"Did you know that anesthesia has been used for thousands of years?

"Did you know that anesthesia has been used for thousands of years? The ancient Greeks and Romans were pioneers in the field of medicine, including the use of anesthesia during surgeries. They employed a variety of herbs and wines to induce a state of unconsciousness in patients undergoing surgical procedures. One of the most commonly used herbs was mandrake, known for its sedative properties. Mandrake was often mixed with wine or other substances to create a potent anesthesia that could numb pain and induce a deep sleep-like state in patients. In addition to mandrake, other herbs such as opium poppy and henbane were also used by ancient Greek and Roman physicians for their pain-relieving and sedative effects. These herbs were often administered orally or through inhalation to achieve the desired level of unconsciousness during surgeries. Wine, particularly red wine, was another common component in ancient anesthesia practices. It was believed to enhance the effects of the herbs and provide additional sedation to patients undergoing surgical procedures. The combination of these herbs and wines not only helped alleviate pain but also allowed surgeons to perform complex procedures with a reduced risk of complications. The ingenuity and innovation of the ancient Greeks and Romans in utilizing these natural substances laid the groundwork for the development of modern anesthesia techniques that continue to benefit patients undergoing surgeries today. Stay tuned for more intriguing insights #AnesthesiaHistory #MedicalInnovation" #wisdomwednesdays #360anesthesia #CRNA #Physiciananesthesiologist

Exploring the History of Propofol!

🔍✨ Welcome to Wisdom Wednesdays! 📚🔍💉 Exploring the Intriguing History of Propofol💊✨ Propofol, also known by its brand name Diprivan, was first synthesized in the 1970s by Dr. John B. Glen and Dr. Brian S. Brown at Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) Pharmaceuticals in the UK. Initially developed as an intravenous anesthetic agent, propofol quickly gained popularity due to its rapid onset of action and short duration of effects, making it ideal for procedures requiring anesthesia for short periods of time. It was first introduced for clinical use in the late 1980s and has since become one of the most commonly used anesthetic agents worldwide. Propofol's unique properties, such as its ability to induce anesthesia without causing significant cardiovascular or respiratory depression, have made it a preferred choice for a wide range of medical procedures, including surgeries, endoscopies, and critical care settings. Over the years, research has continued to explore the pharmacology and mechanisms of action of propofol, leading to a better understanding of its effects on the central nervous system and its potential applications beyond anesthesia. Today, propofol remains a cornerstone in modern anesthesia practice, highlighting the importance of ongoing research and innovation in the field of medicine. Its journey from laboratory discovery to widespread clinical use is a testament to the impact of scientific research on improving patient care and outcomes.

Career Opportunities: Open Positions Updated-07/06/24

Starting a New Job, What documents do you need?

 Starting a New Job, What documents do you need?

List of Documents

• Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
• Driver's License
• RN License
• APRN License
• BSN Diploma
• BLS (Current Card)
• ACLS (Current Card)
• PALS (Current Card)
• Student Case Logs
• AANA Number
• 3 or 4 references (some places require 2 MD & 2 CRNA references)
• Make sure to get references first & last name, email address and phone number. And select individuals who reply to email reference requests promptly. This is often a source of delays.
• Immunization Records
• MMR
• DTaP
• Hep B Series
• Varicella
• Flu
• TB Test (If positive, then chest x-ray)
• Covid Immunization (not all places require)
  
  *Most places will allow you to submit all of the above documentation and then submit the additional documentation after you take boards and they become available.
  
  
• DNAP or DNP-CRNA Program Diploma
• NBCRNA Card

After you have had a CRNA job, you will need the following information for all future positions in which you apply.

• Most recent 2 years of Case Logs, showing procedure, date and anesthetic type
  
  
• Malpractice Policies for the past 5 years, insurance company, policy number, dates of coverage and facilities in which each policy covered your services.
  
  Credentialing Information: Your first job will likely set these up for you for anesthesia billing and you will need to make sure you have the following information when you credential at new facilities. It is common for facilities to ask for your login credentials for the following so they can set up billing for your services at their facility. Just make sure you ask them to notify you if they change any passwords.

• PECOS Login & Password
• Medicare ID Number
• Medicaid Number
• NPI/NPPES: Number and login/password
• CAQH: Number and login/password

Current Openings with 360 Anesthesia! Updated Weekly!

 360 Anesthesia Career Openings: Updated Weekly!

Permanent CRNA Opportunities

*All Positions may be 1099 or W2 option*

 

Northshore Surgery Center-Lincolnwood, IL

Chicagoland area

M-F no call/weekends or holidays

 

West Suburban-Oak Park, IL

Chicagoland area

24 hour in house OB call

 

Chatham Hospital UNC Health-Siler City, NC

45 minutes to Greensboro and Chapel Hill, NC

 

DeKalb Regional Medical Center-Fort Payne, AL

NE Alabama

 

Fannin Regional-Blue Ridge, GA

North Georgia

 

Scranton Regional-Scranton, PA

Northeast Pennsylvania

 

Wilkes Barre General Hospital-Wilkes Barre, PA

Northeast Pennsylvania

 

Mimbers Hospital-Deming, NM

Rural New Mexico work on 2 weeks be off 2 weeks

 

Barstow Community Hospital-Barstow, CA

Rural California work on 2 weeks be off 2 weeks

 

Heartland Regional-Marion, IL

Southern, IL

Call and No call positions available

 

Southern IL Orthopedic Surgery Center-Herrin, IL

Southern, IL

M-F no call/weekends or holidays

All of 360 Anesthesia's W2 positions come with a comprehensive benefit package. If you would like details, please don't hesitate to contact me.

