Posted by DC on December 13, 2007, 5:43 pm, in reply to "Re: to dd"
Hi graham true to a degree from my experience watching CRNAs and AA-Cs both being utilize in the O.R. in the ACT Model under the Medical Direction or Supervision of an MDA. AA-C are on equal settings of an CRNA.
Think about it if you have a major trauma pt. coming in to the O.R. STAT with a GSW to CHESTx2 and Abdomenx3 you have (3)MDAs, (1)AA-C,& (1)CRNA.
Both AA-C and CRNA have been practicing as Anesthetist for 5years both are best friends since they gotten to know each other. Both are ACLS/PALS certified, both have been doing Trauma for 2years out of the 5years they have been Anesthetist and making the same pay $180,000
Both AA-C/CRNA start ACLS Protocol and start pressers (drips) EPI/LEVO on IMED Pump both start adjusting the Gases SEVO, ISO, DESFLU under the MDA Medical direction.
The MDA instruct the AA-C to insert a Cordis into the patient STAT and the CRNA is instructed to insert an Art-line into the patient right femoral STAT. Or VISE VERSE CRNA/AA-C what's the difference ?.
Education that's all both Anesthetist doing the same job under the Direction of a MDA In the ACT MODLE. It's the way the AA School teach you and the way CRNA School teach you that's all.
One common goal that is the PATIENT and TEAM WORK this is POLITICS that seems to always get in the way when it comes to the AA-C profession. When it should be about better access care to patient when it comes to shortage of Anesthesia providers.
FACT:If a AA-C can train and teach another Anesthetist SRNA(CRNA)as well as AA-S(AA-C)in the ACT MODEL thin I would have to say that AA-Cs are equal to a CRNA in the ACT MODEL ONLY.
When both Anesthetist are under the supervision of a MDA.
FACT:There are BSN(nurses)who are AA-C or AA-CRN Why? they are 1.Location the BSN(nurse) didn't have to pick up and move to another state spending $$thousands of dollars, just to go to a CRNA program because the CRNA program in his/her city where they applied did not get excepted. So in reality there is an AA program 30-45 minutes away from where he/she live with out having to move 800 miles away from home and there families.
The BSN(nurse)is now a AA-CRN still comes out with a Master Degree in Anesthesiology working in the ACT MODEL with other AA-Cs/AA-CRNs&CRNAs still making six figures annually.
AA-Cs/AA-CRNs have no desire to be independent and have no problem being under the medical direction of a MDA. Why is the concept is so hard for the vast majority of CRNA to understand ? AA-C understand and respect the concept that the MDA is the Captain of the ship therefor he/she are in charge always.
In closing If AA-Cs want to be independent he/she goes back to medical school and continue there education in becoming a Doctor(MDA)that's why there courses are Pre-Med and another reason why they also take the Medical College Admission Test(MCAT).
AA-Cs do not use politics or negative tactics to gain independent practice rights like most CRNAs do. If you want to be independent you know what to DO!.
Why is it fair for MDAs who have sacrifice there life, marriage, etc. 10-12 years of school to be and work independent and make what they deserve. Now you have a CRNA with only 2-1/2 years of school to be an Anesthetist NOT A ANESTHESIOLOGIST M.D.A. now they feel that they are equal to a MDA. Again Politics.
Just because CRNA laws allow them to practice independently which I feel they should not be practicing independently It should always be an MDA at the head of the bed. I feel they should not be making the same salary as an MDA. Just because CRNAs practice in rural areas and are in high demand doesn't means they should be making the same salary as an independent MDA. They went to school for 12years(MDAs), Anesthesiologist school is a whole different ENTITY PERIOD.
I think there should be a salary $cap on the pay of a independent CRNA I believe the salary $cap should be $200,000-$210,000 when independent(solo)that's acceptable. But $220,000-$300,000 just to be independent I'm sorry that is an ANESTHESIOLOGIST(MDA)salary of 12years of hard school.
In my opinion It's a disrespect to all doctors especially the MDAs. And the public wonders why the COST OF HEALTH CARE IS OUT OF CONTROL.
Maybe they need to look at the pay scale for independent CRNAs practice.
