Motivators

If money is your only motivator, you won't make it as a CRNA. The education is too intense, the work too hard and the responsibility, awesome. While I don't undervalue what I do in anesthesia, at the end of a difficult case, my thoughts are not about the money, but about what I did, why I did it, would I make any changes if I had to do it again and a lot of satisfaction.

The AANA has been very sucessful in seeing that CRNAs get reimbursed on par with anesthesiologists in government payment programs (Medicare). It is nice to see a national organization recognize the importance of adequate pay for professional services.

I agree that money should not be the primary motivator. As someone else had mentioned before....money does have some to do with it because who would go through all that hard work without some compensation later? However, although the money is good, it is not a major reason that I'm wanting to become a CRNA. I feel so passionately about it. I'm so excited. This is going to sound corny, but I'm consumed with the idea of finally getting to fulfill my dream of becoming a CRNA. It's the main thing I think about most of the time. I talk about it at work and drive everyone nuts, so I'm trying to put a cap on it as much as I can. I currently work on a medical floor and am pretty miserable. I hate giving such poor care (in my opinion); we have 8-12 patients a piece on the average and it is very hard. It's difficult to meet everyone's needs. I do feel like a waitress and I get cursed at just about every day! I want a more rewarding career with more respect from both patients and doctors alike. I like to be at the top of my game and I really like to challenge myself. It is scary, but it is very exciting in the same. I like the autonomy that CRNAs possess, as well as the respect, and knowledge. In addition, I like the idea of taking care of one patient at a time. Only having one patient in front of you pretty much guarantees they are going to get the best care possible. I don't like to do anything half way, and I feel like I can give my best as a CRNA. I have a long ways to go, but I will get there, and I'll know that I'll love it.

Why is it that nurses always apologize about money being a motivator? Maybe it is not politically correct to talk about it, and it certainly should not be the only reason to want to be a CRNA, but frankly I don't apologize for getting well paid for having received an education and for the skill and knowledge needed to administer anesthesia.

Believe me, you will earn every penny you make and there will be days when the satisfaction will be greater than any money you make and days when you know you are not getting paid enough.

One of my observations about nursing (generalization) is that they tend to complain a lot and apologize for too much.

YogaCRNA

I'm not sure if there is one specific motivator for me. Ever since I was little and knew what anesthesia was, I wanted to do it. but until abotu 2 years ago I had no idea that CRNAs existed. I started researching them and thought "This sounds like it's for me!" I've never had the desire to be a physician and I don't think I ever will have that desire. I've spent lots of time with a CRNA over the past year and I love it and I can say 100% that it's what I want to do\be. I know I have a long way but I know it's all worth it in the end.

brett

I enjoy reading everyone's postings because we all seem to have the same thoughts. When I first heard of CRNS's I didn't even know of the salary. I'm an adrenaline junkie also, I love the rush in the ICU of a code. What I really admire about CRNA's(I've followed many of them) is how calm they are. No matter what is going on, they do things quickly, precisely, and with an air of huge respnsibility. Of course these are things that come over time, I like being under control during critical situations with my patients.
every CRNA I've spoken to loves the job, and always says it's worth it. So if you're motivated like I am, the money is a sweet bonus to a wonderful career.

Jenni,

Quote: "I enjoy reading everyone's postings because we all seem to have the same thoughts. "

One of the most profound statements I heard was made by one of the members of this board that I had the pleasure to talk to in person---"When you get to school you realize you are part of a group of people who think about things much the same way." And I have really found that to be true, especially those friends of mine that have gone off to school or who are about to go, we all think very much alike.

The money is definitely a factor for me, but the largest denominator is the ability for autonomy that this profession affords someone with experience. My plan is to work at a large facility or for a group at several large facilities for 3-5 years to get a good handle on the "art" of anesthesia then move on to a more autonomous area of practice--wherever that may be.