If you have any questions about specific positions or need guidance, feel free to reach out to me at Jennifer.Clevenger@360Anesthesia.com. I'm a practicing CRNA, not a recruiter, and I'm here to assist you in understanding positions, negotiating packages, and discussing schedules. After our initial discussions, I can connect you with the senior in-house recruiter for 360 Anesthesia, Linda, for further steps in the hiring process. 

W2, Staff 1099, Locum: What's the difference?

 

As you start your career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), it's important to understand the different employment arrangements available to you. Three common positions you may come across are W2 positions, staff 1099 positions, and locum positions.

A W2 position is a typical full-time job where you are an employee of a healthcare facility or anesthesia group. Your employer will provide benefits and handle tax withholdings on your behalf. At the end of the year, you will receive a W2 form for tax purposes. This position often comes with benefits including a 401k match, potentially profit sharing, medical, health, disability insurance and continuing education funds annually.

On the other hand, staff 1099 position is a full-time, long-term role usually with a contract lasting one to three years where you work as an independent contractor. You will invoice the facility or anesthesia group for your services and are responsible for paying your own taxes. While the pay rate may be similar to a W2 position, it is slightly higher to account for the taxes you will need to cover. This position does not come with any employer provided benefits.These positions typically do not come with travel stipends as they are long term contracts typically in the area where you reside.

Lastly, locum positions offer short-term assignments at a higher hourly rate. These roles can be canceled at any time, so it's important to be aware of the cancellation policies in your contract. These positions typically range in three to six month assignments but may also be extended at times with your the contractors consent. These positions often come with travel costs covered such as hotel, rental car, airfare and meal stipends. Some places reimburse expenses with receipts and other provide funds up front.

Understanding the differences between these positions can help you make informed decisions about your career path as a CRNA. 

For upcoming CRNA graduates, I strongly advise seeking the guidance of a business attorney or CPA when considering the 1099 route. It is crucial to address this early on rather than waiting until tax season, as failing to do so can lead to falling behind on important legal responsibilities. Handling a substantial CRNA salary incorrectly can result in significant tax liabilities, so it is essential to ensure proper compliance from the start. 

When to look for your first CRNA job position?

 

CRNA Graduation Coming Up, What to do next?

As you approach graduation as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), it's important to start planning for your first position well in advance. 

Around 9 months before graduation is a good time to begin exploring potential job opportunities. Start by researching different areas where you would like to work and live, considering factors such as cost of living, benefits, and school systems if you have children. Look into the types of anesthesia practices in those areas to see if they align with your career goals. 

Is it typical for their to be care team models, collaborative practice or

independent practice in the area?  

Are the facilities large, academic institutions or smaller hospitals?

Once you have narrowed down your options, consider reaching out directly to anesthesia departments to inquire about potential job openings for CRNAs. While some places may be willing to sign contracts with you as early as 8 months before graduation, it is more common to sign a contract for a position around 5-6 months prior to graduation.

When considering job offers, it's essential to carefully review the terms of the contract before signing. Pay close attention to details such as non-compete clauses, salary guarantees, and whether the position is a full time W2 position, locum (short-term) or staff (long-term) 1099 position. If you are considering a 1099 position, it is advisable to seek advice from a business attorney or CPA to ensure you understand the implications of this type of employment arrangement.

By taking proactive steps to research and plan for your first CRNA position, you can set yourself up for a successful transition from student to professional practitioner. 

Interview Tips for Student/Resident Registered Nurse Anesthetists

 Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate the job interview process successfully:

1. Dress professionally: Opt for a professional suit and consider bringing a bag with OR shoes and a surgery cap for quick changes into scrubs during the site walk-through. Otherwise you will be put in a bunny suit over your clothes and this may be uncomfortable with dress shoes or high heels. I don’t recommend wearing scrubs to your interview, although I have seen this done.

2. Be prepared for potential assessments: Some institutions may administer short pharmacology tests during the interview process. While it's not common, it's good to be aware of this possibility. These tests typically focus on topics like moderate vs deep sedation and are usually straightforward.

3. Travel arrangements: If you are not local, most employers will cover the cost of a coach airline ticket and provide moderate hotel reimbursement. It's acceptable to request this coverage upfront, but it's uncommon for employers to cover the travel expenses of family members.

4. Engage in conversations: During the interview, expect discussions about the position over lunch. You should also have the opportunity to walk through the hospital's surgery department and shadow CRNAs or physicians. Take advantage of these opportunities to showcase your fit with the team and your knowledge of anesthesia practices.

5. Show interest in the institution: Accept any offers to walk through the facility, as declining could be viewed negatively. Employers are looking for candidates who will be a good fit with their team and demonstrate competence in anesthesia practices.

