Our specialty has a huge problem. It’s possible that you are included in it!
The problem is hesitancy among the majority of physician anesthesiologists to speak out publicly against independent nurse anesthetist practice. Independent nurse anesthetist practice is just another way of saying, “the physician removed from anesthetic care.” If you think you bring no value to the anesthesia care team, stay silent. But if you think your involvement in the anesthesia care team improves quality and safety, it is not just that you should speak out publicly, you have an obligation to speak out. And as your level of visibility, influence and leadership within the medical specialty of anesthesiology increases, particularly when you are training young anesthesiologists, so goes that obligation to lead by example for what is best for patients.
There is no worse time to be quiet or to speak only in private! All nurses should know...