Future of CRNAs

Specialties CRNA

Published

Does anyone ever wonder what will happen when the market becomes flooded with CRNAs? Will we see a drop in salaries?

I am a SRNA and today I heard one of my program heads discuss with one of the anesthesia attendings about anesthesiology and where it will be in the future and the attending mentioned that anesthesia residency programs will, in the next year, begin their expansion into more of the perioperative arena and carve out a niche in this area. He said in the future MDAs will spend a lot of time in the SICU and will be trained to become heads of this units and CRNAs will deliver almost, if not all, anesthesia. He also said the market will not sustain paying 350K to an MDA to "push propofol".

That's all fine and dandy with me and it was great to hear the future looks good for us.

What surprised me, however, was to hear my program head say that more and more CRNAs, as well as PAs, will be put into the work force to the point that the market will be saturated. She said right now CRNAs make great money because of the shortage but with supply of providers increasing the market, will again, push our salaries down and more to the level of NPs.

Needless to say, I was not too optimistic about that comment and wonder if that will ever be an issue I need to worry about. She also stated the market will not bear paying 120-150K to us to just push fluids. I really didn't know what to think at that point and thought this lady was full of crappola.

Any comments?

What does RN vs CRNA salaries have to do with CRNA and MD relations?

For those of you who do not like to read my soapbox rants, stop here now.

I think newbies entering this field would do well to remember that there was a time not long ago that anesthetists were not making six figures, yet their level of responsibility and professional commitment was - in many cases, arguably - higher than it is today. And, the salaries of today are absolutely no guarantee of future compensation. I worry that we are creating our own salary bubble in this field.

I am also worried that we are creating a cadre of graduates who expect a 150k package right out the door, and oh-by-the-way, also expect 6 weeks paid vacation, no nights, and no weekends. They don't care who stupervises them or whether their scope of practice is limited by some dude who thinks that being a physician and pushing a CRNA's drugs somehow makes him a superior anesthestist.

I am in the interview process, and 150k sounds high, especially for a new grad. It's more likely that such a number represents a total compensation package, which includes paid vacation, insurance, and other benefits, or an independent contractor position. I know lots of CRNAs who make more money than that, but their position comes with heavy call responsibilities, and they are putting in some serious hours at the head of the table.

Do CRNAs have skills that should be compensated at this level? Absolutely. There were very few times when I was a nurse that I left the hospital with my work still on my mind. Now that I am close getting launched, and won't have the reassuring presence of a preceptor who can save my a%*, I can tell you that I feel the weight of this responsibility daily. It is much more common for me to get home still thinking about my day rather than leaving it at the hospital lobby at the end of my 12-hour shift.

This is not directed specifically at the previous poster. It just sets me off when we are having a discussion about the current political climate and the salary issue gets thrown in there to muddy the waters. Because let's face it, there are many SRNAs in school right now who want nothing more than a nice paycheck and relief at 3pm. Without students in the pipeline who feel passionately about more than their compensation, this profession could be in trouble. How many students know the latest opt-out states? How many really even know what that means? What is the status on Thoughtbridge? Who thinks Thoughtbridge is an offshoot of Scientology?

If we really want to show respect to our predecessors, let's worry less about how we are going to spend that salary and worry more about how the hell we are going to maintain the level of practice that we currently enjoy (which is solely due to the hard work of our predecessors).

Excusing myself now...

Because let's face it, there are many SRNAs in school right now who want nothing more than a nice paycheck and relief at 3pm. Without students in the pipeline who feel passionately about more than their compensation, this profession could be in trouble. How many students know the latest opt-out states? How many really even know what that means? What is the status on Thoughtbridge? Who thinks Thoughtbridge is an offshoot of Scientology?

If we really want to show respect to our predecessors, let's worry less about how we are going to spend that salary and worry more about how the hell we are going to maintain the level of practice that we currently enjoy (which is solely due to the hard work of our predecessors).

Excusing myself now...

Athlein, you hang onto that soapbox, and keep on shouting. I also have no ill feeling toward Jess, but I identify with your assessment of a sort of overall lack of perception (among many) that is indeed frustrating.

Unfortunately, nurse anesthesia has always had the apathetic members. We need members like you to keep trying to wake them up. I sometimes worry that student apathy is worse now than in the past, but your response restores my hope for the future.

loisane crna

BTW-Scientology-lol, I love it. Those of you who don't get it, you haven't been keeping up!

Athlein1 - I agree with your stance, sorry for mudding up the water (only replying to a previous post in this thread). Nothing taken personally. I am trying to learn all I can about political, practice, legal issues that will affect OUR practice in the future. I do not desire to be an apathetic member of this elite group.

On the other hand this thread is titled "future of crnas" not "md/crna relations". Also I, being the SOLE provider for my family and taking on more than $100k in debt, consider it wise to look at my FUTURE compensation.

Jess

what are opt-out states? What is thoughtbidge?

I will be starting nurse anesthesia school this fall and would like to learn as much as possible. I plan to definitely be a voice for the profession and have been on this board for quite a while. I find it very informative and hope you can open my eyes to some of these issues.

Loisane,

Thank you very much for your reply! It was much appreciated! Guess I will keep the soapbox around...

Jess,

Good to know that you did not take my post as a personal affront. Here's an interesting thing about your reply.

On the other hand this thread is titled "future of crnas" not "md/crna relations".
. I think that you will find as you begin school that these two issues are, in reality, inextricably intertwined.

Csojet,

I will be happy to tell you about Thoughtbridge. And, no, it's not really linked to Scientology, though some anesthetists do feel that it is a far-out concept with as much likelihood of success as a Spacestation on Mars. I have to study, but as soon as I get a chance, I will post info about it. Good for you for getting interested early!

I just heard that Wisconsin has now opted out and Montana has re-opted out bringing the total to 14. Here is the most current list from the AANA:

"There are 14 states that have opted out of the federal supervision requirement: Iowa, Nebraska, Idaho, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Kansas, North Dakota, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Montana"

We are getting there, slowly but surely!

I just heard that Wisconsin has now opted out and Montana has re-opted out bringing the total to 14. Here is the most current list from the AANA:

"There are 14 states that have opted out of the federal supervision requirement: Iowa, Nebraska, Idaho, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Kansas, North Dakota, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Montana"

We are getting there, slowly but surely!

I just read in the ASA news letter that Montana just re-opted back in...interesting? I will look to see what the truth is.

http://www.asahq.org/Newsletters/2005/06_05/stateBeat06_05.html

I just read in the ASA news letter that Montana just re-opted back in...interesting? I will look to see what the truth is.

http://www.asahq.org/Newsletters/2005/06_05/stateBeat06_05.html

Check the AANA website. As of June 16th the Opt-out was reinstated.

Sorry A$A.

+ Add a Comment