Experienced CRNA...ask me anything

[06crna]

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.

[JEStewart]

1) You mentioned 12 years experience and getting ready to retire. If I can ask - if you prefer not to answer, no problem - how old were you when you went the CRNA route? 2nd career? Are you retiring because you are at that life stage, or tired of the industry and just retiring as CRNA?

2) Anesthesia management companies are becoming more prominent, is that right? How will that affect the way CRNAs are managed in hospitals or practices? It sounds like it would become a contracted out position from a secondary company independent of hospitals. How does that compare to the way it's been done in the recent past? And what do you think that means for CRNAs in the future as far as how they are impacted in their regulations or benefits to having management companies?

[St.BaptistRN, BSN]

What was the most difficult part of becoming a crna? Was is the application process, interviews, a certain class or project, etc?

[06crna]

Offlabel -

Lol. No such luck. I knew while I was in my CRNA program that this career would not be a long-term track. I am going to take a few months to consider my options.

I recognize I am very fortunate to be able to retire permanently from paid work at my age. I am happily married with no children, so future income and leaving a monetary legacy don't impact my decision. Financially-speaking, I set goals from graduation day to pay off all debt and save as much of my income as possible. Once we were debt-free, we lived on one income and saved the rest. It's not fancy or rocket science, but it worked.

[06crna]

Nam -

The honest answer is that I don't know if your experience will be sufficient. I would have to meet you and see you in a clinical environment to make that assessment.

Speaking from Clinical Coordinator experience, I would say the SRNAs who were most successful in clinical had 3-5+ years of critical care experience in large med/surg adult ICUs.

Ironically, speaking from SRNA experience, I would say the unit that helped me the most while I was a student was trauma ER. I learned critical thinking skills, rapid assessment, and the ability to prioritize actions (the "do something" when confronted with a set of signs/symptoms).

Anesthesia is such a different practice from ICU nursing - it cannot be adequately explained and understood until you are already an SRNA. I would counsel you that ICU directors are accustomed to the revolving door of nurses leaving for graduate school. Regardless, to take a new position and have that unit invest their time into training, just to have you leave within a matter of months...not likely to go over well. The director of the unit where I am currently working tells new hires not to approach her for a recommendation without at least two - three years of experience on the unit. If you decide to make a change, it is the honest path to make your goals known during the interview. Then, the decision is theirs to make.

Good luck!

[06crna]

GoldenPups -

Number one advice? Do your research. Make sure this path is what you really want and that you are doing it for the right reasons. Do not let salary be the sole determinant for your desire to become a CRNA. Take the time to understand the changing economic and work environment of anesthesia, talk to practicing CRNAs, and consider how school and the demands of CRNA practice will affect your long-term life goals and plans.

[06crna]

JEStewart -

You had multiple questions, so I am answering in bold in the body of your quote.

JEStewart said:

1) You mentioned 12 years experience and getting ready to retire. If I can ask - if you prefer not to answer, no problem - how old were you when you went the CRNA route? 34. 2nd career? Ha. No. More like 3rd or 4th. I am a better at school than work! Are you retiring because you are at that life stage, or tired of the industry and just retiring as CRNA? See my post under the heading that goes something like "If you became a CRNA because of the money..."

2) Anesthesia management companies are becoming more prominent, is that right? Yes How will that affect the way CRNAs are managed in hospitals or practices? Managed? I don't understand this question. It sounds like it would become a contracted out position from a secondary company independent of hospitals Correct. Hospitals enter into a contract with the anesthesia management company to provide anesthesia services. CRNAs are employees of the AMC in a typical corporate arrangement. How does that compare to the way it's been done in the recent past? Private entities contracting directly with facilities, either physicians or CRNAs as independent contractors, as employees of these groups, or as employees of the facilities And what do you think that means for CRNAs in the future as far as how they are impacted in their regulations or benefits to having management companies?Syntax error. I don't understand the question.

[06crna]

The hardest part - for me - was dealing with difficult preceptors. If you didn't come to the program with thick skin, slick interpersonal skills, and the ability to deal with criticism...believe me, you will learn or wash out.

SRNAs are subject to daily clinical evaluations, completed by a preceptor, that are submitted to your program for evaluation. You may fail a clinical day for doing something the exact way that yesterday's preceptor taught you. It is frustrating and infuriating and completely confusing. Eventually, the mind game ends and you can do things your way. Eventually...

[charliegboma]

06crna,

Thanks for taking the time to start this post and honestly responding to questions to the best of your ability.

[nam1987]

Thank you very much 06CRNA. I appreciate your time and honesty!

[ProgressiveThinking, MSN, CRNA]

As someone who starts a program in 3 weeks, I just wanna say thanks for taking the time!

[06crna]

A sincere thanks to those who took the time to post their appreciation! Always glad to help and give honest answers and insight to the best of my ability.

[Gassadist]

You haven't yet answered my question. ......