Shadowing Anesthesiologists: Experiences Since 2011 - Essay Sample

Introduction

I have had several shadow experiences since 2011. The first encounter was at the cardiac catheterization lab at Brandon Regional Hospital. The experience was with Dr. Ragin, an anesthesiologist, and Carol Hocking, a Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetists (CRNA). With Dr. Ragin, I watched him oversee other CRNAs during anesthesia induction. I learned several leadership qualities, such as patience and decisiveness. She was always keen to details and made sure that all procedures were followed to the letter. Her ability and willingness to teach and explain procedures to other CRNAs struck out as an advantage. She treated others in a friendly manner, which they responded by asking for guidance without fear. I ended up admiring Dr. Ragin, due to her exceptional leadership qualities, and ability to control the CRNAs. She would personally review patients' records and ask questions, leaving no assumptions, which indicated the importance of understanding health history. When required, she would step in and assist with anesthesia. However, I regret not asking her pertinent questions about anaesthesiology.

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My second shadow experience was with Carol Hocking, a CRNA. She was the lead member of the operating room team. She demonstrated excellent leadership skills while initiating patients into anesthesia with the team. Keenness to details, timely, and useful feedback portrayed her as a great leader. I was privileged to observe her care for a patient from the preoperative to the recovery stage. She handled the patient with compassionate care and in a friendly manner that you would tell she loved her work. We interacted for a few minutes, where she answered my questions with great patience and made sure I understood everything. Admiration for Hocking's conduct indirectly encouraged my desire to pursue a CRNA career.

In the most recent shadow experience, I was privileged to watch over 16 hours of different surgeries. I have witnessed doctors and nurses demonstrate competence, compassionate care, and achieve success as a team. I was lucky to have an excellent shadow experience with Aquanya, an CRNA. We had a discussion about her typical day as a CRNA in an operating room setting. Aquanya was happy to share with me her journey to becoming CRNA, which motivated me even more. Later on, I watched her perform several activities, including performing a preoperative interview and preparation of a patient. I followed as she reviewed a patient's medical and surgical history, including previously documented anesthesia. I witnessed her perform an induction of general anesthesia and placement of an arterial line. I observed that Aquanya demonstrated quality and compassionate patient care. All along, she administered medication carefully as required, listened to the surgeon's requests, and complied effectively. In some cases, she would reposition the procedure table or lessen the movement of the patient's abdomen, as asked by the surgeon. I admired her knowledge, work experience, and composure during the procedure, and wished to achieve similar standards in the future.

Finally, I had a shadow experience with Dr. Alexander Paloma. I watched him perform regional anesthesia with a transversus abdominis plane block utilizing ultrasound guidance. I observed patients being emerged from general anesthesia and reporting to PACU. The two most recent shadow experiences have increased my desire to become a CRNA. I was happy to shadow Aquanya and would be proud to share some of my experiences with an aspiring CRNA student in the future. I hope to acquire new leadership skills and nursing knowledge during my studies to help me offer quality health care services.