The following is a reply sent to an SRNA and Administrator of an Anesthesia forum. He asked how it was possible for a person that was not an SRNA/CRNA to write a book on the subject, which is a good question. My answer was as follows…
- …I see that you are an SRNA. This means that sometime in the recent past, you have prepared yourself for gaining entrance into a CRNA program. You likely asked questions and suggestions of those that have already been on this path. The book ends, where CRNA school begins. Therefore, the content does not require CRNA experience, just the experience of attempting to become an SRNA, which I do have. Since my admission to nursing school quite a few years ago, I have been on the path to becoming a CRNA. My choice of positions taken, places worked, and experience gained were all focused toward that direction.
The chapter summary and where the content comes from is as follows:
- 1) Introduction---Self explanatory
- 2) Role of the CRNA---Content was researched
- 3) Choosing a School---Content was researched along with personal suggestions of things to consider that some candidates may be unaware of.
- 4) Required Experience---Content was researched, along with interviewing CRNAs, SRNAs, and administration of CRNA programs.
- 5) Community Service---Community service ideas combined with the role of RN, nursing process, and suggestions of administration of CRNA programs.
- 6) Interviewing---Content was researched, along with interviewing CRNAs, SRNAs, and administration of CRNA programs.
- 7) Paying for School---Content was researched extensively and offers suggestions for independent research and creative ideas.
- 8) Acceptance---Offers suggestions for placing one's self in a position to be successful once admitted.
- 9) Didactic---Research and interviews for content.
- 10) Clinical---Research, interviews, and personal experiences shared with CRNAs, SRNAs, and administration of CRNA programs.
- The book, in my opinion, and from the feedback from owners of it, offers a value to the RN/student that may be new to the idea of becoming a CRNA and wanting to get on the most efficient and effective path possible. For the pre-nursing student, it may give them an idea of the road ahead, and the reason for making sure they take the correct path in their education, especially science electives and maintaining a high GPA. For the experienced RN that has been considering this course for some time, doing research on their own and talking to knowledgeable people in this area, well, it may offer one or two suggestion that they would not have thought of otherwise.
- My research included me spending four months, 12 hours per week, shadowing intraoperatively with either a CRNA, SRNA, or Anesthesiologist. I was able to choose which cases I observed, so I was able to witness a large array of surgical procedures. I did tend to stand in with many CABG's, AVR/MVR (I'm a CVICU nurse) and Craniotomies. I felt that these seemed the most challenging and filled with learning experiences. I interviewed everyone I could, took lengthy notes within the procedures, and asked countless questions in relation to all aspects of the administration of anesthesia.
- As for the next question usually asked, well, where am I at in this process? Unfortunately, I have had some challenges in my primary relationship, causing financial and other difficulties. For these reasons and others, I chose to not submit application to the three programs that I had been considering, one of which I had an established relationship with. I have since relocated and am considering my options for the future. The content in the book is independent from my path. It speaks for itself, good, bad, or mediocre. That is subjective and the book's success or failure is determined by this, as well as its reviews by purchasers and users of it's content. For this reason I hope that if you look at the book as a tool for which it was intended, you may find value in it."
- ---M. Gray, RN, BSN
"I hope to truly digest your book because a well respected CRNA \ Clinical
Director of a very reputable hospital and School of Nursing Anesthesia
program recommended your book to me."
"Thanks! I hope this is the lifesaver that gets me into CRNA School!!! (The Program Director from Case Western recommended it!)"
"ABSOLUTLEY GOLDEN! A MUST HAVE FOR ALL ASPIRING CRNAS! FAST SHIPING!"
"Excellent ebayer and great book, will recommend to everyone!!!!!!!"
"GREAT PRODUCT & PROMPT SHIPPING, EXTREMELY AWESOME:)"
"Great book! Recommend to all who want to pursue nurse anesthesia!"
"Great information! Will really be helpful!"
"Loved the book-honest direct and a must for those of us serious about CRNA!!!"
"Great CRNA book! Nice seller. Fast shipping. Thank You!! A+++++"
"The note cards are AWESOME! Thank you very much!"
"I love this book, so helpful in so many ways. Thanks for everything n good luck"
"Excellent seller..........great book.........AAA+++++"
"Hello Michael:
Congratulations on your book: "Sleep with this book" and thank you for the desk copy.
I had the opportunity to scan the book this morning. It is filled with many thoughtful hints and a great deal of relevant background information. Well Done!
I do have one suggestion however. You state under prerequisites for program admission that a BSN is required. This is not true in many many programs. Near 50% of all Nurse Anesthesia Programs are housed outside of Schools of Nursing in Schools of Allied Health, Medicine, Basic Sciences etc.. Many programs, like ours at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) accept either a BSN or a Bachelors of Science Degree in a medically related discipline or basic science for admission. Additionally, not all programs grant the MSN. We at VCU grant the MSNA as do 33% of all programs nationwide.
Thus, programs outside of Nursing offer opportunities for RNs who do not have or who do not desire to have a BSN prerequisite credential.
Hope this info helps...Again, congrats on your book and thank you for sending it my way.
Best Regards!
Michael D. Fallacaro DNS, CRNA
Professor and Chairman
Department of Nurse Anesthesia"
"This is a wonderful beyond words book. If you are thinking about becoming a CRNA, or have already started your search, this book leads you in the perfect direction. If you have questions it has answers. I really cannot tell you how much it helped me. I have been considering this for over a year now and Michael has taken years of legwork and put it into an easy to read and easy to follow book. Thanks again and best of luck to you on your goal to become a CRNA."
"From the Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia at Montgomery Hospital:
I am trying to find out how much it would cost for bulk books to
distribute to potential students and/or incoming students."
"I got the book and notecards yesterday, and read through the book last night. Thanks much! It was a good, informative read, and helped clarify some of the things I was thinking and planning on, and added some new insights for me as well."
"I've been interviewing any CRNAs I come across. Your book is exactly what I was looking for. I received it in the mail today and sat in the post office parking lot devouring it."
Additional note...The picture on the front cover IS using the INCORRECT hand, which will be corrected by a DIFFERENT IMAGE on future printings of the book.
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