Anesthesiologist vs. CRNA

[VFlutter]

In the strangest of strange twists, the VA will grant independent practice rights to all APNs.... EXCEPT CRNAs!

Which is very strange given the amount of autonomy given to CRNAs in the military. On a side note you can actually go through the Army's CRNA school as a VA employee with a commitment to the VA. That is something I still consider every now and then, the education and experience of USAGPAN is extremely appealing to me.

 

[EpiEMS]

On a side note you can actually go through the Army's CRNA school as a VA employee with a commitment to the VA. That

Is that school still at Northeastern Univ.?

 

[VFlutter]

Is that school still at Northeastern Univ.?

Yes it is affiliated with them but I believe all the classes are actually on base.

 

[Summit]

Which is very strange given the amount of autonomy given to CRNAs in the military. On a side note you can actually go through the Army's CRNA school as a VA employee with a commitment to the VA. That is something I still consider every now and then, the education and experience of USAGPAN is extremely appealing to me.

Not just that but they pay for your school and while in school, they pay you your full RN salary and you earn retirement and vacation. You are guaranteed a job after.

 

[Carlos Danger]

In the strangest of strange twists, the VA will grant independent practice rights to all APNs.... EXCEPT CRNAs!

And that is an EXCELLENT example of the politics of anesthesia.

CRNA's already work independently in many VA hospitals....especially after 1500. The ASA just couldn't handle having the official policy of the VA reflect the reality of what already happens. They pulled out all the stops and played every card they had to get the rule changed to exclude CRNA's.

 

[NysEms2117]

@Remi could you share a "normal" workweek for you? Do you work RN hours(12 hr shifts) or is it like a 9-5 type thing?

 

[Carlos Danger]

In big hospitals, CRNA's commonly work shifts of varying lengths and times.

I work in a small hospital where there are only 3 of us. I get there in time to start the first case (which is usually a 0800, sometimes earlier), and I stay until the cases are done, which can be anywhere from noon-9pm. I probably average 40-50 hours a week. 5 days a week most weeks.

 

[EpiEMS]

I work in a small hospital where there are only 3 of us.

Do you transfer many of your critical patients? If so, do you join in on the ride?

 

[Carlos Danger]

We occasionally transfer someone out after a case. I don't get to ride along, unfortunately.

 

[Jim37F]

Just saw this headline, made me think of this thread:


Advocates: Let Nurse Anesthetists Practice Across the VA
http://www.military.com/daily-news/...et-nurse-anesthetists-practice-across-va.html