What is it like to be a CRNA ? How many hours a week ? Salary ? Time Off ? Duties ?

Published

Hi there ! I am Mike a 34 year old former software engineer. I lost my job with zillions of other software geeks a year ago or so and I decided to change careers. I am almost done taking all the prereques for PA school and Medical school and am now thinking of being a CRNA instead. All those chem and physics classes also seem to apply to CRNa school. Now I would need to get a nursing degree and a year of critical care experience under my belt.

Part of why I am considering not going to med school specifically is it is too much darn work and time. All I do now is study and I imagine it would get more and more time consuming during med school and residency. But I really do like medicine and I love learning. I also like being in the hospital but dont really want to keep studying and working 80 hours a week. So please tell me what it is like to be a CRNA. How long do you work ? How much call do you take ? What is the job market like ? Do you wish you would have gone to med school or are you totally satisfied with your career ? What are the salaries like ? What is the best salary you ever heard of and the average ? Is it possible to find a decent paying job an only work 6-8 hours a day ? Any input would be appreciated ! Thanks !

When people inquire about anesthesia who are not already nurses, it is not a real stretch to assume they are aware only of the financial aspects of the profession. I am not saying that many RN's are much more well informed, but ...

I don't really understand stories about people who are on the fence about MDA or CRNA. The two paths are very dissimilar. Someone who is asking this question needs to do some more thinking and then choose their general direction.

If someone is considering CRNA for the money, you will most likely be very unhappy. You should really be informed about the commitment you are making. If you don't love it, you will be in hell.

My .02$

Up Vote Up Vote ×

From someone who is trying to get there....I have been a nurse for almost 8 years and love it!!!! I have worked in an adult ICU for 6 1/2 years. I have always wanted to continue my education at a graduate level and have been fascinated by anesthesia. I graduated from an ADN program (which was on the quarter system at that time) many of my credits did not count toward the BSN program, so I had to start from square one. I have been back in school, working toward my BSN, for over two years. I am happy to say I will graduate with my BSN in December of this year. However the local nurse anesthesia program will not allow one to apply until their BSN is in hand (the program is 28 months long and the only start date is Jan). So this means the earliest I can apply is for the Jan 2007 class.

So, it does take time to complete all educational requirements, not to mention studying for the GRE, completing graduate application packets, figuring out financial aid/student loans.

Then there is always ones personal life to consider. I am married and have two kids. My family does not want to move; but they support my decision to return to school. So I must apply to the local school. I have been working hard in school (have a good GPA) and I am picking up an occasional extra shift to be able to quit work to focus on school (if I can get in the nurse anesthesia program).

So, it is a lengthy process. I estimate the time it will take me (if I can get in on the first try) 6 1/2 years, after my ADN. Because there are always delays between programs. But it will not be time wasted. I will take graduate classes as an undeclared major. But if anyone has suggestions or advice for me...please respond.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Why would you automatically jump to that conclusion? I am not a nurse yet, but definitely interested in anesthesia (It still may not be the area I end up in as I learn more about the options in Nursing.) I was trying to figure out how I could swing the MDA route at my age along with young children, and found out about the CRNA option. I am interested in the practice of anesthesia spurred because of my experience as a patient. I did not even realize how much CRNAs made until I started reading it on this board. Believe me, that does not discourage me. Would you feel so negatively if I were interested in Primary Care or perhaps Midwivery without being a nurse?

When people inquire about anesthesia who are not already nurses, it is not a real stretch to assume they are aware only of the financial aspects of the profession. I am not saying that many RN's are much more well informed, but ...

I don't really understand stories about people who are on the fence about MDA or CRNA. The two paths are very dissimilar. Someone who is asking this question needs to do some more thinking and then choose their general direction.

If someone is considering CRNA for the money, you will most likely be very unhappy. You should really be informed about the commitment you are making. If you don't love it, you will be in hell.

My .02$

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Junior Year of BSN.

