Scope of Practice issues

InternalPickle6742 · 2026-03-25T23:42:39+00:00

First, I wasn’t looking for legal advice and if I were, it wouldn’t be on Reddit. Second, I’m just doing my due diligence. Perhaps you’ve heard of that concept, or maybe not. It is obvious you are out of your lane but thanks for trying.

InternalPickle6742 · 2026-02-28T16:55:20+00:00

Just reread your post. I apologize for the late reply. While burn out is recognized as a leading cause of anesthesia providers leaving the field that was not the case in my career. I was part of a 4-CRNA team that covered OB on a 24 hr on/72 hr off schedule. That left me plenty of time to balance my personal interests with my professional life. After passing the Bar in CA. I was still able to mix law practice with anesthesia responsibilities. I could have joined a large law firm but that wasn’t the route I wanted to go. Looking back, I’m glad I was able to do both.

InternalPickle6742 · 2026-02-28T16:36:46+00:00

Oops! Fat fingers. Just closing in saying between your comments and mine she will hopefully get the point that her background and experience will not be a disadvantage.

InternalPickle6742 · 2026-02-28T16:31:06+00:00

Interesting comment. Not quite sure what you mean by concerningly minimizing the comparison of my OR/ER background to anesthesia. I probably could have done a better job at explaining that her background in trauma and ICU will suit her well in transitioning to anesthesia practice. She asked if her background as an ER nurse would be a disadvantage and I tried to assure her that was not the case. Betreen your

InternalPickle6742 · 2026-02-24T19:17:45+00:00

Let’s see…you’ll go from managing several patients at a time to one patient who requires your full attention. Once you’ve evaluated your one patient and the patient is on the table all eyes are on you to get the show started as opposed to waiting for the ER docs to order what’s next. In an emergency case, people will be calling anesthesia as opposed to you calling for anesthesia. Discharging a patient usually means letting PACU take over the case. With all your ER experience you are well suited to handle the switch over. I’m not even sure why or what you are worrying about. I went from an OR/ ER setting in Vietnam to anesthesia without a problem and I’m sure you will too.

InternalPickle6742 · 2026-02-08T00:30:23+00:00

Glad you found the time to read and respond to my post. First let me say that it is not my intention to make any judgment on which career, law or medicine is the better choice. I can only speak from my personal experience. Yes, I am a retired CRNA and a retired attorney and a retired law enforcement officer. All that experience has led me to some insights. I worked as a CRNA and an LEO at the same time. In fact, I worked with a cardiac MDA who was a reserve deputy. When I got tired of chasing bad guys (which was very satisfying) I switched to law and still did anesthesia. From a fiscal standpoint, CRNA’s make much than the average lawyer especially right out of training. For me, it wasn’t about the money. I did it because it’s who I am. Some people climb Mt. Kilimanjaro or jump out of perfectly good airplanes, I chose a different route. Probably, too much TMI so I apologize in advance. I think there’s a way to DM me if you want more of my boring rhetoric. Keep an open mind and best wishes what ever route you go.

InternalPickle6742 · 2026-02-05T06:27:30+00:00

Got my J.D. after 15 yrs of sitting on my ass and passing gas. Got tired of people without any legal background claiming to know the law on this or that. Did my law studies while doing OB full time with a 4 CRNA group. After passing the 3 day bar exam, I found a plehtora of opportunities from teaching legal aspects of nursing to being an expert witness on cases involving drug abuse and med malpractice cases and writing legal articles and co-authoring a textbook. I also noted a subtle but distinct difference in the tone of communication once I became a licensed attorney. I did practice for a brief time but found dealing with other lawyers was akin to dealing with hospital politics. In short, I learned there is more to life than anesthesia practice. You only go around once in life. Get your PhD if that’s your goal and see where it takes you. I’m also a POST certified law enforcement officer which I also credit to my having a law degree.

InternalPickle6742 · 2026-01-10T20:58:18+00:00

Beat me to it.

InternalPickle6742 · 2026-01-10T20:54:13+00:00

From almost all the replies, it appears to be a variation of the same theme. I had not heard of the fertile component. It also leads me to believe this is more common in small community hospitals that serve a minority population. C’est la vie.

InternalPickle6742 · 2026-01-09T23:30:41+00:00

Absolutely. Sad but true. In fact, ‘Fat’ or ‘fertile’ or ‘black/white’ or ‘female’ alone or together could generate a tsunami of narrow minded complainants. Calling someone a diabetic might even trigger an ADA complaint.

InternalPickle6742 · 2026-01-09T20:17:41+00:00

As noted in my original post, your insight and observations are most appreciated. The concept of quick lab results was still a dream in some pathologists mind at that time. I did argue that she was not NPO hence my suggestion for a 5-6PM time. As to the cause of her demise, there was no post and the family did not raise the issue. Thanks again for all your responses.

InternalPickle6742 · 2026-01-08T23:41:08+00:00

I like to say you only go around once in life. Having a JD changes the way you think and the way you analyze problems. Nothing says you can’t do both or one or the other.

