Posted by AA's CAN DO IT on December 26, 2006, 9:20 am, in reply to "Re: R.N. to A.A."
MN,
CRNA's are good providers of Anesthesia. I have never stated otherwise and have no problem working with them. That said, I do not see the logic in stating that AA's are "inferior" to CRNA's in any fashion. They get extensive Anesthesia training and are well respected in the facilities where they work.
The main difference is "legal" as the AANA has obtained through legislation the "right" for CRNA's to practice Independently. Again, the logic of an Advanced Nurse Practicing without a Physician (Opt-Out States) of any kind seems to be "poor" Medicine. But, since you call it Nursing it is legal. How is deciding to administer the most potent agents in the USA without a Medical License Nursing? Maybe 50 years ago Anesthesia was the practice of Nursing but in 2006-07 it is definitely the practice of Medicine.
Using the "logic" argument AA's should have the same rights as CRNA's after 5-10 years in practice. After those years of practical experience an AA can do everything required to administer Anesthesia like a CRNA. But, as you know the politics will probably never allow this to happen as both the AANA and ASA will seek to prevent it.
One other thing let us "logically" examine salary vs. formal education:
1. R.N.- BSN with CCRN Average annual salary $65,000 (4 years of education)
2. CRNA- BSN with 28 months of formal Graduate training $125,000 annual salary (40 hours per week basis)
3. MD (Anesthesiologist)- B.S., M.D., four years of Residency Training. Twelve Years of education and training. $250,000 annual salary (40 hours per week basis)
4. CRNA Practicing Independently- same education as number 2 but $200-$250,000 annual salary (40 hours per week)
Thus, the real motiviation of the AANA is to obtain MD salary, MD privileges without MD Education/Training.