6. Ask questions? What type of cases does your facility cover? Do all the OR’s start at the same time each day (i.e. 0730)? Do cases typically wrap up at a certain time each day? Are CRNA’s allowed to practice to the full scope of our license such as administering regional anesthesia blocks, epidurals, spinals, central line placements etc.? How does the call rotation work? Am I required to stay in house during call shifts? Or is call taken from home? If so, what is the call back time? If an epidural is running, does the call person have to stay in house? Are post call days guaranteed off? How many days a week, month, year am I responsible to be on call? Who is my backup if I need an extra assistance when I’m on call? Are there opportunities to make extra money such as working vacation weeks or picking up extra call shifts? It’s okay to request to review the benefits booklet prior to accepting a position and ask who to direct benefits questions to so you can understand benefits for deciding to accept a position? Also, it is good to know if CRNA’s are managed under an independent anesthesia group or  hospitals employees. If hospital employees, do they fall under the nursing department or the medical services department that manages the physicians? Also, it is important to know what advanced airway equipment is available bougie, glidescope, c-mac, fiberoptic bronchoscope etc.? What is the culture like at the facility?

By following these tips, you can make a positive impression during your interview and increase your chances of securing a desirable position that will lead to a happy career as a CRNA. 

Crafting a Strong Curriculum Vitae (CV) for Healthcare Professionals

When it comes to putting together a compelling Curriculum Vitae (CV) attention to detail is important. Here are some tips and suggestions to ensure your CV stands out.

1. Font and Formatting:
- Use a legible font such as Times New Roman or Arial, with a minimum size of 12pt.

-Use Black ink so your CV is legible to the reader on any device.
- Maintain a spacing of 1.0 to 1.15 for readability.
- Consider including a professional photo, avoiding selfies or snapshots.

- It is best to limit your CV to 1 or 2 pages.

- Check for spelling errors!

2. Structured Sections:
- Include essential sections like Contact Information, Summary, Skills/Attributes, Relevant Work Experience, Education (listing all degrees), Certifications/Licensure, Affiliations/Associations, and Publications.

3. Email Address:
- Use a professional email address (avoid university emails) for long-term accessibility. Consider setting up a Google account with your name or initials.

4. Highlight Relevant Skills:
- List anesthesia-specific skills that align with your interests and expertise. Avoid emphasizing skills that do not align with your career goals.

5. Work Experience:
- Focus on healthcare-related experiences in your CV, unless you can directly connect prior experiences to the position you are applying for.

-If you have limited work experience but have volunteered extensively in the healthcare field, then it's okay to add a category for volunteer work below work experience as long as it doesn't mnake your CV longer than two pages.

6. Publications:
- While you don't need to list every research paper, include your doctoral project and any published papers. These can serve as valuable talking points during interviews.

By following these tips and structuring your CV effectively, you can present a professional and comprehensive document that showcases your qualifications and experiences as a CRNA or resident physician. 

I have attached images of a nice, professional CV template to give you an example. I don't recommend spending money on a service to prepare your CV. As a graduate student you can definitely accomplish this task using a template from MS Word, Google docs or an app like Canva. 

Here is a link to the template I used in Canva, titled, "Black and White Corporate Resume". I added the appropriate headings and made a few customizations to make it appropriate for a CRNA CV. https://www.canva.com/design/DAGHMiOxSdY/6EI_AhXKL9dzKXL1f6p_tQ/view?utm_content=DAGHMiOxSdY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview

Talk to A CRNA!

* About Me & Contact Info. * Message Me With Questions!

As a practicing CRNA with experience in various clinical settings, I understand the importance of finding the right job after graduation. My name is Jennifer Clevenger, and I graduated from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee in 2015. Currently, I primarily practice at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, IL, and also work with 360 Anesthesia, providing coverage at different locations as needed.

For CRNA's and CRNA students who are about to graduate, I offer my insights and assistance in navigating the job market. I believe in providing honest assessments of job opportunities, including details about facilities, culture, and positions. It's crucial to have a clear understanding of the roles you are considering, and I am here to help you make informed decisions.

If you have questions about specific positions, need guidance on negotiating packages, or want to discuss preferred schedules, feel free to contact me at Jennifer.Clevenger@360Anesthesia.com. I will provide candid advice to help you determine if a particular job is the right fit for you. Following our initial discussions, I can connect you with our in-house recruiter, Linda, for further steps in the hiring process. 

Navigating the transition from student to practicing CRNA can be daunting, but with the right support and information, you can find a rewarding position that aligns with your goals and values. I am here to support you in this important journey. 

Additionally, if you find yourself facing challenges in any aspect of anesthesia education and are hesitant to seek help from others, feel free to contact me. I am here to offer guidance and support as you navigate your learning journey. I am happy to provide confidential guidance and support.

Click this link to view my contact info and social media links!

https://hihello.me/p/adf9230f-a4bc-4120-a100-5f6ad3004480

If you have any questions about specific positions or need guidance, feel free to reach out to me at Jennifer.Clevenger@360Anesthesia.com.