Experienced CRNA...ask me anything

Specialties CRNA

Updated:   Published

Okay...If you've read my posts you know that I will be retiring soon.

Now is your chance to ask a practicing CRNA anything.

12 years of experience from solo rural independent to medical-direction urban ACT. Former Chief and Clinical Coordinator of SRNAs.

I will not reveal my identity, specific locations, employers, or programs.

Anything else...ask away.

Specializes in CRNA.

Propose that CRNAs work independent, phase out AAs and with them the ACT. Agree to no OT and a bonus system based on group production. The MDs can maintain and increase their income depending on how long it takes to 'right size'. I think CRNAs will have more credibility if they give up working shifts. It does require some trust that the group will appropriately distribute bonuses. Oh, and hire a couple techs to stock. They may never agree to this because it requires the MDs to do cases as well. If it's been a long term ACT there probably are MDs who aren't capable of that. I would tell every surgeon and hospital administrator that independent CRNAs are the solution. Doesn't mean MDs won't be there but not just hanging out. Have one available to trouble shoot and the rest in rooms doing anesthesia. And don't call the AAs 'anesthetists', call them'anesthesiologist assistant'.

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06crna said:
At the same time, anesthetist salaries are increasing.

Could anyone here add more if they have witnessed this trend actually occurring or if they think it may?

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At almost 25 years now, I can count on one hand the number of years that I didn't make more money than I did the year before.

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offlabel said:
At almost 25 years now, I can count on one hand the number of years that I didn't make more money than I did the year before.

Of course pay increases annually with more experience, same as regular RN's, but rather I am asking if base salaries are increasing (for new grads)? Sorry I should have explained that.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
ICUman said:
Of course pay increases annually with more experience, same as regular RN's, but rather I am asking if base salaries are increasing (for new grads)? Sorry I should have explained that.

Yes, they are. You can always get the annual summaries of pay and benefits from the AANA for a more in depth review of CRNA salaries over the years.

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I've noticed a lot of CRNA programs are no longer offering masters degree programs but only doctoral programs. What is the reasoning behind this, and does this change the qualifications they expect prospective students to have?

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
CNAtoBSN&Beyond said:
I've noticed a lot of CRNA programs are no longer offering masters degree programs but only doctoral programs. What is the reasoning behind this, and does this change the qualifications they expect prospective students to have?

CRNAs education is moving to the doctoral level. All nurse anesthesia schools have to transition to a doctoral program NLT 2022.

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Either good, or bad, it was not the AANA or the COA that made this decision. Nursing (APNs) across all specialties is moving to a DNP entry level. It has been mandated by the AACN.

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BigPappaCRNA said:
Either good, or bad, it was not the AANA or the COA that made this decision. Nursing (APNs) across all specialties is moving to a DNP entry level. It has been mandated by the AACN.

Well...Member schools, including our specialty's, of AACN voted for it, and as training programs are intimately interwoven with the AANA, it isn't a stretch to infer the connection.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Just to clarify: The AACN recommenced the move to a terminal/doctoral degree for a APRNs graduating in 2015 or later. The AACN is not an accrediting agency for any APRN association. The AACN cannot mandate changes for CRNAs or any other APRNs. The AANA decided to support the change to a terminal degree requirement and the COA adopted that change. It was in part due to the recommendations of the AACN, but it is and was the AANA and the COA that did and had to make that a requirement. There is a more detailed brief in the AANA and COA websites about requiring a doctoral degree for new graduates by 2025.

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Why did they change it to a doctorate?

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Hi 06crna:

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions. Mine is quite long, but I would be grateful if you would take the time to read it.

I want to make sure that what I am saying is correct. I know that becoming a CRNA requires either a DNAP degree or a DNP with specialization with Anesthesiology degree. The DNAP degree is sometimes not seen as a terminal degree or not the best if you ever decide to teach. Also, if you decide that this specialty is not for you after receiving a DNAP degree you would have to do a new four year DNP degree towards a new specialty to change your specialty. There is no one year DNP certificate towards a new specialty for people with a DNAP degree, correct? A DNP with a specialization in Anesthesia degree is seen as a terminal degree and best if you ever decide to teach. Also, if you have a DNP with a specialization in Anesthesia degree and later find out that this specialty is not for you. You can do a one year DNP certificate towards a new specialty to change your specialty, correct? Thank you for any feedback.

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