If you are good at multitasking, have excellent communication and critical thinking skills, want to advance in nursing but still want to have a one-on-one relationship with patients, and yearn for autonomy and a challenging and complex job, a career as a nurse anesthetist may be right for you. Dr. The transition from registered nurse to certified registered nurse anesthetist is described by Charnelle Lewis, DNP, CRNA.
- Flexible schedule. There are many types of work environments for CRNAs, and they can work in full-time, part-time, on-call or overnight positions. …
- Salary. …
- Benefit packages. …
- Job security. …
- Meaningful work. …
- Interesting workdays. …
- Variety of work locations. …
- Different career options.
What is a CRNA?
A nurse who specializes in anesthesia care is a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). They provide anesthesia to patients before, during, and after procedures in a variety of medical settings, including hospitals and pain management facilities. CRNAs use their advanced training to give patients the right amount of anesthesia to ensure comfort without compromising their safety. Some common responsibilities for CRNAs include:
11 reasons to become a CRNA
Here are 11 typical factors that encouraged people to become CRNAs:
1. Flexible schedule
CRNAs can work in a variety of settings, including full-time, part-time, on-call, and overnight positions. This indicates that as a CRNA, you frequently have some schedule flexibility. You can look for work that better fits your schedule preferences and plan your career around other obligations. As your circumstances change, you can also change the type of work you do by applying for full-time, part-time, or on-demand positions.
2. Salary
3. Benefit packages
Working as a CRNA typically comes with good benefits. Health insurance, disability insurance, and dental insurance are examples of common benefits. Additionally, some employers provide paid time off, an employer stock purchase plan, and a 401(k) matching program. Last but not least, if your employer asks you to relocate, they might provide you with relocation assistance to ease the transition.
4. Job security
5. Meaningful work
CRNAs spend their days working with patients. They are primarily responsible for making patients more at ease before procedures and for assisting patients with pain management. Helping patients through challenging times is something that many CRNAs find to be extremely fulfilling and meaningful.
6. Interesting workdays
Working as a CRNA regularly presents new challenges. Frequently, there is something new to learn or a new patient to encounter. Since every patient is unique, the CRNA must modify their strategy or course of action for each one. After receiving their certification, CRNAs must continue their education in order to stay informed about the most recent developments in their field. Your likelihood of continuing to be engaged in your career is increased by regularly presenting you with new challenges.
7. Variety of work locations
Because CNRAs are employed in so many different places, it is simpler to locate one that matches your preferences. Hospitals, dental offices, plastic surgery facilities, and doctor’s offices are among the employers of CRNAs. After receiving your certification, you can look for work in a setting that accommodates the patients you want to treat. For instance, you might favor working in a setting with patients who require more attention, like a hospital, or in one with a less stressful atmosphere, like a dental office.
8. Different career options
Clinical settings may be where CRNAs are most frequently found, interacting with and caring for patients there. There are other career paths available. CRNAs, for instance, may work as professors or in research. If you decide that working in a clinical setting isn’t for you, you can switch to another occupation without beginning a completely new career path because there are other career paths available.
9. Travel opportunities
Some employers offer CRNAs the opportunity to travel. Your employer assigns you to work as a traveling CRNA at various locations based on their current needs. You might work at a hospital for several weeks or months in one city before moving on to another when your assignment is done. Employers frequently cover travel expenses and provide an amenity stipend, enabling you to travel for less. Working as a CRNA may be appealing to you if you like the thought of working in various locations across the nation and getting to travel for less money.
10. Meet new people
Many CRNAs spend their days meeting new people. The CRNA gets to know these patients both before and after their procedure. Frequently, the CRNA converses with the patient and learns more about them to make them feel more at ease. Working as a CRNA in a clinical setting gives you lots of opportunities to interact with new people if you enjoy doing so.
11. Autonomous work
In some settings, CRNAs get to work mostly autonomously. For instance, CRNAs serve as the only anesthesia provider in many rural areas of the United States. All anesthesia-related procedures are carried out by them, and they do so independently. Working as a CRNA may present you with the opportunity to pursue a career in which you don’t directly answer to anyone else and can make decisions for yourself.
Why Did YOU Want to be a CRNA?
FAQ
What are the advantages of being a nurse anesthetist?
The most fulfilling aspect of any job is being able to help others, but this is not without its challenges and rewards. As a CRNA, you evaluate patients every day prior to surgery, give anesthesia, and keep track of vitals while the procedure is being done.
Is being a CRNA right for me?
Your expected income as a certified registered nurse anesthetist will be very high. A CRNA makes an average of $189,000 per year in salary. The highest salary for this career path can reach $270,000 annually. One of the best benefits of being a CRNA is definitely the money—wow, that is a lot of money.
What type of personality makes a good nurse anesthetist?
You should become a CRNA if you have a scientific mind, have always demonstrated excellence in critical thinking abilities, and are somewhat of an introvert. Everyone wants a job that at least occasionally presents a challenge, but you shouldn’t have to put up with that every day at the office!
