As you build a successful career as an anesthesia provider, it is important to dedicate time and resources to ongoing professional development, training, and education. Think of your knowledge and skills as a tool belt you continuously add to throughout your career. Here are four strategies to build a tool belt that will help you excel as an anesthesia provider.
1. Cultivate communication skills.
Learning to communicate effectively with patients, family members, colleagues, and leaders, is a fundamental skill for any healthcare professional. Whether this skill comes naturally to you or not, it’s important to practice in everyday scenarios, recognize your personal growth areas, and strive to make incremental improvements.
Where do you find communication most fluid or most challenging at work? How would developing your capabilities help you reach your goals, such as building better rapport with patients or getting a promotion? What’s an easy next step you can take in the right direction? If you are comfortable with written communications but struggle with speaking, for example, ask for guidance from a mentor or join a public speaking class or group.
2. Take advantage of in-house training programs.
Many healthcare organizations offer employees access to free training programs, covering a wide range of topics, from technology and compliance to leadership and communications. Research which programs are available at your workplace, and make it a goal to sign up for at least one per quarter.
3. Make deliberate choices for CMEs.
Continuing medical education (CME) is designed to maintain and advance your professional knowledge and performance. Stay up-to-date on the CME courses you need to receive recertification, provide safe anesthesia care to patients, and keep track of new scientific and technological developments in your field. Don’t make CMEs an afterthought; intentionally incorporate courses into your schedule.
4. Prioritize regional anesthesia.
If you are a provider who wants to administer regional anesthesia, find ways to continue this practice. This may require additional effort on your part, depending on your current work environment. For example, if you are a CRNA working in a medically directed practice where residents do all of the regional anesthesia, you may want to find a locum tenens position on the side where you can perform these techniques, sign up for refresher courses, or if it’s a top priority, find a new job where regional anesthesia is part of your day-to-day responsibilities.
Learn more about anesthesia job opportunities available through Radar Healthcare Providers.
