Benefits of CRNA position

[fergie2k10]

Hi,
I am working on a paper to finish my BSN. The paper is about the CRNA profession. My question is not about money but about the other benefits of being a CRNA. Does anyone have a reference? For all you CRNAs can you share what some of the benefits are? Share the negatives also. Do you have to pay for your own malpractice when working for a hospital or clinic?

I recently spent a few days shadowing as part of this paper and really enjoyed myself.I really do not care so much about the benefits, because I really love the job. I need to know the benefits for my paper.Please help.
Thank you

[NursePink]

Hey ccrn

Benefits for me in a nutshell... malpractice is covered under my group's plan. As a new grad, I started with 6 weeks of vacation/yr (one of these is supposed to be used for educational) & will move up to 7 in 3 years and 8 in 5. I get to park in the doctor's garage & eat free every day in the doctor's lounge. I am paid for my breaks... 15mins in the am, 30mins for lunch & 15 in the afternoon. I get a 30min dinner if I'm there late. I am reimbursed for licensing expenses & AANA dues. My group even paid for my certification exam.

My group matches 6% to contribute to my 401k. As well... I get an 8% profit-sharing each year. I was vested from the first day I started. I'm also given a retention bonus twice per year. I have dental, vision & health insurance. It's free for me & there are additional fees for anyone else I would add to my plans. I'm given a yearly stipend to be used to obtain CEUs or any certifications.

I think it's a pretty nice package... at least it was when I was job hunting this time last year. All this being said, we work long, hard hours. Some days more than others. I can easily put in a 50 - 55 hour week without seeking OT. It's a 5 to 6 day work week. I have around 6 calls per month (on a beeper...not inhouse, which is very nice).

All the best with your paper :)

[FutrCRNA]

Those are awesome benefits, Chris. It's nice to see that you get some of the same perks as the docs. And the hours don't seem too hideous. Hope you're loving the new job!

[NursePink]

I would suggest to you, ccrn, to look at:

www.gaswork.com

My benefits were listed there long before I ever started receiving them. Many of the jobs there could give you enough info to help you do your paper. :)

All the best,

[fergie2k10]

NursePink,
Thank you so much for your help. I did not realize the benefits were so nice. I have been interested in being a CRNA for over 10 years, but only recently committed myself to going through with it.I kept putting it off because the process is so arduous.Now I welcome the challenge and look forward to the process. Your answer will add so much more to my paper. I have beeen unable to find this info and afradi to ask because I am not really interested in the money or benefits, but the job.I hope someday to give back to other wannabes the way the incredible members on this forum have given to me. CRNAs are an amazing group of people.After shadowing and being a member of this site I am so inspired by all the CRNAs out there.
Thanks again NursePink--You rock!

[CRNA06]

Some other benefits to think about:
1) I make great money without having to work weekend night shifts every week. I have chosen to work 2 eight hour days and 2 twelve hour days (flexability). The only weekend I have to worry about is every 7 weeks when I do an in-house call. I chose to take call for the extra money, but I didn't have to.
2) I have 1 patient at a time and can dedicate all my time and attention to everything that's going on with that patient.
3) I have the autonomy to choose my anesthetics and provide care the way I think it should be provided.
4) I have gained a vast amount of knowledge which I get to use on a regular basis. I also get to do fun technical skills such as intubating, epidurals, spinals and placing arterial lines/ central lines.

All this on top of good base pay, paid full family medical, malpractice, life/disability ins, strong 401K (and immediately vested), and 8 weeks paid vacation. Plus $1500/year education money and AANA fees paid.

Is it any wonder CRNAs love their jobs so much!

[fergie2k10]

Great Benefits! CRNAs definately deserve and have earned these benefits and more. Thank you for your help. I hope to get the opportunity to earn these benefits in the near future.

[Flipballin80]

Same here!! Aside from the benefits of having a flexible lifestyle and autonomy, The vast knowledge and training one goes through when becoming a CRNA is awesome. Being academically prepared to care for patients in surgery gives me the drive and determination of continuing my education.

:laufband:
Ron