Independent CRNA's

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

My grandfather recently had a procedure done where anesthesia was involved. He was talking to the CRNA and he told my grandfather we worked independently. I am curious from those who have been out there and experienced the life, is it possible to break off on your own. He also asked the CRNA how much he made last year, he said 200K. Any insight into this would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

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Specializes in LTC, ICU, ER, Anesthesia.

yes it's possible

gaswork.com has a bunch of job listings for CRNAs, most ACT practice but many are independent/CRNA only groups - especially in rural areas

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My grandfather recently had a procedure done where anesthesia was involved. He was talking to the CRNA and he told my grandfather we worked independently. I am curious from those who have been out there and experienced the life, is it possible to break off on your own. He also asked the CRNA how much he made last year, he said 200K. Any insight into this would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Can I ask why you are curious?

I will tell you that there are many many many facilities in which CRNAs are the sole anesthesia providers.

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Specializes in OB, NICU, Nursing Education (academic).

I do know of an independent CRNA group that existed in southeastern New Mexico in the late 1980's.........but I don't have personal knowledge that is current.

It is true that CRNA'a are the highest paid of the nursing specialties. While, I don't know how common 200K is......6 figure salaries are the norm, I believe.

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Specializes in LTC,ICU,ANESTHESIA.

200K for an independent CRNA is a pretty low figure.

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Specializes in CRNA.

CRNAs can work independently, in a CRNA only practice, or with anesthesiologists in what is called an Anesthesia Care Team (ACT). I believe 14 states so far have opted out (not sure what Colorado is doing), meaning CRNAs do not need physician supervision to bill for medicaid/medicare. In no state do we need an anesthesiologist to perform anesthesia. With that said, many CRNAs work in the ACT model.

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Specializes in ICU/ER.
Can I ask why you are curious?

I would like to be able to become more independent, and I wasn't sure if you could do that or not through CRNA, like you can FNP.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

It is really in the answer of how you define independent practice. Many CRNAs are independent business people, have their own practices, do their own billing, and everything else involved in being in a business. Also, many choose to work for someone else, hospital, MD Group, ASC, All CRNA Group, etc. Those people are employees and, as such receive a salary and benefits. Another important distinction, independent CRNAs purchase their own , if you are employed, your employer pays.

CRNAs are the pioneers in independent practice by nurses.

One way is not necessarily better than the other, but the option of going independent is important.

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I would like to be able to become more independent, and I wasn't sure if you could do that or not through CRNA, like you can FNP.

Well one way to become more independent would be to become a Doctor...........

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