Where do CRNAs go out to pasture?

CRNA, DNSc · Apr 30, 2003

My Mom still considers herself a "CRNA" at the age of 77 but she practiced until the age of 68. There is a group of retired CRNAs that gather at the annual meeting of the AANA called the Anesthesia Pioneers (don't tell anyone but some of them haven't really retired!)

CRNA, DNSc · Apr 30, 2003

My Mom still considers herself a "CRNA" at the age of 77 but she practiced until the age of 68. There is a group of retired CRNAs that gather at the annual meeting of the AANA called the Anesthesia Pioneers (don't tell anyone but some of them haven't really retired!)

blairparks · Jun 9, 2004

As I just am looking around as I consider CRNA school, it is so great to see that there is still a love for what you do and as in all nursing an ability to move down different avenues. I am 31 yrs old and about to apply for school in the next year, I have a feeling you all have lots of insight, any suggestions or information is readily welcome.

Thanks~ kb

srnaKate · Jun 9, 2004

What about teaching? I don't know about teaching SRNAs but that's a possiblity, or teaching at the undergraduate level. It's an alternative to passing gas, anyway. Just a thought.

rn-tam2 · Dec 1, 2005

This is a half serious question, but I was wondering where CRNAs go after being CRNAs? I know after many years of ICU, I look at the people who are still ICU nurses after 30+ years and say..."that won't be me"! Can one keep up the intensity of being a CRNA until retirement? Can the CRNAs out there still see themselves passing gas at 65? I guess I am just pondering the longevity of a career in anesthesia, especially for us who are not really spring chickens anymore either. I know there are several people on this board who have been CRNAs for a long time, so I would love to hear peoples opinions about this. Thanks.

I have recently been applying to anesthesia programs, and had my first interview with my first choice school on the 15th, still haven't heard yet. :uhoh21: Part of what attracted me to the field was the positive attitues of the CRNA's I have worked with in the PACU. Sure they have bad days, but they overwhelmingly still seem to love their job, and have no plans to leave it. I can't say I have felt that way about staff nursing on any unit I have ever worked on. As they get a bit older I have noticed that many choose shorter shifts in my hospital or part time, but few are in a hurry to leave!They are also very committed to the practice and aware of national issues that affect them. Many I have or do work with have been in the field for 20-30 years which is amazing to me. I hope you all will wish me luck in hearing back on the interview soon. I really can't wait to get started. I feel like I have finally discovered what I want to do when I grow up after 13+years in nursing--it's about time! When you love what you do it doesn't seem like a job. Good luck.

SproutRN · Dec 3, 2005

This is a half serious question, but I was wondering where CRNAs go after being CRNAs? I know after many years of ICU, I look at the people who are still ICU nurses after 30+ years and say..."that won't be me"! Can one keep up the intensity of being a CRNA until retirement? Can the CRNAs out there still see themselves passing gas at 65? I guess I am just pondering the longevity of a career in anesthesia, especially for us who are not really spring chickens anymore either. I know there are several people on this board who have been CRNAs for a long time, so I would love to hear peoples opinions about this. Thanks.

On wonderful vacations, silly! :rotfl:

Sprout :nurse: