By Scott O’Brien, Chief CRNA
Baylor, Scott, and White Medical Center
If 22 years in the U.S. Army taught me anything, it was that the military understands the power of teamwork.
Working with others to accomplish a mission. Defending and protecting those we care for. Sharing in the camaraderie generated by a group of professionals, each with unique skill sets. These are the core values I and my fellow veterans carried while serving in the military. Values that, today, are reflected in my role as a Sound Anesthesia Chief CRNA.
I became fascinated by anesthesia care after entering my military occupational specialty (MOS) as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Inspired by working alongside both anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), I entered the Army’s anesthesia program after my first combat deployment. There, I began my own training to become a CRNA.
Each branch of the military that has a CRNA program consistently ranks in the top 10 in the nation. Their education is phenomenal for anesthesiologists and CRNAs alike. At my program, both the anesthesiologist and CRNA programs were training side by side, together. Unlike most civilian practice programs, military programs intentionally train servicemembers to be independent and collaborative providers. Rather than the standard “directed care model,” where anesthesiologists govern the CRNAs under their charge, the military requires each clinician to stand on their own in a wartime scenario. After a few months of my CRNA residency at Brooke Army Medical Center, our program seemed to merge with the anesthesiology residency under the same roof. We shared expectations and learned how to work as a cohesive team.
It wasn’t until leaving the Army that I learned this style of anesthesia care was not the norm. I felt uncomfortable in traditional models because I was not accustomed to the animosity between many anesthesiologists and CRNAs. Nor was I interested in working at hospitals where my experiences, points of view, and independence as a clinician took a backseat in the name of hierarchy. I craved a philosophy of true partnership—and I found it at Sound.
Sound Anesthesia doesn’t just preach teamwork. Their programs walk that walk. CRNAs work at the top of their scope of practice and license, side by side with anesthesiologists, because Sound understands that collaboration creates excellence and safety. Each anesthesia provider brings something to the table. Physicians bring an extensive knowledge base of medicine from medical school and CRNAs carry deep compassion and care from the nursing side, each with strong anesthesia training to complete the best patient centered team possible. Every person adds value; mastery is never owned by one. As team Sound, we come together to accomplish the mission at every single level of leadership.
The patient is at the core of that mission, and collaborative care is only the beginning. We believe in providing anesthesia care as true facility partners. Significantly, Sound excels at ensuring each program is a partnership, not a paycheck. We want to be there, caring for our patients and building the healthcare leaders of tomorrow.
Coming out of the military, it was important to know I had good, solid leadership to support me, guide me, and create a level of stability that complemented my veteran experience. At Sound, my background and training are valuable assets that enrich the care we strive for. I’m a person, not just a position, and it shows that Sound is investing in me for the long haul.
If you or someone you know is interested in what a post-military service career with Sound Anesthesia, you can learn more here.