Average work week/on call hours?

Students SRNA

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Hello!

I am interested in becoming a CRNA eventually but heard the on call hours are crazy. Is this true? How often is a CRNA on call for in a typical week? Do you think this is a suitable job if I plan on having a family? Thanks!

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It would depend on where you work and the type/size of the practice as well as other factors. Could be no call. Could be every weekend. Could be voluntary. You won't know until you apply for jobs. And even the answers you get now may not be true in the 8 years it takes you to get to that point.

I'm not sure that any nursing schedule is 100% "family friendly", but generally speaking a CRNA has it better than other advanced practice nurses... but again, it depends on many factors.

allnurses Guide

wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA

5,125 Posts

Specializes in Anesthesia.
It would depend on where you work and the type/size of the practice as well as other factors. Could be no call. Could be every weekend. Could be voluntary. You won't know until you apply for jobs. And even the answers you get now may not be true in the 8 years it takes you to get to that point.

I'm not sure that any nursing schedule is 100% "family friendly", but generally speaking a CRNA has it better than other advanced practice nurses... but again, it depends on many factors.

How do CRNAs generally have it better than other APNs when it comes to schedules?

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I don't think I need to explain it to you, of all people :) All in the eye of the beholder I suppose.

allnurses Guide

wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA

5,125 Posts

Specializes in Anesthesia.
I don't think I need to explain it to you, of all people :) All in the eye of the beholder I suppose.

It's an honest question. I think you are probably underestimating the diversity of all APNs call schedules especially CRNAs.

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151 Posts

I'd honestly like to know who has better. There might be others you consider about equal, but in the end we're all working our 40, right? My wife, an NNP has a horrible schedule, but she loves it so doesn't mind. It's like shes always getting a call in the middle of the night or having to go in on a day "off". I remember our NP's in the ICU kept quitting after a year because they never got to see family or have enough time away from the joint. Other than that, everything I know about it is just hearsay. No idea on the Family, Geri, Psych, etc. types, but like a CRNA I would think it is dependent on the area or facility.

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