CRNA vs SRNA vs AA?

Thank you! OK, now what is the difference in duties between a CRNA and an AA, if any?

I am trying to more understand the arguments on this board and I simply do not know enough about either to understand why this is an issue.

Thanks!
TopCat

CRNA and AA
*Both educated at level of Master's degree
*CRNA's are Registered Nurses (already licensed professionals) who have a minimum of one year of critical-care experience prior to entering their anesthesia education programs
*AA's do not necessarily have to have any experience in healthcare prior to entering their anesthesia education programs, although I imagine healthcare experience would assist them in gaining entry into their programs (I believe there are only two such programs -- not sure?)
*Function is quite similar, although AA's MUST be directed by an anesthesiologist and CRNA's do not require medical supervision. For example, a CRNA could practice without an anesthesiologist being in-house, but an AA must have the anesthesiologist in-house in order to practice.
*Entry to both anesthesia education programs requires a strong background in the sciences (chemistry, biology, physiology, etc). Requirements for CRNA programs vary greatly from school to school --- there are only 2 AA schools, so not a whole lot of room for variance there.

Bottom line - CRNA's are already experienced in dealing with the critically-ill patient as a licensed care provider, before ever beginning an anesthesia education program. Nursing experience brings with it a deeper understanding of pathophysiology and co-morbidities than a general science undergraduate education...thus tipping the scales in favor of having a CRNA at the head of the OR table, rather than an AA. That is what I would want for myself, for my loved ones, and for my patients. That is also why I hope to be a CRNA myself, someday.

Hope that helps!

WoW!!!



Great explanation without any politics. My hat is to you TeenyBabyRN.

Long on editorials, a little shorter on facts.

Hoping you were going to reply to to my post in billing question thread.