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Category: CRNA Qualifications and Capabilities

  • Do Nurse Anesthetists Have High Employment Rates?

    Do Nurse Anesthetists Have High Employment Rates?

    The pandemic has created a high demand for a lot of medical jobs. If you’re on the path to becoming a nurse anesthetist, you may have wondered, do nurse anesthetists have high employment rates?

    Employment rates for CRNAs are higher than ever and are projected to increase in the years to come. Nurse anesthetist jobs are expected to increase rapidly at the rate of 26% through 2028, far exceeding the average rate for other industries and professions.

    CRNA Qualifications and Capabilities

    The continuing coronavirus pandemic, an aging population, and a need to substitute a huge proportion of retiring health professionals and those who move to other career paths are all anticipated to give nurse anesthetists high employment rates. 

    Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (or CRNA) job vacancies are expected to increase by 17%, with the majority of opportunities in rural communities, inner cities, and other underserved areas. In the next ten years, approximately 3,200 nurse anesthetist jobs will become accessible.

    Nurse Anesthetist Certification Requirements

    Is Nurse Anesthetist in High Demand?

    The demand for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) is at an all-time high. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CRNA specialization will expand by more than 30% over the next ten years.

    CRNA certification is a multi-step procedure that takes seven to eight years to complete. To be admitted to a CRNA school, you must be a registered nurse with acute care nursing experience.

    Nurse anesthetists are also cost-effective services. They offer high-quality nursing treatment at an affordable cost to their patients. The need for more health care services is being fueled by several reasons, including healthcare legislation and the aging baby-boomer demographic.

    What Are Nurse Anesthetists and What Do They Do?

    Registered nurses who specialize in anesthesiology and have at least a year of critical care knowledge and a master’s degree, which normally takes two years to complete, are known as Nurse Anesthetists.

    Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are expert clinical nurses who securely administer over 40 million anesthetics in the United States each year for clinical, postnatal, and damage care. From surgical intervention to discomfort moderation practices, they prescribe every type of anesthetic, work in every type of practice setting, as well as provide treatment for every sort of medical activity or procedure.

    Nurse anesthetists work with doctors, orthopedic surgeons, orthodontists, orthopedists, and other competent medical professionals to administer anesthetics to patients. They are provided a significant level of autonomy and positive regard as advanced practice registered nurses.

    Nurse anesthetists can implement particular or regional anesthesia using a variety of intravenous drugs and inhaled gases, allowing doctors to accomplish procedures with next to no pain to the patient. From the chloroform used by the first nurse anesthetists during the Civil War, modern anesthesia has made great strides.

    CRNA Requirements

    A nurse anesthetist is responsible for a patient’s anesthesia needs before, during, and after surgery or childbirth by:

    • Conducting a physical examination
    • Taking part in preoperative education
    • Being ready for anesthetic administration
    • Using anesthesia to hold the patient pain-free.
    • Intraoperative anesthesia maintenance
    • Supervising anesthesia recovery
    • Observing the patient’s rehabilitation from the emergency room to the patient care unit

    How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist

    A standard route to becoming a CRNA includes earning a four-year BSN, becoming certified and serving as a registered nurse for one to 3 years and eventually enrolling in a two-year MSN program in nurse anesthesia. Other choices involve receiving an associate degree in nursing, gaining licensure and practicing as an RN, and enrolling in an RN-to-MSN program; or undertaking a BSN-to-DNP bridge program.

    Depending on the degree sought, the period it takes to become a certified CRNA varies. CRNAs must complete comprehensive studies, including at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice. 

    CRNAs must be registered nurses (RNs) or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with national qualifications in nurse anesthesia from the NBCRNA. The National Certification Exam (NCE) and the Self-Evaluation Examination are needed for certification (SEE).

    How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist

    1. Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree

    Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is the first phase. A bachelor’s degree in nursing requires an average of four years to complete.

    2. Obtain your certification as a licensed nurse

    The next move after obtaining a BSN is to secure a registered nurse (RN) certificate. To sit for the RN test, you must first hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

    3. Work as a Nurse in Acute Care

    After that, you’ll want to obtain experience in an intensive care environment before applying to a CRNA program. Most CRNA programs enable you to get more than a year of training, but each program has its own set of criteria on what constitutes acute treatment.

