Question about salary.

badgernurse · Jul 25, 2005

If you take a closer look, the higher salaries are often Locum Tenens positions. Among other things, it means you pay your own health insurance, taxes, malpractice, vacation, etc. You are an independent contractor. One position I saw was that of a hospital employee making rougly $250,000. However, you are the only CRNA in a rural location on call every day with no time off after taking call. You do surgical, obstetric and all other cases. You could easily put in 60 plus hours per week. Sometimes it's just a matter of location, sometimes it's a partnership position. Like anything else, it depends on many variables.

Alpha13 · Jul 25, 2005

I doubt those $140,000 positions are "after tax" either, whether your employer withholds your tax or you do you're still paying it. As far as the salary range I think it's common for the more advanced healthcare professions to vary like that. Look at medicine, GP physicians make like 150k a year but the specialists can do much more. If you're going to work in a hospital, you'll be sort of like a general practioner in the sense that you do hospital cases. But find a private practice that will have you working unsupervised, and probably a lot of hours and that's where those $200k jobs are (I hear plastic surgeon's offices pay very well)

ashfost, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2005

how do u know if the salaries that are posted are "after tax"?

UCDSICURN · Jul 26, 2005

how do u know if the salaries that are posted are "after tax"?

W-4 = Employee which means they pay social security etc, and usually benefits on top of that. Regular staff positions usually fall under this category.

1099 = Contract employee where you pay your own way for everything, usually, which is why you make a lot more, but only before you have to pay for malpractice, health insurance, retirment, etc...Locum positions and contract employees usually fall under this category. However, from what I've heard, you can write a lot of stuff off so your tax liability isn't exactly what they're paying you, it tends to be quite a bit less.

This is what I've gathered from reading. Yoga and the other private practice folks can probably give you more detailed information.

D.C.

ashfost, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2005

ok. sorry if i seem slow (im new to whole "life" thing....LOL, im only 19). how would a CRNA start an independent practice? how much would one pay for malpractice?

yoga crna · Jul 27, 2005

I am happy that you and your brother are so ambitious and are planning for the future.

Your question is really very general whether or not you are a CRNA. If one is employed in any field, there are certain criteria that the employer meets--according to IRS regulations. Also, the employer may pay benefits, such as health insurance, vacation pay, sick leave, continuing education, etc. They also control your schedule and duties. Your taxes are withheld and social security is deducted (and partially paid by the employer), You can also go into business for yourself, where you have more control of your practice and time, depending on the circumstances. However, if you are in your own business, you pay yourself a salary, pay your medical insurance, malpractice insurance and quarterly taxes.

As a new CRNA, it is probably best to be employed in a situation where you can get a lot of experience. Later on, there are many opportunities to be a private practitioner. Of course, that all may change by time you become a CRNA. Health care economics is at at critical stage and we are in for some major shifts in reimbursement.

For the time being, check in on the AANA website and the many boards for anesthesia positions.

One final word--CRNAs are reimbursed relative to the value of administering anesthesia. It is demanding work requireing a stong educational background and continuous learning. You earn every penny you make.

Yoga CRNA

aana.com