What kind of person is a happy, successful CRNA?

[dianacs]

First I'd like to say that I've enjoyed reading all the recent posts to this forum. CRNA is a field I know next to nothing about and it's great to be learning a little something new.

I'd like to know what personal characteristics CRNAs tend to have/should have and, perhaps, what kind of person would NOT make a good CRNA. After all, different specialties require different kinds of people, I would imagine.

[lgcv]

CRNA qualities: VIGILENT, ASSERTIVE, somewhat anal retentive, technology oriented, a little controlling, calm demeanor, enjoyment of learning. There are a myriad of others I am sure.

Really, if the desire is there I imagine any personality type would do well, with the exception of very timid or passive people. You have to be able to express what the patient needs under any circumstance, if your easily intimidated you may not be able to do that. Hence the caps for required traits IMO.

[jfpruitt]

Along those lines, wonder what the interviewing committees at these competitive CRNA schools look for also?????