Satisfaction?

I've heard a lot of great things about a career as a CRNA. I've been told the majority of CRNA's love their job! I read somewhere also that over half of the students who end up becoming physicians regret their decision. My question is what do you all think about this? Do you know any CRNAs that regreted their decision or disliked their job?

I do not know of a single CRNA who regretted their decision or dislikes their career.

I think that some physicians regret their career choice because of the crap from government and insurance companies they have to endure. People just want to do their job...helping people and getting them well. To have to jump through multiple "hoops" set up by paper pushers just to practice medicine, makes it hard to like what you've gotten into. IMHO

I'm in my 2nd year of a nurse anesthesia program...I was an ICU nurse for 8 years and liked it, but I love anesthesia...I have also not met one CRNA that is unhappy with their job...

Could anyone that answers from personal experience also elaborate as to what specifics about the job, make you love it so much?

I'm really curious about exactly what makes CRNA's so happy. I too have never chatted with a CRNA who didn't like their profession!!!

Thanks!!!!

Ok, lets see...

1. I feel good after every single good outcome

2. I feel good whenever I post-op a patient who tells me they didn't throw- up.

3. I feel good when my patient gets to PACU and tells them they have

very little pain.

4. I feel good when my patient's nerves are soothed by my "bedside

manner" or by Versed

5. I feel good b/c I'm part of a great team of nurses, doctors, surg techs

and PACU nurses who are all in it for one reason: the patient.

6. I feel good b/c as an Anesthetist, I don't have to jump through hoops

set up by others.

7. I feel good b/c I'm trusted by the people I work with and by the patients

8. I feel good b/c I have alot of autonomy in my work, and I see the

results right away.

9. I feel good b/c everyday I learn something new and I can use it to help

someone.

10. I help someone everyday (worth saying twice)

11. CRNAs are specialists.

That's all for now, I'm sure I'll think of more later.

Ok, lets see...

1. I feel good after every single good outcome

2. I feel good whenever I post-op a patient who tells me they didn't throw- up.

3. I feel good when my patient gets to PACU and tells them they have

very little pain.

4. I feel good when my patient's nerves are soothed by my "bedside

manner" or by Versed

5. I feel good b/c I'm part of a great team of nurses, doctors, surg techs

and PACU nurses who are all in it for one reason: the patient.

6. I feel good b/c as an Anesthetist, I don't have to jump through hoops

set up by others.

7. I feel good b/c I'm trusted by the people I work with and by the patients

8. I feel good b/c I have alot of autonomy in my work, and I see the

results right away.

9. I feel good b/c everyday I learn something new and I can use it to help

someone.

10. I help someone everyday (worth saying twice)

11. CRNAs are specialists.

That's all for now, I'm sure I'll think of more later.

Excellent!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

I have some questions too.

1. Do you think that it is a good field to pursue if you want to have a family, if so would it be almost impossible to go to school and raise your children?

2. How many hours do most CRNAs work a week, and how often are you on call?

3. Of course this is hard work ( others life depend on you), but do you find it less stressful than bedside nursing? I see that a lot of the RNs complain that they are drained at the end of the day.

wow...

you GO skipaway.

I have some questions too.

1. Do you think that it is a good field to pursue if you want to have a family, if so would it be almost impossible to go to school and raise your children?

2. How many hours do most CRNAs work a week, and how often are you on call?

3. Of course this is hard work ( others life depend on you), but do you find it less stressful than bedside nursing? I see that a lot of the RNs complain that they are drained at the end of the day.

1. I don't have a family, but alot of CRNAs do, so yes it's very possible to go to school while you have children. You do need a support system in place before you apply.

2. That depends on the job you take. There are 40hr work weeks, no call, no holidays at some places. There are alternating schedules that require call and holidays. It just depends on the postion you take.

3. It's a different kind of stress. One person relying on you to get them through a very difficult time in their life is stressful. Repeating that over and over during a day adds up. I am sometimes drained at the end of a day but again, it depends on what you did that day. It's a good stress.

Thanks Skipaway for the great comments!

Can anyone add to Skipaway's impressive list?