Anesthesiologist VS. CRNA (Continued)

[Spartan05]

Good afternoon!

Before anyone throws out a "use the search function" or a "there are already 10 threads about this" comment I have already read the two big threads on this discussion topic (what is the difference between an anesthesiologist and a CRNA). I understand that the pay difference exists and that one is a doctor and one is a nurse and other than that, those threads are not very helpful, just a lot of arguing and no facts.

What I am really looking to get answered is this, how do their roles in the OR, OB, etc. differ and more importantly do they differ because of hospital policy, state policy, etc.?

For instance, if you go by training, is an CRNA trained in there two years of school to do everything an anesthesiologist can and when both get into the working world, that is when the difference is made between what each is "allowed" to do?

My understanding is that in some cases (rural areas for example) CRNA's may provide the anestheisa for the hospital without supervision while in other cases supervision is always required.

Please respond and help me shed some light on this issue, but please keep it focused to what differences in "job duties" each has or what factors cause those differences to exist (no one makes more money than the other, one is a nurse one is a doctor)

Thanks!

Spartan05