Shadowing is such a critical component of understanding if the CRNA profession is right for you, while also gaining key insights to help formulate strong application essays and interviews. As someone who has gone through this rigorous application process myself, I understand the anxiety of trying to maximize your shadow experience to build strong relationships and learn as much as possible about life as a CRNA. That's why I want to share some of the best questions you should prepare to help guide meaningful conversations during your shadow days. Let's jump in!

Hours to Shadow

• Aim for at least 40+ hours if possible.
• Shadow multiple CRNAs at different facilities for a more comprehensive experience.
• Quality reflection time is as important as the quantity of hours.
• Balance pushing yourself to get quality shadowing time with self-care to avoid burnout.

Finding CRNAs to Shadow

• Attend state AANA meetings to network with practicing CRNAs.
• Make connections that may lead to ongoing mentorship.
• Reach out to other state AANA organizations for shadowing opportunities.

Questions About Their Program

• Where did you attend CRNA school?
• What did you like most about the program?
• What were some weaknesses or things you disliked?
• How was the program structured - front-loaded, integrated, etc? What was your opinion of the model?
• What were your clinical sites like? Which locations did you rotate through?
• Did you have a primary home clinical site or did you switch frequently? What was your preference?
• Were the sites local or did you have to relocate? Did the program cover housing costs?
• How far in advance did you know your clinical schedule? Was there stability or unpredictability?

Personal Questions

• What was the hardest part of CRNA school for you?
• How did you study? What was your flow?
• Did you have much free time during school?
• How did you manage the balance between school and family obligations?
• If you could look back, what's the #1 piece of advice you'd give your past self before starting CRNA school?
• Knowing what you know now, would you do CRNA school all over again? Do you have any regrets or feel it was absolutely worth it?

Job Specific Questions

• What are your main responsibilities and duties on a typical work day?
• What types of cases do you mainly see?
• Do you work on a variety of cases or tend to focus on certain types of anesthesia?
• What are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your job?
• If you could change anything about your current position, what would it be?

Political Questions

• How involved are you with the state and national CRNA organizations?
• What are the key legislative issues facing CRNAs in this state currently?
• How do CRNAs and physician anesthesiologists work together at this facility?
• What would you say is the most challenging political issue facing CRNAs today?

Advice Questions

• If you could go back in time and give advice to your past student self, what would it be?
• What do you wish you knew before starting CRNA school?

Program Analysis Questions

• In retrospect, if you had to pick programs again, what are some things you'd look at more closely?
• What factors would you focus on most when comparing CRNA programs?

Conclusion

Shadowing CRNAs is an invaluable experience for aspiring nurse anesthetists. The hours you spend observing them firsthand will provide tremendous insight that you simply can't gain anywhere else. As discussed in this article, be sure to ask a wide variety of questions to your CRNA mentors to fully understand the realities of the profession. In particular, use the shadowing opportunity to explore your own motivations for pursuing this career path. Listen closely to gain perspective on the challenges CRNAs face and attributes needed to succeed in this demanding yet rewarding field. Pay special attention to the political and advocacy aspects of the role, as these are less visible from the outside but so crucial. Take notes during your experience and reflect afterwards about your key takeaways.

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