    Serving in a coronary treatment facility, an emergency department, or an intensive care unit is what most CRNA programs describe as acute care. Since CRNA programs vary, before taking a job in an acute care environment, you can review the criteria of your chosen CRNA schools.

    4. Finish CRNA School

    It’s time to apply to CRNA schools after you’ve completed all of the above requirements. A nurse anesthetist program will take two to three years to complete, depending on the school. 

    CRNA schools instruct their pupils both in the classroom and in clinical environments. You must then complete the National Qualification Test after completing your CRNA program.

    CRNA Qualifications and Capabilities

    What Are The Top Paying Industries for Nurse Anesthetists?

    Hospitals, which include NPs, nurse midwives, and CRNAs, are the highest-paying profession for APRNs, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with a total annual wage of $122,420. 

    Outpatient medical facilities (median average wage of $118,530), doctors’ offices ($113,190), other clinical professionals’ offices ($112,590), and educational services ($108,790) are other high-paying environments. CRNAs make more money than most APRNs, with an annual income of about $175,000 for nurse anesthetists.

    What States Pay the Most for Nurse Anesthetists?

    Wyoming has the largest CRNA wages, with workers receiving a mean annual salary of $243,310, according to the BLS, led by Montana ($239,380), Oregon ($234,750), Wisconsin ($233,600), and California ($227,290).

    According to the BLS, Texas employs 4,300 CRNAs, followed by North Carolina with 3,190, Tennessee with 2,680, Ohio with 2,450, and Michigan with 2,330. Michigan tops the ranking in terms of nurse anesthetist pay, with a mean annual wage of $194,640, led by North Carolina ($189,060), Ohio ($184,380), Texas ($167,020), and Tennessee ($157,070).

    The Bottom Line

    Nurse anesthetists operate in many environments, including conventional hospital surgery suites and obstetrical delivery rooms, critical access clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, orthodontists’ clinics, podiatrists’ office spaces, ophthalmologists’ clinics, plastic surgeons’ clinics, and pain relief specialists’ departments, as well as federal, Veterans Services, and healthcare system health treatment facilities. They have a lot of responsibilities and are well paid for them. There is a constant increase in the demand for nurse anesthetists in both rural and urban healthcare setups. As a result, the job opportunities for nurse anesthetists are increasing every year and are predicted to increase even more in near future.

    References

    • Journal of Professional Nursing, Volume 16, Issue 1, January–February 2000, Pages 47-56, Ph.D., RN, CRNA, FAANWynne R.Waugaman(Associate Professor of Nursing and Assistant Chair of Academic Affairs).

    https://doi.org/10.1016/S8755-7223(00)80011-3

    • Does the Employment of Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners Increase Liability? 

    Roderick S. Hooker, Ph.D., PA; Jeffrey G. Nicholson, Ph.D., PA; Tuan Le, M.D., DrPH

    • Journal of Medical Regulation (2009) 95 (2): 6–16.

    https://doi.org/10.30770/2572-1852-95.2.6

    • Role Transition After Clinical Nurse Specialist Education, Ares, Terri L. Ph.D., RN, CNS-BC, Clinical Nurse Specialist: March/April 2018 – Volume 32 – Issue 2 – p 71-80 DOI:10.1097/NUR.0000000000000357
    • The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist: Occupational Responsibilities, Perceived Stressors, Coping Strategies, and Work Relationships, Perry, Tristan Roberts.

    http://hdl.handle.net/10919/29740

  • What Experience Do I Need to Become a CRNA?

    What Experience Do I Need to Become a CRNA?

    A CRNA represents one of the most advanced specialties in nursing. For this reason, nurse anesthetists continue to be in demand and many nurses seek to advance their career by becoming a CRNA.

    The minimum experience you need to become a CRNA is at least one year of experience in a clinical setting. Hours of work in critical care areas such as cardiac care units, emergency rooms, or intensive care units are usually required before being accepted into the CRNA program.

    The nursing career is one of the most rewarding careers available. Are you considering a nursing career or advancing your nursing career? Read on.

    https://twitter.com/dan_lovinaria/status/1400515864336678916

    What is a CRNA?

    A CRNA is a registered nurse who administers anesthetics to patients, provides post-surgical care, and monitors their vital signs. CRNAs work in emergency rooms, clinics, outpatient settings, and intensive care units of hospitals. 

    As a CRNA, you’ll need these skills:

    • Interpersonal communication
    • Teamwork
    • Verbal and written communication
    • Emotional intelligence
    • Stamina
    • Organization
    • Time management
    Requirements for Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs

    What does a CRNA do?

    A CRNA provides critical care through the safe delivery of anesthetics to patients in need of pain management. CRNAs oversee the anesthesia process, monitor vital signs throughout the surgical procedure, and provide specialized care after a surgical procedure. A CRNAs’ daily routine also involves:

    • Requesting diagnostic studies
    • Educating patients about side effects and risks
    • Creating anesthetic plans
    • Examining patient’s medical history. 
    • Administrative duties like managing finances and training staff.

    What are the Steps to Become a CRNA

    Earning a CRNA involves several years of schooling. Here are the steps to become a CRNA:

    1. Get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Completing a BSN program is the first step to obtaining a CRNA license. The BSN program is an undergraduate program that can be as long as four years. However, the length can vary depending on the number of college credits you have. 

    The accelerated BSN program is designed for bachelor’s degree holders in unrelated fields. With the accelerated BSN program, you can earn your BSN within 11 months. Maintaining an average grade point of 3.0 is important, especially if you want to later earn a master’s degree. 

    CRNA Requirements

    2. Obtain State Licensure as an RN

    Following your BSN’s completion, you’ll need to get a license that allows you to practice. To obtain an RN license, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. 

    The License requirement is different for each state. Therefore, you’ll need to carry out extensive research if you want to move to a different state later on. 

    3. Gain Experience 

    Before applying for a nurse anesthesia program, it’s important to work in a clinical setting for at least a year. Gaining experience is more than a requirement. Experience in a cardiac care unit, emergency room, or intensive care unit will strengthen your portfolio. 

    Earning a Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification can help you get accepted into the CRNA program. Some programs will require you to complete hours of work in critical care situations before you can earn the certification. 

    How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist

    4. Earn your Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing

    Nurse anesthetists need to get a master’s or doctorate because they are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). It takes two years to complete a master’s degree, while a doctorate can take between four and six years. 

    With a master’s degree, you can enter the workforce sooner than you would if you were working on a Ph.D. . However, the Ph.D. will increase your chances of achieving a higher position. Here are some of the requirements you’ll need, irrespective of the program you choose:

    • College transcripts
    • BSN degree
    • Minimum of two years working experience as an RN
    • Proof of a valid RN license
    • 3.0 GPA in college
    • Specialized certifications
    • Experience shadowing a CRNA  anesthesiologist 
    • Background check
    • Goal statement or personal essay
    • One year of experience working in the intensive care unit. 

    One of the most important things to do is to research the requirements of your school of choice. You must ensure that the school is accredited.

    CRNA Accredited Schools

    5. Become a CRNA

    The final step after completing the program to be a CRNA is to obtain a license. To do this, you’ll need to take a final test. The National Certification Examination lasts up to three hours, and it is the final test before becoming a CRNA. You’ll be eligible for employment only after you have passed the test. 

    Experience Needed for CRNA

    6. Maintain your Status

    Take all the steps to maintain all the CRNA credentials you’ve earned. Your license expires every two years, and you’ll need to recertify it to maintain your employment. The recertification process involves a combination of practice hours, education hours, and examinations. CRNAs will need to recertify their CRNA certification and their state-level APRN.

    Is a CRNA Degree Right for Me?

    The CRNA program won’t be a great choice for you if you like an easy and predictable job. The CRNA course is demanding and rigorous. Once you’ve become a CRNA, you’ll find yourself in cases that require critical thinking. 

    As a CRNA, you’ll need a high level of preparedness and responsibility. The job can be exciting, and it’s filled with many interesting moments. A CRNA role will be right for you if you are looking for a highly-respected and highly-compensated job. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuY9g3q2GvY

    Frequently Asked Questions

    There are so many questions surrounding the CRNA career because of the nature of the professional education and employment involved.

