CRNA job stress vs NP job stress

nomadcrna, DNP, CRNA, NP · Dec 22, 2013

Depends on where the CRNA and NP are working.

Is the NP in a clinic seeing mainly chronic diseases? Is the NP in the ER as a solo provider?

Is the CRNA in an ACT practice with help a whistle away? Is the CRNA in a solo practice doing neuro and vascular or maybe a rural solo practice?

They both can be stressful.

william1 · Dec 22, 2013

Hey nomad... I have read some of your comments before and I like what you have to say. This topic actually hits home for me though. I am trying to figure out what I want to do. Originally it was CRNA but now Im just not sure anymore. I just recently got accepted to a CRNA school but can feel the stress start to build when I think about going through it. I think that I am just tired of being stressed out all the time. I dont really enjoy nursing to be honest with you but I feel like I've finally reached a point where it has gotten fairly easy for me. Im just wondering if the extra 2 1/2 years of worry and stress being in school is worth the payoff in the end. Its hard for me to decide because I really don't know any CRNAs who I can bounce thoughts off of. I know you are both CRNA and NP so any thoughts you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thx

TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN · Dec 22, 2013

I have spent over 10 years in the OR and wouldn't want the job of CRNA for love nor money. All jobs are stressful, and all jobs have an overwhelming amount of responsibility. However, there are few jobs where if you screw up the consequences are so immediate and devastating. My hat is off to them, but not for me. Before you decide, speak to as many people as you can.

nomadcrna, DNP, CRNA, NP · Dec 22, 2013

Absolutely worth it. You don't have to work in a major trauma center. You can do GI only or eyes. You can do a rural practice where the trauma is rare. There is flexibility.

Just look at school as a means. Do whatever you have to and get thru it. Yes school is stressful but for a limited time.

carachel2 · Dec 23, 2013

I think it depends on your personality and just where you are in life. There was a time for me when it was all exciting to have patients crashing around me and a completely unpredictable day and long shifts on my feet all day just didn't bother me. I didn't have anyone waiting at home for me and didn't care a bit about working weekends and holidays.

I have a family now and honestly would break out into a cold sweat at the thought of being a CRNA.I do have critical patients every now and then but they are quickly turfed to ER via 911 from our office! I LOVE having established patients where I know the families and I love teaching people about high blood pressure and diabetes and all of that. Some people would be absolutely bored to death with that but eh, it's just where I am right now. Not to mention that I work just part-time and no holidays, no weekends, etc.

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · Dec 23, 2013

I have no relevant experience to apply to judge how stressful CRNA responsibilities are in general. Having spent 20 years in various ICUs and trauma units, I worked with many in some hairy situations. If they felt incredibly stressed, they hid it well. IME well educated, well prepared individuals don't get too "stressed out" in high stakes situations, they revert to their training and proceed. That isn't to say none of us ever feels stress, of course we do. But the worst sort of stress comes from unsupportive or otherwise negative work environments. Basic day-to-day office/hospital politics, lack of leadership, interpersonal conflicts large and small can make a "cake job" extraordinarily stressfull. So my advice is to pursue the job you really want, and try not to second guess the work environment and things that will be out of your control too much. Just being in a job you love goes a long, long way to helping anyone deal with stress!

PatMac10,RN, RN · Dec 24, 2013

I have no relevant experience to apply to judge how stressful CRNA responsibilities are in general. Having spent 20 years in various ICUs and trauma units, I worked with many in some hairy situations. If they felt incredibly stressed, they hid it well. IME well educated, well prepared individuals don't get too "stressed out" in high stakes situations, they revert to their training and proceed. That isn't to say none of us ever feels stress, of course we do. But the worst sort of stress comes from unsupportive or otherwise negative work environments. Basic day-to-day office/hospital politics, lack of leadership, interpersonal conflicts large and small can make a "cake job" extraordinarily stressfull. So my advice is to pursue the job you really want, and try not to second guess the work environment and things that will be out of your control too much. Just being in a job you love goes a long, long way to helping anyone deal with stress!

Excellent advise!