An Exciting Encounter

So, last night my patient went into respiratory distress and call was made to intubate him. Anesthesiology was called and without much delay they were present with their equipment. She was a CRNA. She called the anesthesiologist letting him know that it may be a tough intubation. He came up and pushed Atomidate. How much he asked her. She said "enough to make him less anxious". She said she couldn't see where to direct it, but followed the bubbles coming out of his filled up lungs. The tube was in. The anesthesiologist left and the intensivist asked her to stay for a little while (don't really know why). I didn't miss the opportunity and went up to ask how she liked her job. She replied..." I haven't met one person who says they don't like it". I told her of me getting accepted to a school and thats why I was working too jobs. She said save up as it is very strenuous schooling. Since I didn't get any chance to really see what a CRNA's day is like, I asked her if it be possible to shadow her. After asking what kind of experience I had been through shadowing wise, she suggested that I should shadow during her OB and Trauma call and gave me her number. I was excited.
I went back to my patient as she continued charting.
Before she left, she came up to me and again congratulated. So this upcoming week will be another great experience I can tell...I will let you guys know how it is.

Road to Admission

If you work in the ICU and plan to get into a CRNA program, you must have heard people saying it is very competitive to get in and is a very strenuous program. From experience, I will agree with the first. It was an awesome feeling hearing that I got accepted for the interview but getting to that was some work... Here are some things I went through and learned.
1) I had to apply a year late because of not having my recommendation letters on time. Figure out people that you know are willing to and capable of (yes...that may be the case like it was with me) writing your recommendations. And specify the date you need it by...obviously don't pick the date the application is due...(I would say at least two months prior). And during that period, keep reminding them of your request. Have them seal it in their printed envelopes...looks more professional. Write them a thank you letter or something of that sort and keep your reputation the way it was. Personal experience...relationships matter!
2) Hunt down opportunities to round with a CRNA (if not available) only then an anesthesiologist. Although my interviewers were happy with me shadowing an anesthesiologist, they did encourage CRNA instead.
3) I am not sure about this one, but I believe getting the CCRN certification did help.
4) it seems the more you do towards your goal such as the certification or getting another job for a different experience (as I did), the better it is

Let me know if I you feel I missed something.