CRNA Outlook

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Hello All!

I'm fairly new to this forum, so sorry ahead of time if this has been previously asked. I scanned over threads and found one similar but still was curious as to other's opinions. I'm currently trying to find a field of nursing that I would like to pursue. I am very interested in CRNA but see countless others are as well. With this being said, I was wondering if anyone thinks the field will become overflooded. I know there is a shortage of nurses in general, and especially CRNAs. Even with that being said, it seems like the field is extremely popular. So basically my question is: Do you think the job prospects for a CRNA will be favorable? I am just worried that if I go into the field, there will not be enough jobs in 15 years. Am I crazy to think this?

All answers are much appreciated!

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Specializes in SRNA class of 2010.

Well, the fact of the matter is nurses and CRNAs are aging like everyone else. Many are set to retire as new CRNAs are being trained to enter the field. You mention it seems like everyone wants to become a CRNA. My experience has been the same. Seems like EVERYONE on the unit wants to become an anesthesia provider. However, very few truly work toward the goal. Its alot of work just meeting the application requirements. Saying you'll do something and actually doing something are different. I think job market will be fine. Just an opinion, but I think others will agree.

chris

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthetist.

The AANA has studied this and come to the conclusion, like the previous poster, that the CRNA population is aging and we are not replacing them in a timely manner. The schools in our area (Califrnia) are accepting more students to try to make up for this. That noted, if you want to work in sunny Southern California, yes, it is saturated (with MDAs and CRNAs). But if you want to work anywhere else, you should have no problem getting a job. It's keeping the job that should concern you.

Many of the posters here talk only of the $$$ they will/do make. They do not talk of the change in thinking, the extra efforts, marketing of their skills. If you are the type of person who like to go to work, do their job and go home, you need to check that at the door. You will do best to think of yourself as a commodity and market it. Your skills will always be in question with some individuals. You must keep ahead of the game your entire career.

There are great benefits to this. You can stand proud. You can be assured that the patients you care for wil get the best possible service.

It is worth it. It only takes a different mind set.

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthetist.

Lastly, it is hard. CRNA school is very tough. But if it wasn't so tough, everyone would be (actually) doing it and not just talking about it!

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Specializes in Cardio-thoracic ICU, SRNA.

I agree with both of these contributors. It does seem like everyone talks about wanting to be a CRNA because of the money, but have no idea what goes into actually following through with it.

Not only are the nursing population retiring, but the baby boomers are going to start retiring at an alarming rate. Also just as in nursing, there is a shortage of nursing educators teaching at the anesthesia level as well. My program director is planning on retiring after I graduate in Dec 09. the Asst Director will be taking his place, but they have yet to find a replacement for him yet.

I don't believe you have to worry about there not having a future in anesthesia. Besides, if the DNSc is going to be the standard of practice for anesthetists in the future, that will make it even more harder.

Good luck,

SodiumPent

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm from St. Louis, MO and I'm graduating in a few months. Every clinical site I've been to over the last 2.5 years (about 6 of them) has been heavily recruiting students.

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The AANA has studied this and come to the conclusion, like the previous poster, that the CRNA population is aging and we are not replacing them in a timely manner. The schools in our area (Califrnia) are accepting more students to try to make up for this. That noted, if you want to work in sunny Southern California, yes, it is saturated (with MDAs and CRNAs). But if you want to work anywhere else, you should have no problem getting a job. It's keeping the job that should concern you.

Many of the posters here talk only of the $$$ they will/do make. They do not talk of the change in thinking, the extra efforts, marketing of their skills. If you are the type of person who like to go to work, do their job and go home, you need to check that at the door. You will do best to think of yourself as a commodity and market it. Your skills will always be in question with some individuals. You must keep ahead of the game your entire career.

There are great benefits to this. You can stand proud. You can be assured that the patients you care for wil get the best possible service.

It is worth it. It only takes a different mind set.

Very well said.

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i have done a bit of research on this topic. the numbers themselves do not lie.

"the study concluded that nurse anesthesia educational programs would need to produce between 1,500 and 1,800 graduates annually to meet societal nurse anesthesia demands by the year 2010. nevertheless, only about 1,000 nurse anesthesia students graduate annually."

there will be a shortage on nurses and specialty nurses for some time to come due to shortages in school openings and retirement of current nurses and aging populations. security is nice for nursing in the future.

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