    Here are some frequently asked questions:

    1. How long is a CRNA education program? The CRNA program takes up to 36 months to complete. It includes clinical and classroom experience work. The curriculum includes physiology, chemistry, pharmacology, physics, pathophysiology, anatomy, and biochemistry. 
    2. Where do CRNAs work? Most CRNAs work in medical settings like ambulatory surgery centers, traditional hospitals, pain clinics, and doctor’s offices. Some work in the private sector, while others in the public sector. You’ll find many CRNAs working as independent contractors for hospitals and physicians. 
    3. How does a nurse become a CRNA? As a nurse with a BSN and an RN license, you can apply for the CRNA program. Once you graduate, you’ll need to pass the National Certification Examination to become a CRNA. 
  • How To Increase Nurse Anesthetist Career Advancement

    How To Increase Nurse Anesthetist Career Advancement

    If you’re a nurse or nursing student who is trying to decide which career path to take, you have many options. Sometimes it can be hard to decide which way to go. One option to consider is becoming a CRNA or certified registered nurse anesthetist.

    To advance in a nurse anesthetist career, you must first become a registered nurse. And this is just the first of many steps that you need to take.

    How Many Years to Become a Nurse Anesthetist

    A CRNA is a great choice to make. A CRNA is an advanced practice nurse who specializes in anesthesia. They administer anesthesia to patients having surgery and are vital to surgical teams.

    If you want to become a nurse anesthetist, there are many things that you’ll need to know. What exactly are their responsibilities? What are the benefits of becoming a CRNA? This post is here to answer those questions.

    What Does a CRNA Do?

    A nurse anesthetist is responsible for a patient from the pre-op area all the way through the recovery room. A CRNA, though, has many specialist tasks which only they can perform. Essentially, they give anesthesia and monitor patients through its duration of action. The CRNA is there to make sure the patient goes under safely and comes out fine. 

    The CRNA is in charge of anesthesia on their own. In some workplaces, he or she may be part of a team with an anesthesiologist.

    Experience Needed for CRNA

    Here are some of a CRNA’s responsibilities:

    • The nurse anesthetist assesses the patient’s physical state before the surgery. He or she will make sure that the patient’s condition is safe for anesthesia.
    • A CRNA will talk with the patient before the surgery. This is to ensure that the patient understands the process and what will happen. It also helps to reassure patients and take care of any fears they may have. CRNAs will also discuss the recovery process in detail.
    • After the CRNA has informed the patient of the process, he or she can then obtain consent. Consent is the official means of getting permission to allow the team to go ahead with the procedure.
    CRNA Qualifications and Capabilities
    • The nurse anesthetist is also qualified to prepare anesthetic solutions. He or she will make sure that the dosage of the anesthetic is precise for the specific patient. Anesthetics can cause serious side effects if administered incorrectly. This is why CRNAs have to earn the qualifications to enable them to handle such substances.
    • The CRNA also administers the anesthetic drugs in the precise amount required.
    • Once the patient is under, the CRNA’s job is to maintain that state. The effects of anesthesia should not wear off until the procedure is over.
    • The nurse anesthetist also ensures the patient remains stable through the surgery. He or she will remain with them and monitor vital signs. 
    • After the surgery is complete, the nurse anesthetist comes in again. He or she must ensure that the patient comes out of anesthesia. The nurse anesthetist will also monitor the patient’s post-op recovery before transfer.
    Education Requirements for CRNA

    What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Nurse Anesthetist Career?

    There are many advantages to becoming a CRNA. They include the following:

    • The pay is excellent. Nurse anesthetists are the highest-paid nurse specialization. Naturally, this attracts many to the field. However, even for those who have a genuine desire to become a CRNA, the pay is a very good incentive. 
    • Many people accord them much respect. Being a CRNA comes with a lot of respect from healthcare workers. They are an important part of medical teams and this is often recognized. The time and dedication it takes to become a CRNA is also something many people recognize. This explains their frequent involvement in many administrative processes. The judgment of a CRNA is held in high esteem!
    • The freedom to make clinical decisions. In the medical field, many people wish to make their own decisions. After years of working, it may sometimes be monotonous acting on other people’s decisions. A nurse anesthetist gets the independence to make decisions on their own. They can make plans and choices that ensure the patient remains in the best of health. This autonomy is a major advantage to many people.
    https://twitter.com/DrLenaG/status/1381725153235763200

    How to Advance Towards a Nurse Anesthetist Career

    Before you make that decision to work towards being a CRNA, see if you can shadow a nurse anesthetist on the job. This will give you the best exposure to a CRNA’s daily work life. It will help you see all the benefits firsthand, and will increase your interest!

    If you have already been able to shadow, you’ll know if becoming a CRNA is something you have an interest in or not. If it is, then great! It is important to know that it takes a lot of steps to finally get to the last stage, which is CRNA. If you have the dedication, you can do it!

    CRNA Requirements

    Here is a brief overview of the steps you need to take to become a nurse anesthetist!

    1. If you are a student, or about to enter nursing school, your degree is the first step. You will need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. With this, you can proceed to the next step.
    2. You must become a registered nurse. But as a new graduate, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. After this, you can apply for an RN license.
    3. You will have to gain at least a year of critical care experience. Different programs have different requirements. Some may need more than that, but a year is the official minimum.
    4. Now, you will need a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Nurse Anesthesia. It was previously a Master’s Degree of Science in Nurse Anesthesia. However, the requirements will change by 2025. If you are yet to start a program, it is best to go for a DNP. It takes only a year longer in most cases.
    5. Now comes the final step. You will have to pass the National Certification Exam. The National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists organizes it. That’s a mouthful! Once you have passed this exam, you can finally get the CRNA credential.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuY9g3q2GvY

    This is a summary of the steps you will need to take. Some of these steps will have more complexity to them, but this is the basic state of things. 

    There are many rewards to being a CRNA. As an RN or a student, you should consider whether this is the right step for you.

    It is important to keep in mind that becoming a CRNA takes a lot of dedication. It’s going to take time, but in the end, it is worth it.

  • How Many Hours A Week Does A CRNA Work?

    How Many Hours A Week Does A CRNA Work?

    Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) administer anesthetics to make treatment and surgeries safer. These professionals also help to ensure patient security and comfort. Anesthesia helps medical procedures. This is because it puts patients in a restful state and ensures that they feel no pain. It also puts the patient in a stationary position so that they don’t move during the operation. 

    Anesthesia treatment involves an education session between the patient and the nurse anesthetist. The nurse enlightens the patient on the anesthesia’s possible side effects. They also provide answers to questions the patient may ask. 

    CRNAs work in different communities, and they come from all walks of life. CRNAs are the sole providers in about 100% of all rural hospitals. This is from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) reports.

    Experience Needed for CRNA

    What Does a CRNA Do Every Day?

    Nurse anesthetists check patients undergoing medical procedures such as surgery. A typical day involves the following:

    • Managing patients’ airways 
    • Preparing and administering drugs before and after anesthesia
    • Observing patients’ reactions to drugs. 
    • Administering epidurals in maternity wards 
    • Performing pre-anesthesia screenings to determine a patient’s risk. 

    CRNAs also perform the following: 

    • Pre-op and post-op rounds 
    • Respond to codes 
    • Place central lines 
    • Place and manage labor epidurals.
    • Ventilatory management
    • Consults for pain management. 

    CRNAs also inspect patients’ medical records to better understand how they may react to anesthesia treatment. The medical procedure will be more difficult if the patient does not respond well to the anesthesia. 

    Nurse anesthetists also help check:

    • Vital signs and the patient’s blood pressure
    • Heart rate, body movement, and body temperature. 

    All this is to ensure that the patient will react well to the treatment. 

    CRNA Requirements

    What’s A CRNAs’ Schedule Like?

    Surgeons are often choked up with demanding schedules. Their duties range from pre-determined schedules to responding to emergencies. CRNAs tend to have busier schedules because they need to be present for most surgeries. Their schedules are often busier than that of surgeons. CRNAs are even busier when they work at hospitals with obstetrics.  

    CRNAs hours depend on different factors. Things like how often they work, where they work, and if the hospital is short staffed will affect a CRNA’s hours. Operation hours of the facility, patient load, and if a nurse calls out sick can also increase a CRNA’s hours on short notice. 

    A nurse anesthetist can work for health clinics and private practices. They can also work in doctor’s offices. These work settings usually have firm  “official hours”. Thus, the nurses only work during those official hours, with usually no overtime. The official hours might be from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays, equal to 40 to 50 hours a week. 

    It is different for nurse anesthetists that work in hospitals. Their work hours are different when compared to those that work in private practices. Nurse anesthetists in hospitals work shifts between 8 to 24 hours. It depends on the hospital’s demands. They also work overtime if they decide to, or when they need to.

    Nurse anesthetists that have longer shifts work fewer weekly shifts than other nurses. Nurses with 8 to 12 hours shift work 3 to 5 times weekly. Nurses working more than 16 hours a day work only two times a week. So it is quicker for a nurse working longer shifts to reach 40 hours a week of work.

    Who do CRNAs work for?

    CRNAs work on a more autonomous schedule than traditional registered nurses. CRNAs can work without supervision from an anesthesiologist. They can also work as individual providers or in an anesthesia care team. 

    When they work as individual providers, they make decisions without any supervision. When in the anesthesia care team, they may consult a supervisor or a doctor before deciding how to proceed. 

    CRNA Requirements -

    CRNAs Working Conditions

    The typical work setting for nurse anesthetists includes the following:

    Interpersonal Relationships

    • Nurse anesthetists usually work in surgical teams.
    • They are responsible for the work done by other health professionals.
    • They are  responsible for the safety and health of their patients 
    • They may face conflict situations that cause stress and anger in  others
    • Communicate in person or by phone. Nurse anesthetists can also use email to communicate with other healthcare givers.
    • Nurse anesthetists have a high level of social interaction. This is because they talk with nurses, patients, and doctors daily. 

    Physical Work Conditions

    • Nurse anesthetists are sometimes exposed to different harsh conditions. This includes contaminations, radiation, distracting or loud sounds, and other hazardous conditions. 
    • They always work indoors.
    • Nurse anesthetists are also exposed to diseases and infections of different patients daily. This is because they are always in close contact with these patients. 
    • They wear protective or safety gear like surgical masks, latex gloves, and scrubs. 

    Work Performance

    • Nurse anesthetists make decisions that have a strong impact on patients’ health. They may sometimes consult doctors on some decisions or make decisions on their own. 
    • They must be accurate in their work. Errors must never happen because they can endanger the patients’ health. 
    • They can set daily tasks without consulting any supervisor.
    • The work atmosphere is fast-paced for nurse anesthetists. Their daily routines are structured around surgical procedures. 
    • Nurse anesthetists repeat the same physical and mental activities daily. 

    Hours/Travel

    Nurse Anesthetists generally work on a set schedule. Their work may be part-time or full-time, but it is generally at least 40 hours per week. Nurse anesthetists sometimes work early mornings, nights, or weekends. This depends on the setting and practice. They may be on-call sometimes.

    Conclusion

    Nurse anesthetists usually have many responsibilities requiring them to work several hours. Their work is unique compared to other nurses. The burden on CRNAs is usually more when they work in a hospital. 

    CRNAs have longer shifts when they work in healthcare facilities that operate 24/7. They sometimes work against variables beyond their control. But, it increases their experience, and they get paid for the time they work. Working extra hours is also beneficial to CRNAs.

    Nurse anesthetists that work in an office setting only work during official hours. This implies that they can only work for 40 or 50 hours a week. Their hourly pay is more than hospital nurses. However, nurse anesthetists with hospital experience are the most sought-after.

  • Becoming a CRNA: Is It Worth The Journey?

    Becoming a CRNA: Is It Worth The Journey?

    There is a lot that goes into becoming a CRNA. If you’re already a registered nurse, the time and money you’ll have to put in are rather low. If you are a student though, and are looking into nursing, then you have a long way to go. It is important to decide whether the journey will be worth it before embarking on it.

    It all depends on exactly what you desire. But, if you are sure that you want to be, or are already a nurse, it is worth it. Becoming a CRNA can be a very fulfilling occupation. Besides that, the earning potential for a CRNA is much greater than for a registered nurse.

    You will need to get a master’s or doctorate to become a CRNA. You will also need to write the NCE. There are a lot of requirements, but with dedication, you can achieve them for sure.

    This article will discuss the journey to become a CRNA along with the benefits and downsides. The hope is that this will help you make an informed decision on the next step that you wish to take.

    How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist

    What Are the Advantages of Becoming a CRNA?

    A certified registered nurse anesthetist is a specially skilled registered nurse. They have received certification to work alongside the surgical team and the anesthesiologist. They have a good number of skills that make them quite valuable to the team. 

    Reaching this point requires effort and long dedication. If it feels daunting, then look to the end result. Below are some of the benefits that you will gain from becoming a CRNA.

