by TOM JAMES
(MICH)
The only people who need a phd are program directors. They get paid a lot and don’t really do much. I worked with a gentlemen who did nothing but run a dept of anesthesia. When it came time to do some clinical, he couldn’t do it; he was lost. AND THIS GUY GRADUATED THE SAME PROGRAM AS I DID TWO CLASSES BACK. HUMMM MAKES YOU WONDER. Education? Yes, to a point. Clinical? Lots of it. Working alone in a small place is a must. Working alone gives you so much experience.
The biggest plus is you learn to say “NO. SORRY. NOT TODAY. WE WILL REEVALUATE IN THE AM. Surgeons do not consider pt safety nor do MDA’S.
I believe that all that’s going to happen is everyone will have bigger student loans to pay off. Besides, the MDA and docs will never call you doctor because there is no respect. You will always be just a NURSE.
Humm wonder how much more the AANA will charge to re-cert a doctor. Now you need a masters. Before, it was 24 months of training and before that 18 months. If you really want something that counts, then push for a universal state licensure or a national health license. My career began in 1977 with anesthesia school. I was finished in 1979. After graduating with a diploma, I worked at numerous places, including agencies, then in 1998 I did contract positions where i learned mostly to say no. I was VETPROED AND MILITARY PROED. In other words, I could work at any VA medical center and any military reservation. Plus, I was licensed in 15 states, so I kept busy.
My opinion, now retired, is that having a doctorate doesn’t do anything for your clinical skills. It’s only measures status. The only way you get respect in this field is by earning it through actions and exceptional patient care.
Some went the MD route; I went the nursing route. Tough for them. I used them only for a library when I needed some info. I never needed their help.
I can’t understand why all the insurance companies pay two people to do one anesthetic. It’s a waste of money if you ask me.
It’s a real thrill watching the MDs talking to your pt. “I’ll be giving your anesthesia today”. Yeah right. And for 30 years I used 2.5 MGM verses 150 mikes Fentanyl 100 to 200 MGM Diprovan then sux and then rock. I’ve never been sued.