CRNA Autonomy

allnurses Guide · Jun 12, 2012

I am currently finishing my BScN in Canada, and am planning to go to michigan to eventually obtain my ACNP or CRNA and work there. I am just curious about the autonomy the CRNAs have on ICUs. I understand that they tend to work in collaboration with anesthesiologist, but do they have to run everything by them before making decisions, etc.
Thank you for your time, I appreciate it!

Autonomy will depend on the place you work, and the type of anesthesia practice that is there. CRNAs do not usually work in ICUs though.

FYI: There is no state that requires CRNAs to be supervised by anesthesiologists.

Cardiomegaly · Jun 12, 2012

Thank you for the info! I always was told they had to consult with anesthesiologist before performing any anesthesia care, hence the reasons I asked.

MeTheRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 18, 2012

Thank you for the info! I always was told they had to consult with anesthesiologist before performing any anesthesia care, hence the reasons I asked.

Depends on the state, group, and facility you are working in. Some states are heavy with medical management/supervision. Some states are more lax and it's just you and the surgeon. Some facilities have policies requiring the MDA to be there for induction and emergence (start and end of case).

nursingstudent2458 · Jun 27, 2012

I'm planning on becoming a CRNA in the future. Do CRNAs have enough education to be able to practice without an anesthesiologist? It seems like an anesthesiologist knows WAY more than a CRNA.

MeTheRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 27, 2012

Short answer: yes, they do so all the time.

ckh23, BSN, RN · Jun 28, 2012

I'm planning on becoming a CRNA in the future. Do CRNAs have enough education to be able to practice without an anesthesiologist? It seems like an anesthesiologist knows WAY more than a CRNA.

Nurses have been doing anesthesia way before anesthesiologists entered the picture. A CRNA is an independent provider and does not need to practice under the "supervision" of an anesthesiologist. However, many states use an ACT model that has the anesthesiologist "overseeing" CRNAs. What makes you think that an anesthesiologist knows "WAY" more than a CRNA?

pixiestudent2 · Jun 28, 2012

Nurses have been doing anesthesia way before anesthesiologists entered the picture. A CRNA is an independent provider and does not need to practice under the "supervision" of an anesthesiologist. However, many states use an ACT model that has the anesthesiologist "overseeing" CRNAs. What makes you think that an anesthesiologist knows "WAY" more than a CRNA?

I would venture to say the amount of education...

naptime14 · Jun 28, 2012

I'm planning on becoming a CRNA in the future. Do CRNAs have enough education to be able to practice without an anesthesiologist? It seems like an anesthesiologist knows WAY more than a CRNA.

Lol! Wow

allnurses Guide · Jun 28, 2012

I'm planning on becoming a CRNA in the future. Do CRNAs have enough education to be able to practice without an anesthesiologist? It seems like an anesthesiologist knows WAY more than a CRNA.

When you look at the research there is no difference in patient outcomes whether patients are taken care of by anesthesiologists or by an independent CRNAs.

allnurses Guide · Jun 28, 2012

I would venture to say the amount of education...

Yep, when you consider that the anesthesia specific training of non-fellowship trained anesthesiologist is 3yrs and the anesthesia specific training for CRNA is 2-3 years the amount of education lines really get blurred....

MeTheRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 28, 2012

Their amount of education make them better providers for writing you a prescription for your sore throat, that's about it. When it comes to anesthesia practice and management, both professionals act, work, and essentially do the same thing.