SCIENCE") and are taught by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist(MDA). What more could you ask for. And Yes I would let a CRNA put me under Anesthesia as well, in the ACT Model. But NOT! INDEPENDENTLY, I believe there should always be a MDA(Anesthesiologist)at the head of the BED!. After all they are the CAPTIN OF THE SHIP(MDA's) that's my opinon.

    Thank you again sharon for your support, All I ask is that you be fair and honest on this research and look at whats really important when it come to patient care. Better acess to Anesthesia Care meaning, more AA-C's working in other states along with CRNA's side by side as a "TEAM". Working together NOT against EACH OTHER It's about the PATIENT "FIRST" ALWAYS, It's not about US or our TITLE'S.

    Have A Good Day

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