CRNA Role/Scope/Daily Life

Specialties CRNA

Published

I was wondering if anyone could please tell me the daily job description of a CRNA? I was wondering what your daily shift schedules are and what you do while there. Do you intubate, epidurals, a-lines...can you place central venous lines, are you part of the code team? Essentially, can you please tell me the daily grind...the good and the bad. I'm not looking for salary information. Are you treated respectfully by the docs? Do you love your job? Are you put in uncomfortable positions? Do you miss floor nursing? Any information is helpful. Thanks!!!

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Ok, I am not a CRNA and think maybe you are not or yoiu wouldn't be asking these questions. I work in the OR for many years, the last 10 as a traveler.

I would suggest you get into an OR and see for yourself what they do.. yes, they intubate, yes put in lines... but many places they work under an Anesthesiologist and many places they work independently, otherwords don't have to be supervised... I know some that absolutely hate their jobs and some that love the money... understand.

It's lot's of responsibility... many think they are doc's... many think they should be treated as a doc....

Alot of what they do depends on the state they are working in and the facility policies...

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Try the sticky section just above the normal threads on here to get you started. AANA.com is always the best place to start for generalized descriptions of what CRNAs do.

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YES, very big responsibility.

Ok, I am not a CRNA and think maybe you are not or yoiu wouldn't be asking these questions. I work in the OR for many years, the last 10 as a traveler.

I would suggest you get into an OR and see for yourself what they do.. yes, they intubate, yes put in lines... but many places they work under an Anesthesiologist and many places they work independently, otherwords don't have to be supervised... I know some that absolutely hate their jobs and some that love the money... understand.

It's lot's of responsibility... many think they are doc's... many think they should be treated as a doc....

Alot of what they do depends on the state they are working in and the facility policies...

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Alot of what they do depends on the state they are working in and the facility policies...

The facility will have a great impact on the practice setting, but the state actually doesn't effect CRNA scope of practice that much (if any). There are independent CRNAs in every state. The wording may change from state to state on CRNA scope of practice paremeters, but the fact remains the same that CRNAs can and do practice independently in every state.

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The shift depends on where you work. Can be 8, 12, 16 or just "until the job is done". I prefer 12 hours, just like a RN does. Call depends on where you work. Can be no call or 1-2 times a week. It is 1 per month for me.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Your questions indicate that you have no idea of the education and clinical responsibilities of being a nurse anesthetist. Do your homework, read the stickies here, check the many other websites and facebook for information. The most I can tell you is that being a nurse anesthetist is being a professional and it is not just a job. I haven't worked a shift in years--I go in and do the cases and go home when I am relieved or when there are no more cases to do. It is a wonderful profession and is only for those who are willing to do what has to be done to get into the programs and to administer safe anesthesia.

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