Motivators

[loisane]

What motivates a nurse to become a CRNA? I'm sure there are a lot of factors. People want more autonomy, respect, the chance to have a bigger impact on their patients' care. Then, of course, there is THE MONEY.

For many working CRNAs, being an anesthetist means working longer shifts, more call, and working far more hours than they ever did as an RN. Those aren't really the motivating reasons that led them to become CRNAs, but since it is a part of the job, they manage. But I think many will tell you, it isn't the money that keeps them going. It is the pure love of the profession.

I see quite a bit of discussion about salaries on this board. That makes sense, salaries are something to consider anytime you are considering such a change. And we all want to get paid what we are worth. I sure don't send my paycheck back every week.

But I worry that some RNs are being seduced by the big salaries. I am afraid all some people see are the dollar signs. I don't mean anyone in particular. And I don't even mean just here on this board. This is just a trend I have noticed in general since CRNA salaries have really skyrocketed the last few years.

I guess I just want to raise a little note of caution to the RNs here considering anesthesia. Not to be a wet blanket, we need all the CRNAs we can get. I am not one of those CRNAs that thinks too many graduates makes for too much job competition (a ridiculous concept, but some people feel that way). I would like to see us graduate many more SRNAs every year.

But if the main thing that draws you to anesthesia is the money, please reconsider your motivation. Believe me, it won't be enough to sustain you. Anesthesia school is the hardest thing you will ever do. Giving anesthesia is the most challenging job you will ever have. And the biggest thrill you will ever feel, if you love doing it. People who are only in it for the money end up being miserable. I simply want to encourage people to look at the big picture, and consider all the factors.

Maybe others can comment on what motivates them. My motivation is the complexity of anesthesia. There is constant challenge. I love that aspect of it.

loisane crna

[hollyxuk]

Hi, i am a registered nurse, working in england, and have been reading these posts with interest. Things seem to be done very differently here, but there is obviously a huge shortage of nurses in both countries. I was particualrily interested in reading how nurse anaethaetists apply and train. I have been qualified for 6 years and work in an elderly rehabilitation unit. I have been ready for a change and challenge for some time and have been lucky enough to successfully apply for a job in theatres as an anasethetic nurse, I would appreciate any general advice or insights, since this is a new challneg for the new year. Also, the pay is no different to that of nurses working in a general ward.

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

What exactly does this new job entail, hollyxuk?

[megmermaid]

They used to be called operating theaters- if you visit a really old one you will see there are seats all around for spectators (medical students) and it really does look like a theater. I bet hollyxuk and others in England just call the OR by this different name.

I toured the oldest hospital in the US while in philly and got to see the OR "theatre" which, by the way, was opened and in use before the invention of anesthetics. Crazy, huh! (I love stuff like that)

The job you describe sound more like an assistant than a CRNA, though... so could you explain it more?

[megmermaid]

Thanks for starting this post, loisane. I may not be a CRNA yet, but I hate that look you can get when you tell someone about this goal. You almost have to convince people you're not in it for the money---guilty until proven innocent. I don't think I could last through the long hours and hard work unless I had a deeper motivation than just money.

[hollyxuk]

In england we call operating rooms theatres. As far as Im aware, I will be trained up to work with the anesthetics, to consent patients and accept them from the ward for surgery, prep the patient and make sure all equipment, gases, drugs are checked and avaiable, and administered as appropriate, check patient is fully prepped, also to work in recovery, supervising and monitoring patient until well enough to return to ward. This is only the basics, and i understand that it takes quite a while, before I can work unsupervised. I hope to have the opportunity to gain more clinical skills, I also hope to get back to hands on patinet care, in my current job I am a ward manager and drowning in paperwork. Does any of the above sound like something an american nurse working in anesethetics would do?

[London88]

Hollyxuk,

Do you actually administer the anesthetic? What does your training entail? I was under the impression that there are no certified registered nurse anesthetists in the UK. Is an advanced degree in nursing required for your position?