    1. Increased earning potential. If you are aiming to maximize your earning potential, becoming a CRNA is an amazing choice. It is worth it if that is one of your major considerations. Among all nursing disciplines, a CRNA is one of the highest-paid. In fact, many times, a certified registered nurse anesthetist is the highest-paid nurse. Compared to an RN, becoming certified as a nurse anesthetist can earn you more than double an RN’s pay. In 2019, the RN salary was a little over $70,000 and nurse anesthetist pay was over $180,000. That is a major difference. Once again, if the financial benefit is a major consideration for you, the journey will be worth it in the end.

    2. Improved employment opportunities. In almost any profession, once you narrow down your focus, you become more in demand. A CRNA doesn’t lose the skills of a registered nurse, but also adds a nurse anesthetist’s skills to the mix. This means that you will be more attractive to employers. You will also have more job opportunities as you can now apply for CRNA positions.

    3. Good career advancement options. Reaching the top of the career ladder is something that many people want to achieve in their fields. Advancing your career brings a sense of fulfillment and a bump in benefits and pay. 

    It is fortunate that a CRNA has quite a few career options. A CRNA can decide to focus on a specific area of care. This can be pediatrics or neurosurgery, for instance. This helps focus their skills to provide the absolute best care for patients in a field.

    They can also become academics, either by engaging in teaching or research work.

    With enough clinical years, they can find themselves as the chief nurse anesthetist. This is more likely when they have administrative or managerial certifications.

    4. Personal fulfillment. If becoming a CRNA is something that you have wanted to do for the longest time, it’s hard to say it’s not worth it. Along with the other advantages, if it is your passion, then that is enough to make it worth going for. They are an important part of the team.

    Experience Needed for CRNA

    What Are the Downsides of Becoming a CRNA?

    No profession is perfect. This remains true with becoming a nurse anesthetist. The process that gets you there might be the part that frustrates many registered nurses the most. For some people, some aspects of this process might be a deal-breaker for them. Here are some of the disadvantages of opting to become a CRNA:

    1. Courses are expensive. To be fair, college is rather expensive almost anywhere in the United States. Students depend on student loans to be able to fund their way through school. This is the case with CRNA programs as well. Recent changes that make a Doctor of Nursing Practice the necessary minimum qualification. This means that RNs looking at this specialization will need to spend more money and time to get there. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing required 2 years as opposed to 3 for a DNP. Many CRNAs find themselves dealing with student debt years after the fact. But then again, so do most American graduates. The pay for the CRNA position will help get rid of that debt a bit faster too.

    2. It takes time and effort. The journey to becoming a nurse anesthetist is rather long. After a 4-year bachelor, they need at least a year of experience, and then 3 years for a DNP. That’s nearly a decade spent chasing the CRNA certification. That is not including the certification examination. You will need to pass that exam to become an official CRNA. For anyone in a rush to end their educational journey, a CRNA might not be the best choice. Many aren’t ready to spend that time and effort going back to school life.

    CRNA Requirements

    3. Shifts can be tough. This all depends on your workplace or the surgery, but some shifts will be brutal. Certain surgeries can take as long as 12 hours or even more. You will have to be there for the whole procedure and you won’t get the chance for breaks. You will likely also have frequent night shifts and call duties. If you’re not resilient, the stress of being a CRNA may get to you.

    In the end, it is all up to you. If you have gone through all the pros and cons listed here, you can make a decision. Balance these against each other and figure out which side you lean towards. Are any of the cons a deal-breaker for you? Are any of the pros and absolute must in your book? 

    It all depends on you to figure out whether the journey is worth it. If you ask me, it is. But we are all different, so you must decide on your own. The one thing I can promise you is, hate it or love it, being a CRNA is fulfilling.

    There is a lot that goes into becoming a CRNA. If you’re already a registered nurse, the time and money you’ll have to put in are rather low. If you are a student though, and are looking into nursing, then you have a long way to go. It is important to decide whether the journey will be worth it before embarking on it.

    It all depends on exactly what you desire. But, if you are sure that you want to be, or are already a nurse, it is worth it. Becoming a CRNA can be a very fulfilling occupation. Besides that, the earning potential for a CRNA is much greater than for a registered nurse.

    You will need to get a master’s or doctorate to become a CRNA. You will also need to write the NCE. There are a lot of requirements, but with dedication, you can achieve them for sure.

    This article will discuss the journey to become a CRNA along with the benefits and downsides. The hope is that this will help you make an informed decision on the next step that you wish to take.