7 Reasons You Might Be Happier in a Rural CRNA/NA Job

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists/nurse anesthesiologists are crucial to rural healthcare, where they are the primary anesthesia providers in many areas. Over 80% of anesthesia services in rural communities are delivered by CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists. In some states, CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists are the sole anesthesia professionals in nearly all rural hospitals, providing essential services such as obstetrics, surgery, trauma stabilization, and pain management. This significant presence helps maintain access to healthcare in areas with limited medical resources and providers​.

AANA’s career platform MOTION can help you find outstanding opportunities in rural and urban areas. If you’re interested in a rural position, you can enjoy several benefits, including:

1. Professional autonomy: In rural areas, you often have a high degree of independence and decision-making authority because of a lack of other healthcare providers. A 2020 Medical Care Research and Review reportfound that most CRNAs/ nurse anesthesiologists practicing in rural areas said they were “fully using their skills, practicing to the fullest extent of the legal scope of practice, satisfied with their work, and planning to stay in their jobs.” Since rural facilities are typically smaller than those in suburban or urban areas, you may be able to practice more comprehensive care to address a broader range of patient needs.
2. Competitive salaries and lower cost of living: Healthcare provider shortages across the country continue to drive the need for  healthcare professionals in specific locations. The Health Resource & Services Administration (HRSA) reports that 99 million Americans live in health professional shortage areas (HPSAs), many of them rural. To fill these much-needed positions, many employers have some freedom to offer higher pay. The cost of living is also an aspect to consider, particularly for recent graduates of nurse anesthesiology training. If paying off your medical student loans is a top goal, choosing a rural location—where housing, childcare, and entertainment may be cheaper—could help.
3. Financial incentives: You might qualify for access to laon repayment programs and other financial incentives aimed at attracting healthcare professionals to rural areas. As public health and policy efforts continue to address the health disparities plaguing rural communities, many state and federal programs have been created to support doctors and advanced practitioners who wish to practice rural medicine and alleviate this need. The Rural Health Information (RHI) Hub, supported by the HRSA, compiles financial aid in many forms, including loans, tax credits, bonus payments, and more.
4. Student loan repayment: If you’re interested in rural healthcare, the RHI Hub highlights loan repayment programs in many specialties nationwide.
5. Community impact: You can make a significant difference in the health and well-being of rural populations by providing critical anesthesia services.
6. Diverse case experience: In a rural setting, you may handle a wider variety of cases, enhancing your skills and experience.
7. Job satisfaction: The ability to address unique healthcare challenges and improve access to care while maintaining a healthy work-life balance can lead to greater job satisfaction.