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The Washington State Nurse Anesthetist Workforce: a case study
Louise Kaplan1, Marie-Annette Brown, Holly Andrilla
1Washington State University Vancouver College of Nursing, USA. kaplan@vancouver.wsu.edu
AANA Journal
|February 20, 2007
Summary
The typical Washington State Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is experienced and works full-time, though few feel they are equal colleagues with physicians. Rural CRNAs seek less consultation and are more likely to take call.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Workforce Studies
- Health Policy Analysis
- Clinical Practice Evaluation
Background:
- The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) role is crucial in healthcare delivery.
- Understanding the demographics and practice patterns of CRNAs is essential for workforce planning and policy development.
- Previous research has not comprehensively detailed the Washington State CRNA workforce characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the demographic profile of the Washington State CRNA workforce.
- To analyze key dimensions of clinical practice among Washington State CRNAs.
- To identify potential differences in practice between urban and rural CRNAs.
Main Methods:
- Development of a 31-item CRNA Practice Questionnaire.
- Mailing the questionnaire in 2003 to CRNAs licensed in Washington State (residing in WA, OR, ID).
- Statistical analysis including descriptive statistics and chi2 analysis performed by the University of Washington Center for Health Workforce Studies.
Main Results:
- The average Washington State CRNA is 50.7 years old, white, with a master's degree and 19 years of experience.
- Most CRNAs work over 40 hours/week, take call, earn >$100,000 annually, and hold hospital privileges.
- Only 30% of CRNAs perceive themselves as equal colleagues to physicians; rural CRNAs seek less consultation and are more likely to take call.
Conclusions:
- The Washington State CRNA workforce is experienced and dedicated, working full-time hours.
- Disparities in perceived professional equality with physicians exist.
- Workforce data can inform negotiations, interprofessional conflict resolution, scope of practice, and policy decisions.
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