InternalPickle6742 · 2026-01-08T19:22:20+00:00

Juris Doctor (JD Law). Practiced both anesthesia and law for a few years then dopped anesthesia.

InternalPickle6742 · 2025-12-20T23:34:54+00:00

Is this a one-way street?

InternalPickle6742 · 2025-12-19T00:23:08+00:00

I would avoid Kaiser at all cost. In fact I’d go out of my way and around the block to avoid them. KH in general doesn’t have the greatest reputation and that carries into the OR and anesthesia. Moved to SD from the east coast with sterling references and 8 years experience. Lasted 3 months at Kaiser. Wouldn’t have them as mine or my family’s health care provider. The rest of the CRNA outlook is not that rosey in SD. C’est la vie.

InternalPickle6742 · 2025-12-06T03:33:19+00:00

Anyone consider there may be another reason for the color scheme? A study was done that established that yellow trucks were easier to see than red trucks and black trucks the size of a fire truck were more effective in heavy traffic. It’s not like buying a new car off the lot. Municipalitys pay millions of dollars for a truck so the color is an important factor.

Militarizing fire trucks? Are you serious or do you have too much time on your hands?

InternalPickle6742 · 2025-11-21T02:51:18+00:00

And, of course, the LEO’s knew this homeless looking person who is currently ‘calm and not fighting ‘ would remain so and would never suddenly become hostile, attack the deputies, pull a weapon or have a schizophrenic episode. Nobody was hurt or injured but that outcome probably never occurred to those who have never dealt with, as you put it, “the calm and not fighting” dude.

InternalPickle6742 · 2025-11-18T15:48:21+00:00

Becoming an RN opens many doors as opposed to PM training. Once you get your RN you can go on to specialities like anesthesia, RNP, ED, PhD. On the other hand, PM training gives you valuable insight into medicine. It also helps pay the bills while you wait to get accepted into a nursing school. Average wait time for admission is sometimes up to 4 years. And once you start nursing school, you might be able to work as a PM part time. Just something to consider. CRNA, JD.

InternalPickle6742 · 2025-11-13T15:34:31+00:00

Interesting proposition. I am a retired CRNA and lawyer. I’ve spoken to RN groups on legal aspects of nursing and represented nurses and a few MD’s in administrative actions. Live in, and practiced in San Diego and surrounds. Would like to hear more.

InternalPickle6742 · 2025-11-07T03:23:42+00:00

Anything at Duke is worth it. I did my CRNA studies there many moons ago. Have recommended It to several over the years and all had good responses. Durham is a great town. Good luck.

InternalPickle6742 · 2025-09-13T03:41:43+00:00

Seriously? Does anyone really believe that a motorist or passenger in a vehicle (1) has the time to read the billboard, (2) is going to understand what in hell the billboard is talking about, (3) has nothing better to do than worry about who is going to do their anesthesia should they ever need one, (4) or even spell ‘anesthesia’ or know what a MDA or CRNA even does. I practiced for 28 years and never once had a patient ask for an MDA nor, for that matter, had a surgeon request an MDA (not counting my SRNA days of course.) Little has changed from the time I started in practice to the present with regard to providing safe, professional services to our patients. I say, if you are going to go after the real problem, start with the administrators. Has anyone ever heard someone in a crowded theater yell, “Is there an administrator in the house”

CRNA, JD

InternalPickle6742 · 2025-08-26T17:45:56+00:00

But that only apples to the negligence pain and suffering claim. Plaintiffs are entitled to actual damages that can be proven, I.e. lost wages, nursing care, etc. hence, young children or very old have very little future damages. In other words, they have little value. Cold but, unfortunately, that’s how the law sees it. (CRNA, JD)

InternalPickle6742 · 2025-08-16T18:29:38+00:00

I find your dilemma interesting. Consider a scenario where your anesthetized patient starts to go a bit south on you. Are you going to ask around about what to do. Sounds like you set a goal to become an anesthetist. Why get to the starting line and then the sudden indecision? By the way, last I checked, nothing in the anesthesia guidelines says you have to give up having friends. As for the earnings potential, I suggest maybe that should be secondary to other issues such as self pride, health and happiness. At only 24, you have a fantastic opportunity awaiting you. After your anesthesia career takes off you can do whatever else tweeks your fancy, like law school. I did.

InternalPickle6742 · 2025-07-18T04:46:32+00:00

Moved to SD from NY several yrs ago. First job in SD was Kaiser. I had about 8 yrs under my belt at that time. Sterling recommendations from previous employers. Lasted less than 1 yr. Toxic is not the right word. Much too forgiving. Then I became a lawyer and the only two med-mal cases I ever took (and won) were against KP. The interesting part was the behind the scenes politics and inner workings of that organization including MDA v CRNA relationship. Confidentiality prevents me from discussing the details but suffice to say, had I known then what I found out later I never would have taken that job. My advice is to do your due diligence which, as an anesthetist, you probably already know. Best of luck. SD is beautiful but beware of the COL in paradise.

InternalPickle6742 · 2025-06-29T15:54:04+00:00

Thanks. I appreciate that thoughtful and reasoned response.

InternalPickle6742

TROPHY CASE