[hollyxuk]

sorry, my spelling isnt very good, work with the anaethetist, and I certainly hope I wont be administering any anaesthetics independently for a long time.

[loisane]

This enthusiasm and positive energy is fabulous. I am so glad to see so very many people motivated by more than the money.

As I understand anesthesia in the UK, it is all given by physicians, who are referred to as "anesthetists".

Holly, in the US surgical areas where I have worked we had RNs who work in "pre-op holding" or "anesthesia holding". They do many of the things you describe-consents, start IVs, and general preparation before entering the actual operating area. Many surgical areas also had non-nurse technicians who help anesthesia providers with supplies, gas tanks, etc. In other places anesthesia was on there own to keep all their stock in order.

The pre op nurses didn't really work directly with anesthesia, although of course they worked closely together. Post anesthesia is usually a separate department of RNs, also working in close association with pre-op and anesthesia.

Our patients typically go from holding to the actual operating room. In the operating room general anesthesia is induced, the patient is draped, and surgery is performed. The patient isn't moved from this room until the surgery is over.

I understand that induction rooms are used in the UK. Is that right? So, if I understand, the patient is induced in one room, then moved to the room where the actual surgery will be performed. I'll be interested to read your observations on this (once you get there!)

loisane crna

[yoga crna]

If money is your only motivator, you won't make it as a CRNA. The education is too intense, the work too hard and the responsibility, awesome. While I don't undervalue what I do in anesthesia, at the end of a difficult case, my thoughts are not about the money, but about what I did, why I did it, would I make any changes if I had to do it again and a lot of satisfaction.

The AANA has been very sucessful in seeing that CRNAs get reimbursed on par with anesthesiologists in government payment programs (Medicare). It is nice to see a national organization recognize the importance of adequate pay for professional services.

[OKIE-DOKIE]

I agree that money should not be the primary motivator. As someone else had mentioned before....money does have some to do with it because who would go through all that hard work without some compensation later? However, although the money is good, it is not a major reason that I'm wanting to become a CRNA. I feel so passionately about it. I'm so excited. This is going to sound corny, but I'm consumed with the idea of finally getting to fulfill my dream of becoming a CRNA. It's the main thing I think about most of the time. I talk about it at work and drive everyone nuts, so I'm trying to put a cap on it as much as I can. I currently work on a medical floor and am pretty miserable. I hate giving such poor care (in my opinion); we have 8-12 patients a piece on the average and it is very hard. It's difficult to meet everyone's needs. I do feel like a waitress and I get cursed at just about every day! I want a more rewarding career with more respect from both patients and doctors alike. I like to be at the top of my game and I really like to challenge myself. It is scary, but it is very exciting in the same. I like the autonomy that CRNAs possess, as well as the respect, and knowledge. In addition, I like the idea of taking care of one patient at a time. Only having one patient in front of you pretty much guarantees they are going to get the best care possible. I don't like to do anything half way, and I feel like I can give my best as a CRNA. I have a long ways to go, but I will get there, and I'll know that I'll love it.

[yoga crna]

Why is it that nurses always apologize about money being a motivator? Maybe it is not politically correct to talk about it, and it certainly should not be the only reason to want to be a CRNA, but frankly I don't apologize for getting well paid for having received an education and for the skill and knowledge needed to administer anesthesia.

Believe me, you will earn every penny you make and there will be days when the satisfaction will be greater than any money you make and days when you know you are not getting paid enough.

One of my observations about nursing (generalization) is that they tend to complain a lot and apologize for too much.

YogaCRNA

[meandragonbrett]

I'm not sure if there is one specific motivator for me. Ever since I was little and knew what anesthesia was, I wanted to do it. but until abotu 2 years ago I had no idea that CRNAs existed. I started researching them and thought "This sounds like it's for me!" I've never had the desire to be a physician and I don't think I ever will have that desire. I've spent lots of time with a CRNA over the past year and I love it and I can say 100% that it's what I want to do\be. I know I have a long way but I know it's all worth it in the end.

brett