The path to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is always a challenging one, but now is a particularly difficult time to be finishing your studies.
If you are a Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist (SRNA) trying to complete didactic coursework and clinical hours, or have just graduated and are looking for jobs, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced significant new obstacles. The good news is that you’re not alone, and this won’t last forever.
From the Head of the Bed — a podcast for anesthesia providers produced by Jon Lowrance, MSN, CRNA, who practices anesthesia and is the SRNA Clinical Coordinator at Maine Medical Center —released an episode that offers helpful health and wellness recommendations for SRNAs dealing with stress during the pandemic.
Lowrance interviews Kelly Gallant, PhD, SRNA and Adrienne Chavez, BSN, SRNA, the immediate past and current SRNA Representatives to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists’ Health and Wellness Committee. The two guests provide tips for caring for your mental health and resources that they created with other members of the Health and Wellness Committee, available on aana.com.
Tips for SRNAs During COVID-19
- Acknowledge and validate what you’re feeling. It is an exceptionally tough time right now. No matter what your situation, you are navigating stressors, like worrying about finances or completing your hours, feeling isolated from friends and family, or getting frustrated that you can’t yet help on the frontlines. Your feelings are valid; be kind and compassionate with yourself.
- Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Try to keep perspective and appreciate what you do have to be grateful for right now. Actively practice gratitude, and focus on what you can control during challenging moments.
- Stay active. Get as much physical activity and time outdoors as you can. Go for a walk, a run, or a bike ride when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
- Look to the future. We don’t know exactly what the “new normal” will be or when we will reach it, but we do know that the need for elective surgery isn’t going to disappear forever. Even if cases are on hold and groups have a hiring freeze right now, there will be a huge need for anesthesia providers in the coming months once surgeries can be scheduled again. If you are having a hard time finding a job as a CRNA, consider your options for the short term, for example, taking a job as an RN until anesthesia opportunities open up.
- Use the pandemic as a litmus test. When you do an interview for CRNA positions in the future, ask questions about the CRNA experience during COVID-19. How did they treat their team? How many people did they have to layoff or furlough? Pay attention to signs that indicate whether you want to work there or not.
Resources for CRNAs
- AANA COVID-19 Resources
- COVID-19 Well-Being Resources
- AANA THRIVE Resources
- COVID-19 and Your Well-Being Infographic
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