[Nathon]

I was interested in finding out more information on the practice setting of CRNAs in in the Austin area. It seems very MDA heavy. Im graduating soon and would love to live in Austin but im hesitant because of what i dont know about the anesthesia community. Ive been in contact with Capitol Anesthesiology but have never talked to a CRNA employed by the group. Anyone have any insight for me??????

[MmacFN]

Hey Nathon

I have a very good MDA friend of mine that works there in a private hospital. Here is what he told me:

1) cost of living is unreal
2) CRNA & MDA pay isnt that mich higher than norms there (see #1)
3) He works in an ACT (which is all that is there) in a 1:2 MDA:CRNA ratio.


So he loves it. The CRNAs he works with also seem to love it there. He said there is little turnover and the group (not hospital employees all a group) buys everyone lunch everyday and does some nice things.

So, from on guy i know very well, i hear great things.

Originally Posted by Nathon

I was interested in finding out more information on the practice setting of CRNAs in in the Austin area. It seems very MDA heavy. Im graduating soon and would love to live in Austin but im hesitant because of what i dont know about the anesthesia community. Ive been in contact with Capitol Anesthesiology but have never talked to a CRNA employed by the group. Anyone have any insight for me??????

[Nathon]

Actually this is a mix up, MmacFN was confused with the dallas area NOT austin

[TexasCCRN]

Originally Posted by Nathon

I was interested in finding out more information on the practice setting of CRNAs in in the Austin area. It seems very MDA heavy. Im graduating soon and would love to live in Austin but im hesitant because of what i dont know about the anesthesia community. Ive been in contact with Capitol Anesthesiology but have never talked to a CRNA employed by the group. Anyone have any insight for me??????

I lived in Austin before attending school and what i saw was pretty MDA dominated. The cost of living is UNREAL. I'd like to go back, but refuse to pay that much property tax, etc. Capitol is the one group and a friend of mines boyfriend just graduated and works for them and seems to like it just fine. What i saw was at a private hospital and i don't remember the ratio, but the CRNA's got paid pretty good and i believe didn't have to do call, etc. Always MDA in house. Pretty good gig but not too terribly autonomous. I think MDA just present for induction and any lines to be put in. That was my experience. Good luck finding something. I think the outlying areas of Austin may be a better choice to find a job. Bastrop and areas like that. Good luck

[mandana]

I live in Austin and have a couple of good friends that are CRNA's here. I've also spent a fair amount of time in OR's in various hospitals in town.

There are loads of CRNA's practicing in Acute Care facilities, and there are tons of ambulatory surgical centers that use CRNA's. Capitol is pretty much the key group in town and my CRNA buddies tell me that they are very happy wtih their salaries and the treatment they receive. They work in all different areas and practice fairly autonomously. MDA's are generally present for induction only unless the CRNA calls them in. I also see opportunities for CRNA's growing - especially because there aren't any programs in town for them - groups have to recruit from other towns.

As for Austin itself, it's a great place to live. I am surprised at how high people think the cost-of-living is here. I guess it depends on where you come from. If you're coming from CA, it's a bargain. You can easily find a really awesome house in a really awesome neighborhood for $250. True the property taxes are high, but there is no state income tax.

I love Austin and I've lived all over the world. If you like hot weather (not warm, HOT) and are an active/outdoorsy person, I think you owe us a visit. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

"Convention and Visitors Bureau Sales Seminar is now over. Please remember your gift bag before you leave."

Amanda

[MmacFN]

I was there lasy year presenting at the AMTC confrence. It was a BEAUTIFUL city. I especially loved 6th street and the piano bars... erm... what i can still rememeber about them anyway! hehe

[BeatOU]

Easter anesthesia is also pretty popular here in A town...plus its the home of your college football national champions.

[BALANCE]

I am planning on relocating to Austin from Mobile, Alabama. I currently work in a group which has a great working relationship with the MDAs. Our CRNAs have a great deal of autonomy. I am very curious about the working relationships and practice settings in Austin. I am interested in a non-call, Monday-Friday position; no hearts, no peds. Would strongly consider a surgery-center setting. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, Debra

[dfk]

Originally Posted by mandana

I live in Austin and have a couple of good friends that are CRNA's here. I've also spent a fair amount of time in OR's in various hospitals in town.

There are loads of CRNA's practicing in Acute Care facilities, and there are tons of ambulatory surgical centers that use CRNA's. Capitol is pretty much the key group in town and my CRNA buddies tell me that they are very happy wtih their salaries and the treatment they receive. They work in all different areas and practice fairly autonomously. MDA's are generally present for induction only unless the CRNA calls them in. I also see opportunities for CRNA's growing - especially because there aren't any programs in town for them - groups have to recruit from other towns.

As for Austin itself, it's a great place to live. I am surprised at how high people think the cost-of-living is here. I guess it depends on where you come from. If you're coming from CA, it's a bargain. You can easily find a really awesome house in a really awesome neighborhood for $250. True the property taxes are high, but there is no state income tax.

I love Austin and I've lived all over the world. If you like hot weather (not warm, HOT) and are an active/outdoorsy person, I think you owe us a visit. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

"Convention and Visitors Bureau Sales Seminar is now over. Please remember your gift bag before you leave."

Amanda

i agree with you amanda.. it truly does matter where one is coming from.. for me, coming from nyc, where i pay 1850/month in rent surely can be beat in austin.. it's rediculous.. and i would encourage anyone to visit 6th st.. i really is an amazing and unique place.. especially if one loves live music.. plenty for all tastes..
if one doesn't want to pay taxes after all this positivity, then i can attest that the pan handle area has plenty of cheaper area, and what a LOVELY, ahem, commute to austin