Achieving and Maintaining a Healthy Work–Life Balance as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Kelly Mumford, RN, BSN, MBA

The job of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is highly technical and requires significant attention to detail. Pressures abound in this role, and it is necessary to maintain surgeon satisfaction while also safeguarding patients. This is not to mention the early mornings, late nights, difficult cases, call schedules and other stressful aspects of the job. Therefore, CRNAs need a healthy work–life balance to avoid burnout. CCI Anesthesia takes work–life balance seriously and supports CRNAs in achieving the lifestyle they are looking for.

Five Factors That Influence CRNAs’ Work–Life Balance

The five most important factors that influence CRNAs’ work-life balance are:

  • Finances. Do you feel that you are compensated fairly?
  • Commute. Are you spending so much time commuting that it interferes with your ability to enjoy time away from work?
  • Hospital size. Are you being spread too thin?
  • Geographic location. Do you work in a busy metropolitan area but would prefer a slower-paced lifestyle in a rural hospital?
  • Working hours. Are you on a strict schedule or taking too much call?

CRNAs should have control over all five of these factors. If your work-life balance is negatively impacted by one of them, look to make a change. In today’s CRNA job market, there is an ideal position for every CRNA out there somewhere.

Achieving Balance at Work

Before accepting a CRNA job offer, consider the above five factors. Think about the working hours that would be ideal for your lifestyle and find a job that fits your schedule. You will be much happier and less stressed when you find a job that fits your personal schedule. Being present at work is also important. When dealing with issues with patients, avoid thinking about problems at home. Likewise, resist the urge to think about your patients’ problems when you are not at work. Importantly, never be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling with a patient or other issue at work, ask for help. Learn from the experiences of other CRNAs and anesthesiologists at your facility.

Achieving Balance at Home

Spending time at home wisely is just as important as working efficiently at the hospital. Be intentional about staying in touch with friends and family and spending time on your hobbies. Activities you do in your free time should help take your mind off work and make you feel relaxed and refreshed. Scheduling personal time and time for self-care is important for reducing stress. Lastly, for necessary everyday tasks, create a schedule and stick to it. Rather than giving yourself breaks when you have free time, make time to fully enjoy your well-deserved time off by doing something meaningful.

How CCI Helps CRNAs Maintain Their Work-Life Balance

CCI offers competitive, above-market compensation as an independent contractor to CRNAs desiring clinical autonomy in their anesthesia practices. We also offer ample time away from practice, as well as timely and professional administrative support. As we tend to maintain long-term partnerships with all our hospitals and surgery centers, we can offer the job stability CRNAs need. Thanks to our unparalleled administrative support and practice management leaders, who are assigned to every facility to deal with any administration issues, our providers can remain free from distractions and enjoy their time away from practice to the fullest.

We are actively recruiting CRNAs to work in hospitals and surgery centers across the country. Whether you are interested in a full-time or part-time position we may have the job you are looking for. View our open job opportunities today or contact us to schedule an appointment to talk with one of our recruiters. 

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