Looking for some professional insight - CRNA's / SRNA's?

[niteguy]

First of all I'd like to mention that I have a great deal of respect for those of you involved in the profession. To say "challenging" to describe your career path would be a gross understatement. I'm interested in pursuit of the same goal but I'd like to know a few things prior to committing to a decision in order to determine whether the prey is worthy of the chase.

I've noticed what seems to be a certain amount of ambiguity regarding litigation. In reality what would be a reasonable estimate as far as percentage or number of cases that wind up in litigation? I don't mean to be a pessimist, but I do have concerns.

I've been told that there is presently only one liability carrier for the entire profession. Is this true? What are your options should you lose your coverage for whatever reason?

What types of cases do you feel are the most challenging?

What types of cases are typically associated with high liability?

Can you provide an example of your best / worst day?

What was your scariest moment while practicing?

What like / dislike most about your job? ...the profession?

Are you satisfied overall with the profession knowing now what you know as opposed to when you were an RN?

What is your favorite type of practice setting? (Hospital, Same-Day Surgical center, etc.)

Do you deal with one patient at a time or multiple patients?

Given the opportunity to do it all over again would you have made the same choice?

Thank you for your replies.

-niteguy-

[yoga crna]

You have asked a lot of questions and I won't attempt to answer most of them. If you want to know my feelings about the profession, read my previous posts.

I would like to address the issue of litigation. First, I am curious why this was your first question and why you have so many questions on the topic. My guess is that you are very methodical and want to cover all of your bases. it is very difficult to know how many cases are currently in litigation. While most litigation is a matter of public record, someone has to go to the courthouse and do the research. That would be in every courthouse of jurisdiction in the country. A case doesn't make the law books unless there is an appeals court or higher ruling. The malpractice insurance companies are under no obligation to disclose the number of cases currently in litigation and they are not forthcoming about the numbers. Currently, there is only one malpractice insurer available through the AANA Insurance brokers. However, many CRNAs work as employees in institutions or for groups that provide insurance from other insurers.

Fear of litigation is very low in my priority list of things important to me as a CRNA. I don't take shortcuts and practice utilizing good evidence based medicine, with high standards and have excellent rapport with my patients.

It's a great profession, but if you have a lot of unfounded concerns you may find the intensity difficult to deal with on a personal basis. Plan on having a lot of balance in your life, get a good education and enjoy the challenges.

Yoga CRNA