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Barleen
Student
Davis, California
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Question
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What is it like to be a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) in terms of work life balance? #Spring26
I'm currently an university student considering the CRNA route as I've always been interested in anesthesia! I would love to get more insight on what the career looks like in terms of daily basis, but also how the work life balance feels. I'm also currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Biology, and I'd love to get a MSN after to start my way to CRNA - any insight or thoughts?
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Joseph Melchi
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
10
Answers
Dublin, Ohio
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Are you in a nursing program? You mentioned BS in biology. First requirement is that you be a registered nurse. Many programs will require specifically the bachelors of science in nursing (BSN), although some may allow a bachelors in a related science field. I’m afraid if you’re not pursuing the BSN you are limiting the number of programs you could apply to. To answer your specific question:
1. Preparation to apply for CRNA program can be rigorous. You MUST work a minimum of one year full time in an ICU level unit as a RN. In addition to strong academic preparation, you will likely need to demonstrate other attributes such as leadership, research, volunteerism, etc. this can and often does require a significant time commitment.
2. CRNA school is rigorous and demanding. You cannot work while in school. Expect a time commitment of 60-70 hours per week during the 36 month program (may lighten up a bit towards the end but that is good average for bulk.
3. After graduation and certification, you will have a great deal of flexibility. You can choose between part time and full time work (likely need to work full time first several years after graduation to pay down student loans). You can choose between call and non call positions. It is rare for CRNAS to work more than full time hours unless they CHOOSE to. The biggest take away is that hourly pay for CRNAS is enough to support a good quality of life on reduced hours, or a very nice lifestyle on regular hours.
1. Preparation to apply for CRNA program can be rigorous. You MUST work a minimum of one year full time in an ICU level unit as a RN. In addition to strong academic preparation, you will likely need to demonstrate other attributes such as leadership, research, volunteerism, etc. this can and often does require a significant time commitment.
2. CRNA school is rigorous and demanding. You cannot work while in school. Expect a time commitment of 60-70 hours per week during the 36 month program (may lighten up a bit towards the end but that is good average for bulk.
3. After graduation and certification, you will have a great deal of flexibility. You can choose between part time and full time work (likely need to work full time first several years after graduation to pay down student loans). You can choose between call and non call positions. It is rare for CRNAS to work more than full time hours unless they CHOOSE to. The biggest take away is that hourly pay for CRNAS is enough to support a good quality of life on reduced hours, or a very nice lifestyle on regular hours.