About

The Full Story

Hi there!

​

I'm Jen Overton, CRNA, and I created worryfreeanesthesia.com to help support the mental health aspect of having anesthesia for surgery or any other procedure. I have been a CRNA for nearly 20 years and have been in healthcare as an RN since 2003. As an anesthesia provider, I have worked at about 18 different facilities with different anesthesia personnel and surgeons doing anesthesia for all types of surgeries. I have seen great anesthesia achieved in so many different ways!

​

I have found over the years that patients deal with the idea of being put to sleep in many ways. Some are never afraid of anesthesia, some rely on faith to reassure them, but most have some degree of fear of anesthesia.

​

In fact, studies show that between 60-90% of patients actually experience intense anesthesia fear. And according to the ASA, one in four patients delay surgery due to fear of anesthesia. This has huge implications for patients and providers. 

​

For patients, I believe that if you understood what was going to happen while you asleep and just how statistically safe anesthesia really is, you would feel much more confident about scheduling surgery. If I could prepare you with ways to cope with anesthesia anxiety, you would have presence of mind to prepare better beforehand. If I could inform you about anesthesia options or possibilities for surgery, you would ask more informed questions. And if you are less worried and more prepared, you will have a better outcome. 

​

For providers, this could translate to fewer surgery cancellations, a stable schedule, pre-operatively healthier patients...patients with less anxiety and faster healing. Better outcomes. 

​

This website was created to do just that- gather patients, people, of all ages, stages, and health backgrounds to heal our fear of anesthesia, learn more about anesthesia and ways to cope with anxiety, and to ultimately recover better.

​​

​

​Fun fact:

​

When I was little I would put my dolls to sleep.  : )

They all had appendicitis because that was the only surgery I had really heard about from Punky Brewster. My OR table was a king-size pillow on my parent's bed (which was the operating room.) I created an anesthesia mask and circuit using a doll "bottle warmer" with straws taped to the back and the entire monstrosity taped to my parents' headboard. 

So, I've actually been doing anesthesia for most of my life...

​

Here are some fun photos of my surgery center, as a child "putting my babies to sleep."

​

​

Prepared Patients Have Better Outcomes
Let’s Work Together to Get You Well