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| |  CRNA-what is your day like?
Dear CRNA, 
What is your daily routine at work like? How many hours do you typically work a week? Do you find your job rewarding? Do you have time for your family (small children)? Would you take anything back from becoming a CRNA? What is something that you DON'T like about your job?
Thank you so much! 
PS: I am realllllly interested in becoming a CRNA...and would just like some general opinions from those who are already CRNAs. 
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Sep 14, 2008, 04:06 PM
 Re: CRNA-what is your day like?
Frequent day = no water, no food, no pee. Must be an adrenaline addict to like this job. Fast turnover, instant feedback which is usually gratifying. Lots of heavy lifting and frequently lazy anesthesiologists (usually, but not always!). Probably will need therapy at some time in the future to learn to handle stress. Very interesting work.
You earn EVERY PENNY you make. Very, very tired at night. Took night call, weekends and holidays for 25 years but that doesn't bother me. However, its an issue for others.
| | No. 4 |
Sep 15, 2008, 03:37 PM
Re: CRNA-what is your day like?
I've gamed the system now for 22 years as far as schedules go. A 24&16hr shift, 3 12hrs shifts. etc. Now I just work the minimum that will entitle me to benefits particularly vac. time. I doubt there are to many jobs, if any, in the hospital setting, that involve patient care, that pay better. Best move I ever made aside from marriage. Challenging but rewarding work that you don't have to take home with you. If you want to vonunteer in the 3rd world there's plenty of opportunities. Alot less of the B.S. that you find in regular nursing, and great drugs to boot.[just kidding]
Ed
| | No. 5 |
Sep 18, 2008, 02:51 PM
Re: CRNA-what is your day like?
I have been at this for 27 years. Started with hospital jobs..long days.. 24 hr calls, weekends...... not fun but great experience. Have since moved on to independent outpatient practice. Mon thru Fri no call bread and butter cases..plastics cataracts surgi centers. Good pay . No benefits. There are many different paths in this profession..all good!
| | No. 6 |
Sep 18, 2008, 03:25 PM
Re: CRNA-what is your day like? Originally Posted by sleeperer1  I have been at this for 27 years. Started with hospital jobs..long days.. 24 hr calls, weekends...... not fun but great experience. Have since moved on to independent outpatient practice. Mon thru Fri no call bread and butter cases..plastics cataracts surgi centers. Good pay . No benefits. There are many different paths in this profession..all good!
No benefits? Do you get them through your spouse?
| | No. 7 |
Sep 18, 2008, 03:45 PM
Re: CRNA-what is your day like?
No.My wife ( Respiratory Therapist) stopped working when my first child was born.........my daughter is almost 20. I bear the cost of insurances, pension, continuing ed,, etc. No paid vacations. It is a trade-off for higher income and freedom to take off whenever you want. Down side is work is not guaranteed and you have fo find coverage for your clients when you are away. It has worked for me for 20+ years,,,,not for everyone.
| | No. 8 |
Oct 04, 2008, 10:42 AM
Re: CRNA-what is your day like? Originally Posted by catcolalex The work situations are as varied as the CRNA's who work in them, you can be an 8 hr shift worker with no nights, weekends, call, or holidays. Or you can be a more independent work when they need you, all hours of the day or night kind of CRNA. One thing for sure, I've never met a CRNA who regretted being a CRNA.
THANKS!
Good to know.
| | No. 9 |
Oct 06, 2008, 05:28 AM
Re: CRNA-what is your day like? Originally Posted by sleeperer1 No.My wife ( Respiratory Therapist) stopped working when my first child was born.........my daughter is almost 20. I bear the cost of insurances, pension, continuing ed,, etc. No paid vacations. It is a trade-off for higher income and freedom to take off whenever you want. Down side is work is not guaranteed and you have fo find coverage for your clients when you are away. It has worked for me for 20+ years,,,,not for everyone.
Could you elaborate on "take off whenever you want", do you work Locum Tenens or is it an arrangement with the employer? If so, how did you make such an arrangement?
Thanks
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