I agree with you. 2 years ago I was in the hospital for 4 days because I was having a miscarriage at 6 mths. I never even HEARD of a CRNA, I didn't know that nurses could do anesthetics. This was a Military hospital, because I am a military personnel. Well anyway there was this one nurse who always came in, I thought she was a doctor because of the way she was dressed, but found out she was a nurse, she always asked my nurse if I was going to be doing the cerclage (since I have an incompetant cervix) or if I was miscarrying yet. She was always kind and helpful. Being that she was a black female, I am also, I found her job interesting, she always talked to me and started explaining who she was, what she does, where she went to school, her daily activities at work, etc. I thought it was fascinating, and at the time wasn't going to any school or deciding what I wanted to become (it was ALWAYS the health field but I really wanted to be a Cardiologist, but financially can't strive for that). AND I still talk to her till this day, she now works for VA but hopefully when I finish nursing school and do the ICU thing, I will have her as a recommendation.

So I decided that I wanted to be a CRNA, and have talked to many of them, and they ALL seemed happy with there career choices. I didn't CHOOSE to want to become a CRNA because of the money. The nurse at the military facility was an ARMY nurse they get paid by rank, so a CPT thats in infantry, ordnance, finance, gets paid the same as a nurse who is a CPT. I want to go the Army route and have them pay for my CRNA school, I will be committed to the Army for 5 yrs, and don't mind that so for me its not about money its about a career that I will enjoy and that I want to do not for financial reasons but the overall enjoyment of the career.

So for those naysayers that think that people just want to become a CRNA just for the money is not true for everyone, and TOTALLY not true for me! :p

Why would you automatically jump to that conclusion? I am not a nurse yet, but definitely interested in anesthesia (It still may not be the area I end up in as I learn more about the options in Nursing.) I was trying to figure out how I could swing the MDA route at my age along with young children, and found out about the CRNA option. I am interested in the practice of anesthesia spurred because of my experience as a patient. I did not even realize how much CRNAs made until I started reading it on this board. Believe me, that does not discourage me. Would you feel so negatively if I were interested in Primary Care or perhaps Midwivery without being a nurse?
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Why would you automatically jump to that conclusion? I am not a nurse yet, but definitely interested in anesthesia (It still may not be the area I end up in as I learn more about the options in Nursing.) I was trying to figure out how I could swing the MDA route at my age along with young children, and found out about the CRNA option. I am interested in the practice of anesthesia spurred because of my experience as a patient. I did not even realize how much CRNAs made until I started reading it on this board. Believe me, that does not discourage me. Would you feel so negatively if I were interested in Primary Care or perhaps Midwivery without being a nurse?

I was not responding negatively. I was responding realistically. You would be suprised how many people are unaware of what a CRNA does, but are fully aware of the 100k plus salaries. Some may observe a CRNA and assume that they have the most boring job on earth. It is simply my opinion that deep investigation into anesthesia is needed before one decides to turn their life upside down. My wife tells me that I talk about ethrane in my sleep. (I wish it was something useful!)

I would never discourage anyone from choosing CRNA as a career, RN or not. I am asked daily by perspective students to put in a good word with our program director, or advice for admission. I am always helpful and positive with them. Conversely, I find that when I ask them what research they've done, it usually is summarized by, " Money!". Yes the money may be the initial attraction, but like a Hollywood marriage, it won't last.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Why would you automatically jump to that conclusion? I am not a nurse yet, but definitely interested in anesthesia (It still may not be the area I end up in as I learn more about the options in Nursing.) I was trying to figure out how I could swing the MDA route at my age along with young children, and found out about the CRNA option. I am interested in the practice of anesthesia spurred because of my experience as a patient. I did not even realize how much CRNAs made until I started reading it on this board. Believe me, that does not discourage me. Would you feel so negatively if I were interested in Primary Care or perhaps Midwivery without being a nurse?

IMHO if u could swing the MDA route why wouldnt u ? Granted it is a much longer route but that way u can go all the way. Also as an MDA the opportunities are endless ie: you could go into pain management which is a growing field look into it at http://www.studentdoctor.net which is a premed, med student and residency forum. Just make sure u make an informed decision research everything. Donot leave it to forums to answer your questions muy books on these subjects. Goodluck on your endeavors

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion