CRNA Shortages and the Alumni Staffing Advantage
/What is a CRNA and why are they Integral?
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are healthcare professionals who provide anesthesia to patients during medical procedures. These advanced-practice nurses are integral in shaping modern medicine. They offer safe, high-quality, and patient-centered care, providing reassurance and comfort to patients both pre- and post-procedure. Additionally, they bring anesthesia services to practice settings that would otherwise go without, ultimately making healthcare more cost-effective.
Trends Impacting CRNAs and the Impending Shortage
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nurse anesthetists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2019 to 2029, and the demand for CRNAs is expected to grow, by about 26% between 2018 and 2028.
This increased demand is primarily due to a growing population that requires more medical care, an aging baby boomer population, and an increase in outpatient surgeries. Furthermore, as healthcare facilities look for ways to reduce costs, CRNAs are seen as a cost-effective alternative to anesthesiologists.
The job outlook for CRNAs is promising, with many opportunities available across the country. According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), the median annual salary for CRNAs in 2019 was $181,040, making it a highly lucrative career path.
As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, the need for CRNAs will grow. The AANA predicts that by 2025, there will be a shortage of approximately 10,000 CRNAs in the United States. To meet this demand, many nursing schools are expanding their CRNA programs, with some offering online courses to make it more accessible for working nurses.
In a number of rural regions throughout the United States, CRNAs are the only anesthesia providers, responsible for managing all aspects of anesthesia care, from operating rooms to obstetrical units. Furthermore, locum tenens CRNAs are often placed in these geographic areas to cover staffing gaps.
CRNA Fun Facts
CRNAs have been providing anesthesia care in the United States for over 150 years. The first nurse anesthetist, Sister Mary Bernard, administered anesthesia during surgery in 1887.
CRNAs are the oldest nurse specialty group in the United States.
CRNAs are highly trained and educated professionals. They must have a minimum of a master's degree in nursing, and many CRNAs now have doctorate degrees.
CRNAs administer approximately 43 million anesthetics each year in the United States. They are the sole anesthesia providers in many rural areas.
CRNAs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and physician offices.
CRNAs are highly respected members of the healthcare team. In fact, a study by the National Academy of Medicine found that anesthesia care provided by CRNAs is as safe and effective as care provided by physicians.
CRNAs are patient advocates and work to ensure that patients receive safe and effective anesthesia care. They also work closely with other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care to patients.
In Conclusion
Overall, CRNAs are an integral part of the healthcare system and play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive safe and effective anesthesia care. In response to the growing demand for CRNA specialists in hospitals, Alumni Staffing has been making significant efforts to recruit more CRNA specialists to broaden our Locum Candidate pool.
If you are a CRNA looking to advance your career and earn great compensation, reach out to one of Alumni Staffing’s recruiters. Similarly- if you are a healthcare facility looking to fill gaps in coverage, partner with Alumni Healthcare today!
