Gina Wald, DC BSN CCRN
Gina comes to nurse anesthesia practice prepared as a doctor of chiropractics. She is a first year student of Nurse Anesthesia at the University of Southern California. Her experience includes several years as an RN in a neuro/trauma ICU. Here are her first suggestions to James a prospective nurse anesthesia student.
James,
I am a first year SRNA at USC in California.
I knew before I started nursing school that anesthesia was where I wanted to be. While I loved working in ER, I chose my first nursing job in ICU, because I knew I would need experience with invasive monitoring (PA catheters and arterial lines) vasoactive drips, and ventilators. Those were my priorities. I would have started NA school after only a year, but decided to have a baby instead, which pushed back my plans. But the time in ICU was well spent, and I don’t regret one day of it.
There are students in our class who come from an ER background, and they will be the first to tell you that they feel intimidated by some of the ICU type stuff with which they are unfamiliar, but they are doing just fine and we will all graduate as safe and competent anesthetists. I know one CRNA who had all of two months experience when she started the NA program, and she is a fine and knowledgeable anesthetist.
I agree with David that the best thing you can do for yourself right now is to meet with or speak on the phone with several program directors, fax them your CV and ask where you could strengthen it. I did this before I graduated and it gave me a very clear plan of action.
I wish you all of the best in your endeavors. Do not give up. This is the first test of many regarding your perseverance and determination. You must really want this, and don’t let anything stop you.
Gina Wald, DC, BSN, CCRN
3 Responses
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Thanks Gina,
Your post illuminates the world of the Nurse anesthetist student. More accurately it demystifies the NA world for the uninitiated. I truly thankyou for this insight and advice. I informed David Godden of my contact with Columbia University MSN Program Director, Timothy Leahey. Timothy was more than co-operative with my enquiries. So I have taken your advice, as well as David’s advice, and have been so bold as to chat with the PROGRAM DIRECTORS of MSN Anesthesia. I am on track and intend to continue immersing myself into the world of the NA while I continue to fulfill my academic obligations.
Thanks again,
James Ukena
Central Queensland University
Queensland Australia.
James,
I am curious as to how you came to the decision to pursue NA, given that your country apparently does not utilize them? It is interesting to me. Talk about thinking outside the box! You’re thinking outside the hemisphere! Great job on contacting Tim Leahy. Let us know when you visit the states so we can arrange for you to hang in the OR while you’re here. My husband just visited Australia for the third time in December, and is in love with the place. He will be crushed to discover that CRNAs do not yet have a place there…. I say YET. How far are you from completing your degree?
Hi Gina,
In reply to your question “I am curious as to how you came to the decision to pursue NA, given that your country apparently does not utilize them? ” I must say I had to think about that question carefully. I think the pathway to get me interested in NA was after my first year undergraduate results were revealed. I was blessed with exceptional grades, infact I am currently holding the highest GPA for my year level at my University. The Head of nursing sent me a letter to pat me on the back and suggest I start considering postgraduate studies (I think you call it just graduate study over in the states). My research took me to many different areas of interest. Then my wife reminded me that the program I choose must be available in the States. Why? Because we intend to immigrate to New Jersey/NewYork to be closer to my wife’s family who live in the Jersey suburbs. So I began examining the U.S options for graduate study in Nursing. I knew NA was for me and not neccessarily because of the money, although it is a nice reward. My main reasons was the autonomy; the increased chance of daytime shifts (I prefer daytime shifts and most weekends with family……if possible); and an opportunity to exercise the brain muscles a little. An old high school buddy who is now an anesthesiologist and has trained at Mt Sinai in New York has also given me encouragement to follow this career path. The MSN in anesthesia is for me! The opportunity to continue in human services but also challenge my own abilities, pushing the envelope.
David’s site was an accidental suprise. I stumbled across his site as he was beginning describing the life of a NA student. Already I feel less apprehensive having read all of your posts.
I continue to read your posts regularly with interest
James Ukena
Central Queensland University
Queensland Australia
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