A comparison of nurse anesthesia practice types

The present study examined the differences between anesthesia care team (ACT) and non-ACT practice types. Six practice variables were analyzed. We prepared and distributed a 13-item questionnaire to 1,000 practicing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) with a 44.4% response rate. Data analysis revealed that nurse anesthetists in ACT practices had fewer years of experience and were younger than non-ACT nurse anesthetists (alpha = 0.05). Also, a significantly greater percentage of ACT nurse anesthetists were female, held master-level degrees, and practiced in urban and metropolitan locations. This also was true for placement of laryngeal mask airways and arterial lines, and in providing anesthesia for cardiopulmonary bypass, pediatric, intracranial, and trauma cases. However, a significantly greater percentage of non-ACT nurse anesthetists placed epidurals and central lines and were involved in pain management and critical care consultations. Income was significantly greater for non-ACT nurse anesthetists as well, but they worked more hours per week on average. Lastly, evaluation of employment arrangements showed that more than 91% (n = 361) of ACT nurse anesthetists were employees, and only 4% (n = 17) were self-employed. However, only 49% (n = 24) of non-ACT nurse anesthetists were employees, and almost 43% (n = 21) were self-employed. The present study demonstrates that significant differences exist between the 2 nurse anesthesia practice types examined. As nurse anesthesia practice arrangements continue to change and fewer CRNAs are hospital employed, each nurse anesthetist must be aware of current practice trends and understand the alternatives.