What did the CRNA who had been studying neuromuscular blockades all day say to the other CRNA? “This succs.”
But what doesn’t “succ” is the hard work CRNAs put in every day to serve their patients well. That’s why we’re excited to celebrate National CRNA Week this January!
CRNAs are ranked as the highest-paying nursing job of 2022 and named #19 in US News and World Report’s list of 100 Best Jobs. We know that CRNAs provide an essential service to patients and physicians, so it’s not the biggest surprise. But thanks to the median income of $180,000 a year, the CRNA field has seen 31% growth between 2014 and 2024! That’s nearly twice the growth rate for RNs.
The Journey to Becoming a CRNA
It’s not easy to become a CRNA, but it’s well worth it. If you are currently in nursing, it may just be a matter of training for the National Certification exam. It will take a little longer if your highest level of education completed is high school. CRNAs are advanced certification nurses, so it’s a longer path than a traditional RN job.
You will need to:
- Get your Bachelor’s degree
- Get your RN degree
- Earn your Master’s in Nursing
- Pass the National Certification Exam
- Start working with physicians
Only 5 simple steps, right? Except that each step involves years of hard work. CRNAs are well-deserved to be recognized because of all it took to obtain those four important letters.
Need help managing your coding and billing for your CRNA group? We can help!
Practicing as a CRNA
Being a CRNA requires wearing many hats - interfacing with patients, coordinating with physicians, administering anesthesia, monitoring patients under anesthesia, and providing plans for post-operative care. Once you get used to it, though, you will find that CRNAs have a pretty good amount of freedom in their practice. You can decide what cases to take, where you want to work, and how long you want to work.
Choosing which cases to take is crucial, both for a successful procedure and for the patient’s well-being. In some cases, the patient’s health may cause the operation to be delayed if the CRNA doesn’t feel the patient could tolerate anesthesia.
Deciding whether to work within a hospital system or in private practice is a big decision as well. Having the support of your medical staff in a hospital when making tough decisions is invaluable. However, the greater flexibility in private practice can offer a better work-life balance.
Establishing a new CRNA group? MBM can help you get started!
Benefits of Being a CRNA
Being a CRNA isn’t easy, but once you become accustomed to the career, the benefits are manifold. Of course, the most evident benefit is the salary. You may not immediately make $180k in your first job, but it only takes a few years to progress.
There is also a misconception that all jobs in the medical field are bad for work-life balance. CRNAs disprove this point, as the CRNA gets to determine so much about how they are working. CRNAs are a hardworking bunch, and there is a great sense of community and camaraderie amongst them. This can be an important contribution to overall job satisfaction. And a CRNA is there with the patient through the whole procedure - to allay any fears, support the patient’s well-being, and provide first-class anesthesia care. There’s a great sense of professional pride to be taken from being such an essential part of holistic healthcare.
There is no shortage of reasons to celebrate CRNAs, and MBM is proud to serve CRNA groups through revenue cycle management, credentialing, and administrative duties.
We do what we do best, so you have more time to do what you do best! Reach out to us to learn more.
