CRNA-what is your day like?

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Dear CRNA, :heartbeat

What is your daily routine at work like? How many hours do you typically work a week? Do you find your job rewarding? Do you have time for your family (small children)? Would you take anything back from becoming a CRNA? What is something that you DON'T like about your job?

Thank you so much!:bow:

PS: I am realllllly interested in becoming a CRNA...and would just like some general opinions from those who are already CRNAs. :)

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

Frequent day = no water, no food, no pee. Must be an adrenaline addict to like this job. Fast turnover, instant feedback which is usually gratifying. Lots of heavy lifting and frequently lazy anesthesiologists (usually, but not always!). Probably will need therapy at some time in the future to learn to handle stress. Very interesting work.

You earn EVERY PENNY you make. Very, very tired at night. Took night call, weekends and holidays for 25 years but that doesn't bother me. However, its an issue for others.

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Specializes in SICU, CRNA.

The work situations are as varied as the CRNA's who work in them, you can be an 8 hr shift worker with no nights, weekends, call, or holidays. Or you can be a more independent work when they need you, all hours of the day or night kind of CRNA. One thing for sure, I've never met a CRNA who regretted being a CRNA.

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Specializes in CRNA.

A nurse anesthesia career will affect your entire family. There are some shift positions, but I think the majority will require call, and irregular work hours. If a regular schedule is important to you, then you might want to consider something else. I am more satisfied than anyone I know with my career choice, but I have missed many family functions because of it. I made sure my husband understood what he was getting into before we were married. He has regualr hours so it has worked well, but if you asked him if he was thrilled to take care of a 6 week old baby while I was on in-house call I'm pretty sure he'd say "No". He also has stayed home with the children when they are sick most of the time. I'm usually gone in the morning by the time we figure out they are sick. I've taken sick days almost never, like the CRNAs I work with, because the room has to be covered. Sometimes the hours per week have been more than I like because another CRNA has to be out and we need to fill in. It's a big committment but a great career.

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I've gamed the system now for 22 years as far as schedules go. A 24&16hr shift, 3 12hrs shifts. etc. Now I just work the minimum that will entitle me to benefits particularly vac. time. I doubt there are to many jobs, if any, in the hospital setting, that involve patient care, that pay better. Best move I ever made aside from marriage. Challenging but rewarding work that you don't have to take home with you. If you want to vonunteer in the 3rd world there's plenty of opportunities. Alot less of the B.S. that you find in regular nursing, and great drugs to boot.[just kidding]

Ed

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Specializes in CRNA.

I have been at this for 27 years. Started with hospital jobs..long days.. 24 hr calls, weekends...... not fun but great experience. Have since moved on to independent outpatient practice. Mon thru Fri no call bread and butter cases..plastics cataracts surgi centers. Good pay . No benefits. There are many different paths in this profession..all good!

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
I have been at this for 27 years. Started with hospital jobs..long days.. 24 hr calls, weekends...... not fun but great experience. Have since moved on to independent outpatient practice. Mon thru Fri no call bread and butter cases..plastics cataracts surgi centers. Good pay . No benefits. There are many different paths in this profession..all good!

No benefits? Do you get them through your spouse?

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Specializes in CRNA.

No.My wife ( Respiratory Therapist) stopped working when my first child was born.........my daughter is almost 20. I bear the cost of insurances, pension, continuing ed,, etc. No paid vacations. It is a trade-off for higher income and freedom to take off whenever you want. Down side is work is not guaranteed and you have fo find coverage for your clients when you are away. It has worked for me for 20+ years,,,,not for everyone.

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Specializes in ICU.
The work situations are as varied as the CRNA's who work in them, you can be an 8 hr shift worker with no nights, weekends, call, or holidays. Or you can be a more independent work when they need you, all hours of the day or night kind of CRNA. One thing for sure, I've never met a CRNA who regretted being a CRNA.

THANKS!

Good to know.

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No.My wife ( Respiratory Therapist) stopped working when my first child was born.........my daughter is almost 20. I bear the cost of insurances, pension, continuing ed,, etc. No paid vacations. It is a trade-off for higher income and freedom to take off whenever you want. Down side is work is not guaranteed and you have fo find coverage for your clients when you are away. It has worked for me for 20+ years,,,,not for everyone.

Could you elaborate on "take off whenever you want", do you work Locum Tenens or is it an arrangement with the employer? If so, how did you make such an arrangement?

Thanks

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Specializes in Med/Surg ICU.

Thank you to those who have replied! I know that applying to school is the right move for me and you guys made it even more clear.

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somebody said there is no time for drinking water or eating as a CRNA? why is that? I like to lift weights and eat well so that would be a problem for me... Thanks!

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