I've been chatting with many of you lately, and it seems like the application essay process can be daunting. You might get waitlisted and wonder if it's all worth it. Let me assure you, it is!

Social media like Instagram can be deceiving. We only see the highlight reels – the happy moments people choose to share. We don't see the late nights, the tears, the stress, or the self-doubt. We only see the "I got accepted!" posts.

But here's the thing: we keep going! We put one foot in front of the other, show up consistently, and learn from every experience, including the challenging ones. We adjust, adapt, and move forward.

Recently, I conducted a poll on Instagram asking CRNAs to share why they love their profession. While I adore being a CRNA, I wanted to hear from a wider range of professionals. We received many fantastic responses, and I'm thrilled to share them with you. Throughout this episode, I'll be talking about why we love being CRNAs, based on the submissions I received.

The first reason many CRNAs mentioned is that it embodies the best aspects of being an RN, an RT, an intensivist, and a pharmacist. Let me explain.

At the core, we are nurses. We have a deep understanding of patient care and a commitment to providing compassionate and skilled bedside care, including dressing changes, IV insertions, and close monitoring of vital signs and mental status. We understand the importance of anticipating potential issues and collaborating effectively with the multidisciplinary team – a skill honed in intensive care units (ICUs).

We may not directly adjust ventilator settings, but we troubleshoot problems. When a high-pressure alarm sounds, we think critically about potential causes – is it a patient biting on the endotracheal tube? Is there a mucus plug? We learn by observing respiratory therapists (RTs) adjust tidal volumes, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and FiO2. As CRNAs, we take over these tasks later, weaning patients off ventilators and ensuring they're adequately reversed from anesthesia before extubation.

For complex cases with significant fluid shifts or open abdominal surgeries, patients might experience significant pain and even rib fractures post-operatively. CRNAs make critical decisions about pain management in these situations.

Similar to pharmacists, CRNAs play a crucial role in medication management. We ensure medications don't have detrimental effects on a patient's hemodynamics or sedation levels. We consider the bigger picture and potential downstream consequences. For example, if a patient has adrenal insufficiency, we might avoid medications that could further suppress their adrenal function. We think critically, looking beyond the immediate surgery and considering the patient's long-term well-being. This broad perspective is essential and sets CRNAs apart from some nurses who might get tunnel vision.

CRNAs also mentioned loving the opportunity to care for tiny humans, especially نوزاد (Polish for "newborn") or neonates with heart conditions. While some, like myself, may not be drawn to the NICU environment, others find it incredibly rewarding to care for these fragile patients who cannot advocate for themselves.

The beauty of becoming a CRNA is the variety of practice settings and specialties available. You can choose pediatrics and care for neonates, pursue a career in obstetrics, or specialize in areas like open-heart surgery or chronic pain management. There's something for everyone!

Another reason many CRNAs love the profession is the flexibility and work-life balance it offers. I, for one, completely agree! I currently work per diem, which allows me to control my schedule. This flexibility was a conscious decision I made early in my career. I prioritized keeping my expenses low so I wouldn't be locked into a demanding schedule after graduation. Now, I can enjoy a healthy work-life balance.

The beauty of being a CRNA is that you have control over your career path. Once you graduate, you can choose your ideal work environment. Do you crave the fast-paced world of a large teaching hospital performing transplants and complex surgeries? Or perhaps a rural setting where access to anesthesia care is crucial, or a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital serving our nation's heroes? The options are vast!

There are also opportunities in outpatient clinics specializing in gastroenterology (GI) procedures or plastic surgery. Do you prefer working 24-hour shifts or a traditional Monday-Friday schedule? The choice is yours! You can even structure your career to maximize income by taking on call shifts. The possibilities are truly endless!

As CRNAs, we develop a diverse skillset. We perform intubations, insert arterial and central lines, utilize point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for diagnostics, and administer regional anesthesia techniques like epidurals and spinals. It's a hands-on profession that allows you to provide care directly at the patient's bedside.

Now, let's talk about compensation. It's a significant factor, but approach it with caution. CRNAs are well-compensated, typically earning between $120 and $250 per hour, depending on employment status (W-2 or 1099). The pay is attractive, but there's a crucial caveat: the responsibility is immense.

CRNAs hold patients' lives in their hands. The profession is demanding, and the education rigorous for a reason. The stress can be significant, and the potential consequences of mistakes are severe. This high compensation reflects the intensive training and the critical role CRNAs play in patient care.

Don't pursue this career path solely for the money. The passion and ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment are essential for success. If the idea of being a CRNA doesn't resonate with you, the three-year program and potentially significant student loan debt might feel overwhelming.

While compensation is a factor, it shouldn't be the primary motivator. Being a CRNA is about more than a paycheck. It's about the satisfaction of using your skills and knowledge to make a real difference in people's lives.

That said, there's no denying that CRNAs are well-compensated for their expertise and the risks they take.

Remember, shadowing CRNAs is crucial! It allows you to gain firsthand experience and confirm if this profession aligns with your interests and personality.

Shadowing experiences can solidify your decision and motivate you to persevere through the challenges of CRNA school. It's an investment of your time, but it can prevent burnout and wasted effort later.

If being a CRNA feels like your calling, then keep going! There's a supportive community of CRNAs waiting to welcome you. We're passionate about our profession, and we'd love for you to join us.

If you haven't already checked out our podcast, The CRNA Club Podcast, it's where we share our best stuff!