Conference for RRNAs sets residents up for success

When Registered Resident Nurse Anesthetists (RRNAs) graduate, they have the clinical skills to step into the workforce as anesthesia experts knowledgeable in all aspects of patient care. Nurse anesthesiology programs are rigorous and intensive—but RRNAs may still need some guidance in areas not covered during their coursework. Seeing a need to provide residents with additional tools so they’re successful after graduation, U.S. Anesthesia Partners (USAP) created a one-day conference for RRNAs.

Held in summer 2022 in Las Vegas—with plans to hold the conference in Las Vegas again this summer—USAP’s conference covered topics such as giving and receiving feedback, what to expect after graduation, and the different types of jobs available for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). Residents also had an opportunity to attend a class that offered real-life tips on managing difficult airways.

Bree Brown, DNP, CRNA, platform chief CRNA of North Texas for USAP and one of the conference organizers, said she and the other organizers approached the directors of nurse anesthesiology programs to ask what information their RRNAs would appreciate apart from clinical and didactic education.

“We took that feedback and looked at what we could give residents that will help them coming into this profession,” Brown said.

Brown and Ray Ramos, the platform chief for USAP in Austin, worked closely with other CRNAs, including clinical coordinators who supervised residents throughout the country, to develop content for the conference. USAP’s talent acquisition team, recruiters, and human resources staff were also involved in content creation.

Residents serving as presidents of their classes were invited to participate in the day-long conference, with about 60 residents total attending.

“These RRNAs were identified as leaders of their classes, so I foresee them being leaders in their profession later in their careers,” Brown said.

An essential part of being a leader, she said, is giving feedback. RRNAs attended an interactive session designed to help them with communication skills, as well as giving and receiving feedback. “We also discussed how a new anesthesia provider can ask for feedback, and what kind of feedback is productive and constructive,” she said.

Joseph Benson, DNP, CRNA, a recent graduate of Florida International University, said classes like the one on feedback and communication helped make him feel more confident as a new leader in the workforce.

“Having that confidence is important as you’re just starting your career. It contributes to the overall quality of care we provide,” he said.

Another class covered one of the most stressful issues for residents: what comes after graduation and beginning their new careers. Brown said CRNAs provided information to residents on what to expect during the last year of school through the first two years of employment. This included how to determine what kind of job would be best for them and what questions to ask potential employers during interviews. Residents also discussed pay and benefits packages, what it’s like to work in different practice settings, and how to integrate into a team as a new CRNA.

“We really wanted to give the RRNAs the tools to decipher between job offers. I know when I came out of school, I didn’t know the difference between a W2 job and a 1099 job. We covered what that looks like, how to compare the two, and what kind of job would best fit their lifestyle,” she said. “There are a lot of things that go into helping somebody find a job that’s a good fit for them.”

Brown added, “My goal when I’m talking to RRNAs about potential jobs is that they need to go where they’re going to be happy and where they feel like they can be successful and supported as a new grad. I want people to be happy and want to come to work. When you’re happy in what you’re doing, the happier the people around you are, and you take better care of your patients.”

Benson said he appreciated the information about how to navigate job market and what to expect as a new CRNA. He also enjoyed attending classes on topics that weren’t necessarily covered during school. He described the conference as “educating and investing in the future of nurse anesthesiology.”

“I’d recommend attending this conference to anyone who gets the opportunity,” he said. “I thought it really helped bridge the gap as a transition from being a resident into being a confident leader of anesthesia practice.”

Brown said she and others at USAP are beginning to plan this year’s conference. They hope to double the number of attendees and make it a two-day event.

“I think last year was just the tip of the iceberg as far as what knowledge we can give these residents,” she said.