Alternate work environments for CRNAs?

PilotJim68 · Nov 3, 2003

Originally posted by LaurenP
If one becomes a CRNA is it safe to assume that one will spend most of their career in the confines of an OR? Are there any alternative career paths CRNA's tend to pursue once they feel they need a change of scenery? How common is it to find a CRNA working in "industry" in one capacity or another?

Just Curious,

Thanks!

My Chiropractor offered me a part time job in his office giving triggerpoint cortizone injections if I become a NP and Epidurals if I become a CRNA...I am only in the 1st semester of an ADN program right now and the offers are already coming in..... :roll

NCgirl · Nov 4, 2003

Plastic surgeons offices and eye clinics are two more potentials.

yoga crna · Nov 4, 2003

CRNAs practice in all practice settings. Many are doing free-standing pain clinics. Other examples are administration, education. law, dentistry, continuing education business, locum tenes business, veterinary anesthesia, farmers, small business owners, etc, etc.

BUT, we are primarily clinical people and love the operating room best. It is not a stepping stone to other fields and not much opportunity to "advance" out of the operating room. If you are not sincerly interested in clinical anesthesia, reconsider the field and let someone who is take your slot. Our profession has thrived because of our clinical skills.

Yoga CRNA

Athlein · Nov 4, 2003

If you mean the corporate arena when you mention "industry", then yes, some CRNAs are employed there. Companies that manufacture and sell anesthesia equipment and drugs often have CRNAs working for them in some business-related capacity, like education or sales.

However, these positions represent a tiny fraction of anesthesia provider employment. Like yogacrna said, being a nurse anesthetist is a clinical specialty.