Same thread as other section...

Specialties CRNA

Published

Hi everyone, I just want to hear the opinions of actual CRNA's, which means I should of posted this thread in this forum first..

I just read a thread where the majority of the nurses have chosen to change careers. I honestly don't want to spend a huge amount of good money and time (college) working for something that I won't eventually stay with till retirement. I'm sure the majority of you feel that way as well. Although I truly think being a nurse (anesthetist to be exact) will make me emotionally as well as financially happy in the future as a single parent. But the problem is I find I am also attracted to the business side of many professions. Just something about the business aspects of things turns me on! Well, CEO of a major business firm sounds good to me, but the mothering, sympathetic me wants to "change peoples lives for the better"; not sheets, but lives. I want people to be comfortable and happy to trust me in aiding them through delivery/surgery. I want to become a nurse anesthetist......or should I drop that dream and major in Marketing or business administration? MOST important thing to me is being financially well off but having time with my child(ren). I know I could work part-time as a CRNA and do that.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated...thank you very much.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My question to you, is what is your motivation, besides money and good hours, to become a CRNA?

Also, are you ready to not spend much of two years with your children while you go to school to become a CRNA?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Anesthesia is one of the few areas in nursing where you can be a clinician and also a businessperson. I have had my own anesthesia business for many years and love the independence of the practice, as well as the marketing and financial challenges. I think you will notice that very few CRNAs suffer "burnout" that is common in other areas of nursing.

Than being said, I agree with Nilepoc; look carefully at your motivation. It is a hard field, challenging and demanding in many ways. We get paid well because of many factors, the most important of which is the required knowledge and skills necessary to anesthetize a patient. One miscue and a patient may die. It is serious work and believe me, you earn every penny you get.

YogaCRNA

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Hey YogaCRNA:

How long was it before you were able to start your own business? I too hope to become a CRNA with my own practice or join a partnership, but I will probably have to work for a hospital for at least 2 years before doing so in order to get some experience. My reason for wanting to be a CRNA with my own business is because I want to be my own boss and also take care of others at the same time. I used to have my own business and was able to deduct a lot of expenses. Is this possible for a self-employed CRNA and will I be able to form an LLC or an LP? Also, what was your major start up cost? Sorry if I sound like I'm being too nosey, but this interests me a lot. Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That's one of the major benefits of nurse anesthesia. I believe you are on the right track to work in a hospital for a couple of years first to gain additional experience before striking out on your own. I've been doing office based anesthesia and locum tenens work for about 6 of my 8 years as a CRNA. I like being my own boss. The CRNA group I work with are great practitioners and are great sounding boards. Although anesthesia school prepares you to be an independent practitioner from day one, there's a lot more to learn once you go into business for yourself. I'm in TX and an LLC was about $400-500 for start up. is getting expensive and not many carriers are insuring the providers in healthcare. One of the most important things to do is get your own disability insurance policy. Again, few insurance companies give own-occupation policies to individuals in this income range. So be sure to "shop around" when your time comes. The transition from employee to an LLC or LP will be somewhat easier for you since you know the ropes. However, there are many considerations in anesthesia...billing issues, not all insurance companies will pay for a CRNA who is not medically directed.

Good luck on your endeavors!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you CRNA and Nilepoc for the info/advice. My main motivation besides the good money and hours is the fact that I want to "be someone" to people; play a prominent part in their well being. I like to feel like I've aided someone in their road to greatness and recovery. Opening up my own buisness sounds like a great idea, it'll give me the satisfaction of being a "buisness person" as well as make me happy to make others feel secure in whatever endeavor they must go through. I know that when I went through surgery, I had the same person with me throughout the whole procedure, and the security that filled me was all I needed to love being able to give that back.

I realize that I won't be seeing my daughter as much as I would want to the last 2 years iof school if I decide to go through with becoming a CRNA, but single parents have conquered and succeded before, and I know if I had the will I could as well. I also know that with the money that will be earned I could afford to spend much time with my child(ren) afterwards.

SHE is the reason why I'm thinking to become a CRNA. To possess the love I have for her makes me want to carry it onto others..and to have this desire to send her to top schools, and be raised in a nice home with financial security for her college years are ALL reasons why I want to put my foot into the door. The only reason the buisness side of me lurks around is because I find myself being happy (although not entirely financially secure) with that as well. I'm this walking

Thanks for taking the time to read this, sorry so long. I appreciate any more information from anyone who understands.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

On the subject of being self employed, the school I am attending requires all CRNA students to take healthcare financing. At first I was thinking why do I have to take this as an elective? Then it finally made sense that you really need to know how to look at and analyze a company's financial statement to make a more informed decision as to wether or not you would like to be part of that organization, especially as a CRNA where usually there is a contract involved. Why sign up with an organization that looks like it will go under in the next two years.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Administering good anesthesia is much more difficult than setting up an anesthesia business. The big isssue is being an excellent and competent clinican. Private practice is not for those who need to be medically directed (I will not use the word "supervise"). Get a lot of good experience, gain self-confidence, don't be over-confident--that will probably take about 5 years after graduation. Then look into private practice opportunities. You should get active in AANA politics, go to meetings and meet other CRNAs. There are many of us in business and we network constantly. But you have to take the baby steps first. If you are not good and experienced, you won't make it in private practice and will give the entire profession a black-eye.

YogaCRNA

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment