Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 8/3/2008

Question
I am an anesthesia resident in my CA-2 year and due to personal circumstances I am interested in working for a year or two and taking time off from residency. Is it possible to be hired in the capacity of a CRNA by a hospital without a residency program so I could continue to gain anesthesia experience while I take the time I need to return into residency? Ha anyone ever heard of someone doing anything like this?

Answer
No because you can't do it. A CRNA is a state licensed nursing position. You are not certified and don't have sufficient training to be a CRNA so no one will hire you. Also medico-legally no one would take such a risk. So I'm afraid you are out of luck.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston