ODP/RN Anaesthetists

**correction_centre** · 04-04-2005, 01:43 PM

Hi,
I posted this in the doctors mess and got zero response, was hoping you guys could do better!!:

Over in the states RN's actually can qualify to be and actually work as anaesthetists.

In this country, with the reduction in junior doctors hours, and the gradual evolution of the ODP role, more and more tasks are being passed to the ODP. Is it on the cards for the same thing to happen in this country? I can imagine some medics being quite opposed to this seeing as they've spent 10 years training before they've got their first senior reg post - but it makes sense doesn't it?

e.g. a group of ODP anaesthetists working under the supervision of a consultant doing the more minor proceedures requiring light anaesthetics (e.g. knee arthroscopy, teeth pulling etc).

What do you reckon?

**weegie neurosurgeon** · 04-04-2005, 01:48 PM

Im all for it being a theatre nurse myself. Would rather have someone like me giving an anaesthetic than some SHO/spR who is all of a fuddle like some i could mention. Then again i am biased. I should also say im all for first assistants too, since its not written in our job descriptions but many of us are expected to undertake the job when there is no junior member of the medical staff available particularly when on call.

Char

**correction_centre** · 04-04-2005, 02:57 PM

Absolutely.
By the way, I decided to go for ODP rather than nurse training (even though you advised to do it the otherway round!) and I've got an offer to start in September at Huddersfield - I'm frantically trying to sort out my finances before the course starts! I'm actually quite nervous and excited about the whole thing and it's still 6 months away!

**correction_centre** · 04-04-2005, 02:58 PM

b.t.w. - is that your picture on the left?

**weegie neurosurgeon** · 05-04-2005, 03:50 AM

No thats not my pic. Its actually monica bellucci. Im glad you got into the ODP thang. Its all good! Let me know how you get on. I might be joining u doing an ODP course this yr if my midders course doesnt come up.

Long live nurse/odp anaesthetists!

love char xxxx

**nursesteve** · 05-04-2005, 05:50 PM

blimey weegie do you wanna be a nurse, an ODP, a Dr or what???!!! LOL LOL LOL

**monkey boy** · 05-04-2005, 07:27 PM

looks more like kylie to me. hmm kylie.... [in best homer simpson voice

]

**correction_centre** · 05-04-2005, 08:22 PM

Originally Posted by nursesteve

blimey weegie do you wanna be a nurse, an ODP, a Dr or what???!!! LOL LOL LOL

Yeah I'm quite interested too. I mean I notice that you've applied for some 6 year courses - you must want to do med really really badly. Can you not see a way forwards with your present career. I mean you're in a position to push the cause and blaze the trail so-to-speak. Can you not officially become 1st assistant to the surgeon cos I'm sure people have talked about this before.
Cheers.

**lucyfrombristol** · 05-04-2005, 09:47 PM

As a point of interest, I am currently involved in the writing of a course to train a new role known as Anaesthesia Practitioners. This course which is being commissioned jointly by the NHSU and Royal College of Anaesthetists is designed to train non-medical personnel to be part of the Anaesthetic team. This new role is seen to be important in pioneering the shift of work, traditionally done only by doctors, to new, non-medically trained grades of staff.

After qualification an Anaesthesia Practitioner will be able to give anaesthesia and monitor patients under supervision. It is envisaged that applicants to the course will come from both current healthcare workers (theatre nurses, ODPs etc.) and life science graduates.

The course is still very much in development but it should be up and running in a number of sites around the country within the next 6 months, so watch this space. Let me know if you'd like any more info.