Job prospects for new CRNA age > 50

[Sedna]

I'm 51 and a SRNA. I'll be 53 when I start looking for a job. For those CRNAs that were in a similar position, did you find your age to be a barrier when you started looking for a job?

I found that my age was a non-factor getting into school. But now I'm concerned that it could be an issue getting a job. Any feedback would be appreciated, including comments from recruiters and employers.

Thanks

-- Sedna

[Qwiigley, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, CRNA]

If you are in good shape, can do your job without calling in sick or do your job without getting too tired, then it doesnt matter. Employers are not allowed to ask your age. Some employers may prefer you to a younger person who will out out all night drinking, call in sick for a hang-over or a simple cold. An older person is most likely not going to soon go on maternity leave or have small children at home and need to stay home or leave work early because of sickness or babysitting issues. Just my 2 cents.

[stanman1968]

Dude no one will care as long as you do the job. It is not like it is heay lifting or anything. Just go for the bucks in a rural area, you will have some debt and only so many years so maximize your income. Avoid the ACT if at all possible as most are hourly positions that will work you into the ground.

[naturalgas]

Avoid the ACT if at all possible as most are hourly positions that will work you into the ground.

Quick question: what is the ACT?

[stanman1968]

Anesthesia care team, the anesthesiologist "supervises" you, basicly getting paid to be there and YOU you lucky dog get to generate the revenue for that, what a deal.

[bridgfor428]

stanman, is there any real way to avoid the ACTs while remaining in the city? i would enjoy as much autonomy as possible once i am confident, without an md watching me and making money off of that.

and why do ACTs do that anyway? isn't it cheaper to have a CRNA or an MDA alone during a case, rather than both, with one supervising the other?

[stanman1968]

It is becoming more possible to avoid the ACT as hospitals are hiring ore anesthesia providers directly. Thus MDA's will be doing a case while you will be doing a case in another room having nothing to do with each other. However that being said they may be avalible for consult, and make no mistake as a brand new grad take all the advice you can while making your own decisions.

Why the ACT? Because hospitals until recently were run by doctors and it allows one anesthesilogist to bill for 4 cases at 50% and the CRNA for 50% (however you will have signed over your billing rights) so the group gets the other 50% and you get nada. Hell if I could set a gig like that I sure would.

That being said there are two kinds of anesthesiologists the ones that work, I respect them and have learned a lot from them, and the ones that supervise, I stay faaaaaar away from them.

[Qwiigley, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, CRNA]

PErsonally, when I need help or advise, I don't care if its an anesthesiologist or a CRNA as long as they have a lot of hands on experience and can help. There are people on both sides that do not do well in times of stress. You will learn who to rely on.