CRNAs Provide Essential Patient Care For Surgery

Floyd Valley CRNAs Laura Real (left) and Gary Tillman (center) assist a patient using a C-arm.

(Le Mars) — It has often been said a doctor looks at the ailment, but a nurse focuses on the patient. That is often the case when a patient is prepared for some type of surgical procedure. Last week was National CRNA Week, a week set
aside to recognize the efforts of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. Floyd Valley Healthcare of Le Mars is fortunate to have two registered nurse anesthetists, Laura Real and Gary Tillman. Real offers a simple explanation regarding their responsibilities.

Tillman says prior to any surgery, a CRNA will review with the patient their health records and surgical procedures in order to understand which anesthesia to use for the surgery.

Real says she sees patients that are anxious and concerned aboutĀ  surgery, as well as with the anesthesia, as to whether or not they will wake up from the procedure.

Tillman says anesthesia’s have improved during the last few decades, and through their training, the CRNAs are better at determining how long an anesthesia will last through the surgical procedure.

Real, a native of Norfolk, Nebraska decided to pursue the medical training of an anesthetist following her military career with the U-S Air Force.

Real says she acquired her Master’s degree with Mount Marty following 22 months of training from various types of hospitals. As a student, Real did some clinical trainingĀ at Floyd Valley with Tillman. She says one reason for her to return to Floyd
Valley is she enjoys providing medical care to a family throughout their entire
life.

Tillman says he knew as early as a sophomore in high school that he wanted to perform anesthesia after reading an article in “Scientific America.”

Tillman says one unique feature about Floyd Valley Healthcare is the focus on pain services.

Tillman says what many people may not realize is most hospitals in Iowa have a CRNA as their anesthist.

Real summarizes the feelings for herself and Tillman about their careers as a CRNA at Floyd Valley Healthcare.

There are over 50,000 anesthetists in the United States.

photos courtesy of Floyd Valley Healthcare.