Shadowing CRNAs/CAAs: Program Scope & Overview
Executive Summary: Our team is excited to work with the UNC Health Volunteer Services Department in offering shadow visits to individuals interested in knowing more about the highly specialized field of anesthesia. We welcome individuals ages 18+ who are interested in anesthesia care as a prospective career path. Shadowing a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist (CRNA) or Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) will help expose shadowing individuals to the clinical aspects of providing anesthesia.
In order to protect our patients and visitors, our shadowers must be cleared and vetted through the UNC Health Volunteer Services Department.
On the day of shadowing: At 6:45 AM, shadowers will meet the Charge CRNA at the UNC Hospitals Surgical Tower 2nd floor OR front desk area. The Charge CRNA will assist the shadower in getting scrubs. The first surgical case starts at 7:30 AM, and time is of the essence for changing into OR scrubs. There is no debrief between the Host and the Shadower prior to the first case.
Depending on scheduling and peri-operative demands on the clinical team, the shadowing experience may be variable, lasting from a few hours to an entire day.
Attire and belongings: Shadowers should wear closed-toe shoes, modest to no jewelry and minimal fragrance. Hair should be tied back. Shadowers may have a tank style top under scrubs but nothing with exposed sleeves.
If a shadower feels the need to cover his/her arms, a hospital-provided scrub jacket should be worn. A standard-issue UNC Hospitals disposable hat, mask and shoe covers must be worn in the operating room and are available at the OR front desk area. Please allow extra time for changing at the beginning and end of the day. Ensure that scrub tops and bottoms are returned at the end of the day.
General Instructions: Our team encourages shadowers not to bring any valuable items or large bags. No personal bags are allowed in the operating room, and lockers are not provided for visitors. If a shadower plans to apply to a clinical program and needs to have documentation of the shadowing experience, please bring that paperwork and present it to the shadow host prior to debriefing at the conclusion of the visit.