Question for CRNAs In Rural Areas

[RobinsRN]

I will be starting CRNA school this fall and I know my husband and I will be moving to a rural part of colorado shortly after graduation. I have heard some people say you need 5yrs experience at a major hospital first, and some people say you can go straight from school. I also was wondering if you enjoy the rural setting or wish you could be at a large hospital

Thanks

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

I do not live in a rural area, nor do I practice in a small hospital. That said, I have been out there for 4 years and think that if you have 2 years GOOD independent experience before moving, then you should be ok. A new grad in an independent rural area. I doubt that it would be "best practice." You may even have a very difficult time finding any company to insuring you. Remember when you graduated from nursing school, you knew soooo much, but yet, still not expert. You needed experience. Anesthesia is a huge responsibility. You learn from your peers as well as from practice.

It would be well worth your time to practice in a large hospital before moving to CO. Then you can have a great practice. You will be safe and you will have gained valuable experience. Good Luck!