I had a clinical rotation in this relatively small hospital, and noticed that they primarily use MDA's. When I asked the OR nurses if there were any CRNA's, they said the hospital only employs two nurse anesthetists. I thought that was odd since I've always read that CRNA's practice more in rural areas, and this hospital is located in a semi-rural area.
I asked the OR nurses why there weren't more CRNA's. They said they didn't understand it because CRNA's are cheaper. If true, that seemed odd since the hospital has replaced surgical nurses with tech's to save money.
I was just wondering what the economics are and, if in fact CRNA's are cheaper, why would a hospital not employ more CRNA's? Unless there aren't any CRNA's available to hire?
Like any hospital, they're always trying to cut costs and are constantly fighting with staff nurses over basic pay raises, benefits, etc. So, if in fact there's a cost savings, why wouldn't they hire more CRNA's ????