- Joined
- Jul 9, 2005
- Messages
- 663
- Reaction score
- 94
Even though this was an old thread, eutopia CRNA decided to comment.
Here is the thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=4919103#post4919103
eutopiaCRNA reply:
CRNA Salary....WAY misquoted
Sorry fellas (& gals, if applies) but your averages for CRNA salaries is WAY off base. I don't know where you all are, but in Texas the average starting salary for a new grad CRNA is between $120,000 & $150,000 for the metroplex area (Dallas/Ft. Worth/Austin/Houston/San Antonio). As you go more rural, such as areas like Temple, Tyler, and South Padre the amount increases by $10,000-25,000. Even in these areas there are still MD's on staff and call is rare. For the really remote areas where the CRNA is most independent salaries range from $160,000 to $220,000 +. It isn't rare for a CRNA to make above $150,000 and becoming less rare for one to make $200,000+. Some states, such as Georgia, are offering between $200,000 & $300,000 (I just spoke to a recruiter about one of these positions yesterday). Obviously MD's make a ton more money, and yes, have a much greater education base. But, I disagree with the gentleman who wrote that CRNA's treat by the "vital signs" rather than the pathophysiological basis of anesthesia administration. Our programs (which are all master level programs) have INTENSE training in pathophysiology, chemistry, etc. In fact, the professors who taught my program also taught for the local medical school and all swore that our curriculum was almost as intense. So, CRNA's are much removed from just the standard RN. Our level of expertise is extremely high and we are very adapt at line placement (central and arterial) and epidurals, as well as the administration of anesthetics. By the way, I know tht medical school is VERY expensive, but don't underestimate the cost of a CRNA program my friends (try loans exceeding $145,000). Also, the program is almost 3 years long, not 2. AND, in order to even qualify for the program you must have critical care experience AND pass an oral interview where you are seated in front of a panel and bombarded with critical care questions ("here's a blood gas, here are the hemodynamics, now diagnosis and treat the patient....gee, looks like metabolic acidosis to me stemming from lactic acidosis from poor tissue perfusion from the hypotensive state....blah, blah, blah....that was one of my actual interview questions and answer). Gee, maybe all CRNA's aren't dummies after all, huh? UNLIKE medical students who become residents and have basically NO critical care experience, and face it fellas, how many of you HONESTLY will admit that a critical care nruse saved you from complete ruin a time or two during your residency? Now, be honest..... Ok, so my point is valid. NO WAY do I have the training or expertise that you guys do, hands down. But I am MUCH more qualified than just dealing with low-key easy cases. In fact, I routinely work neuro cases, which was my specialty prior to becoming a CRNA. We, MD's, DO's, and CRNA's, each have our own place in this game and each of us has earned our right to be here. I know that every surgeon I've ever worked with has told me (save for one) that they are just as comfortable with a CRNA on the case as the MD/DO. Not that I am better, just different. I realize my own limitations, I know when I need help, and yes, I do call into the doctors lounge on occassion and request back up.:
Here is the thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=4919103#post4919103
eutopiaCRNA reply:
CRNA Salary....WAY misquoted
Sorry fellas (& gals, if applies) but your averages for CRNA salaries is WAY off base. I don't know where you all are, but in Texas the average starting salary for a new grad CRNA is between $120,000 & $150,000 for the metroplex area (Dallas/Ft. Worth/Austin/Houston/San Antonio). As you go more rural, such as areas like Temple, Tyler, and South Padre the amount increases by $10,000-25,000. Even in these areas there are still MD's on staff and call is rare. For the really remote areas where the CRNA is most independent salaries range from $160,000 to $220,000 +. It isn't rare for a CRNA to make above $150,000 and becoming less rare for one to make $200,000+. Some states, such as Georgia, are offering between $200,000 & $300,000 (I just spoke to a recruiter about one of these positions yesterday). Obviously MD's make a ton more money, and yes, have a much greater education base. But, I disagree with the gentleman who wrote that CRNA's treat by the "vital signs" rather than the pathophysiological basis of anesthesia administration. Our programs (which are all master level programs) have INTENSE training in pathophysiology, chemistry, etc. In fact, the professors who taught my program also taught for the local medical school and all swore that our curriculum was almost as intense. So, CRNA's are much removed from just the standard RN. Our level of expertise is extremely high and we are very adapt at line placement (central and arterial) and epidurals, as well as the administration of anesthetics. By the way, I know tht medical school is VERY expensive, but don't underestimate the cost of a CRNA program my friends (try loans exceeding $145,000). Also, the program is almost 3 years long, not 2. AND, in order to even qualify for the program you must have critical care experience AND pass an oral interview where you are seated in front of a panel and bombarded with critical care questions ("here's a blood gas, here are the hemodynamics, now diagnosis and treat the patient....gee, looks like metabolic acidosis to me stemming from lactic acidosis from poor tissue perfusion from the hypotensive state....blah, blah, blah....that was one of my actual interview questions and answer). Gee, maybe all CRNA's aren't dummies after all, huh? UNLIKE medical students who become residents and have basically NO critical care experience, and face it fellas, how many of you HONESTLY will admit that a critical care nruse saved you from complete ruin a time or two during your residency? Now, be honest..... Ok, so my point is valid. NO WAY do I have the training or expertise that you guys do, hands down. But I am MUCH more qualified than just dealing with low-key easy cases. In fact, I routinely work neuro cases, which was my specialty prior to becoming a CRNA. We, MD's, DO's, and CRNA's, each have our own place in this game and each of us has earned our right to be here. I know that every surgeon I've ever worked with has told me (save for one) that they are just as comfortable with a CRNA on the case as the MD/DO. Not that I am better, just different. I realize my own limitations, I know when I need help, and yes, I do call into the doctors lounge on occassion and request back up.:
