Do CRNAs exist in Canada?!?

Published

I'm a Canadian interested in pursuing a career in nursing and in particular as a CRNA...but it seems to me that might not be possible in Canada because, while there is a ton of information on CRNAs in the US, I can't seem to find any info on the net about Canadian CRNAs. There is an old post on this forum about the same topic...but I know that the laws have changed since then so I dont want to rely on it. Can someone tell me IF any such programs have been introduced in Canada in the past few years? Or if, the government is THINKING of introducing such programs? And if so, where?

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

No CRNAs in Canada. Anesthesia in Canada is done by MDAs and GP's with special training in anesthesia. There is a huge shortage of anesthesia providers in Canada, especially in rural areas, and I know some places are looking at CRNAs as a possible solution. I read an article about the possibility of bringing CRNAs to Ontario but I think it is a long way off. Also, because the environmnet in Canada has been pro-MD and anti-advance practice nursing, I think it would be a tough sell. Autonomy and salary would never compare to here in the US. My advice, if you really want to be a CRNA, you could live near the border in Canada and commute to the US for work.

Being Canadian, I had to decide whether I ever wanted to go back home before I went to CRNA school. Choosing a career as a CRNA meant I would most likely live here indefinitely. I miss home sometimes but have never regretted my decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are a number of Canadian CRNAs but they live in "border towns" and work in the US-- Windsor & Detroit and Niagara Falls come to mind and I am sure there are a few others.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Check out this site

http://www.michener.ca

They have courses that are opened to RN's, RT's with respect to nurse anesthesia, etc...

I hear that it is coming to Ontario.

Hope this helps.

Sarah

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the help! I really appreciate the responses.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Be sure this will be a shadow of the CRNA profession.

Canada MDAs are ANTI CRNA. They have been quoted as saying, in regards to CRNAs in Canada "We cannot make the same mistakes as our collegues (ASA) in the US".

CRNAs in canada will be, essentially, AAs with little or no autonomy and meger wages.

Thanks for the help! I really appreciate the responses.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Anesthesia.

More specifically:

http://www.michener.ca/ce/postdiploma/anesth_asst.php

Yes, it is their version of an AA

Check out this site

http://www.michener.ca

They have courses that are opened to RN's, RT's with respect to nurse anesthesia, etc...

I hear that it is coming to Ontario.

Hope this helps.

Sarah

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion