[rhp123]

Does anyone have an idea about the average CRNA retire? This information might give me a rough image about the average workload of the profession?

I am also curious about the average age of those who apply to CRNA programs. Do the programs look quite unfavorably on older applicants? How old is considered old?

Regards,

[meandragonbrett]

I am unsure of an average age of retirement for CRNAs. But there are CRNAs who work for many years. One of our CRNAs on the board, Yoga CRNA, has been doing anesthesia for close to 44 years. Welcome to the board!

Brett

[DebraPugh]

Dear rhp:
I don't know about the average age of applicants but I just started the program at Barry and I am 47 years young. There is quite a mixture of ages in our class. Good luck.

[rhp123]

Dear Brett and DebraPugh:

Thanks for your reply and information.

I am in the early thirties and currently working in accounting, so it's not too late for me if I want to go :-)

All the Best

[yoga crna]

Since there is currently a shortage of CRNAs, many do not retire for many years past 65. At a recent meeting I attended (gave 4 lectures) a CRNA who is 75 came up to me and said he just stopped taking call, but otherwise does a full schedule five days a week.

The beauty of our profession is that there are many options out there. A close friend, who is over 60 works weekends doing OB coverage. She is off the rest of the week and loves her practice. Another friend runs his own pain clinic three days a week. The local neurologist ond orthopods want him to open 5 days, because of the number of referrals. I just got a call to do dental anesthesia for retarded children--I can set my own days and hours--they are desparate and will work around my availability.

Remember, anesthesia is a profession, not a job and if you act as a professional, there will always be opportunities.

Yoga CRNA

[CRNA, DNSc]

I can tell you that my mother (CRNA) did not retire from active practice until she was >65 yo. But she is still active with the "Anesthesia Pioneers" a group that meets yearly at the AANA Annual meeting so she hasn't "retired" yet (at 78)!!! I am an educator and love what I do and have no idea when I will retire!