In the fast-paced world of intraoperative neuromonitoring, it’s easy to focus primarily on technical skills and signal quality. But over time, many of us learn that the relationships we build in the operating room can have just as much impact on our practice — and on patient care — as our clinical expertise.
In healthcare, technical skills are most often the focus. But over time, I’ve learned that relationships- can shape your professional journey just as much as clinical expertise. One of the most meaningful examples of this in my own career has been building genuine friendships with CRNAs. What’s interesting is that it didn’t start from a place of connection-it started from necessity. In the world of IOMN, having a smooth successful day is deeply tied to anesthesia management. The medications CRNAs choose to use-or avoid-can directly influence the quality and reliability of the signals I depend on.
Early on, I realized that if I wanted consistent interpretable data and fewer intraoperative challenges, I needed strong communication and alignment with the anesthesia team. Having a good day starts before the first case. I made it a point to connect in small ways- offering a compliment, asking about their weekend, or just being approachable. Those quick, genuine moments helped build rapport and made clinical conversations easier and more collaborative. These friendships have enriched my career in ways I never anticipated.
By getting to know them beyond the surface level, I’ve gained insight into their decision-making processes, their priorities in high pressure moments and the subtle ways they advocate patient safety. That knowledge has made me a better clinician. Healthcare can be intense, unpredictable and emotionally taxing. Those moments remind me that we’re not just coworkers, we’re people navigating a challenging field together.
Looking back, I can confidently say that becoming friends with CRNAs hasn’t just enriched my career-it has redefined how I experience it. Success to me now isn’t just measured in the signals on a screen or the cases completed, but in the strength of the relationships that help make those outcomes possible.
I’ve been in IOMN for 20 years and in that time my intimate circle of friends has become smaller-however more meaningful, deeper and genuine. A few of my CRNA friends are within that meaningful circle.
So if you are a shy person or intimidated by speaking with anesthesia- I encourage you to step out on the ledge.
This blog post was written for IntraNerve Neuroscience by Kelli Wilkes, M.S., CNIM, one of our experienced Surgical Neurophysiologists.
