Questions to Ask When Interviewing for a CRNA/NA Job

When interviewing for a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist/nurse anesthesiologist position, asking the right questions can help you gather important information about the job, the workplace, and the organization. After you use AANA’s career platform MOTION to find a new position, here are some questions to consider asking during a job interview:

1. What is the patient population like?
   • Understanding the types of patients you’ll be working with can help you gauge the complexity of cases and the variety of procedures you’ll be involved in.
2. What is the typical caseload per day?
   • Knowing how many cases you’ll be expected to handle can give you insight into the workload and potential for stress.
3. What is the on-call schedule like?
   • Understanding the on-call expectations is crucial for work-life balance and managing your personal commitments.
4. Can you describe the anesthesia team dynamics?
   • Learning about the dynamics between CRNAs/nas, physician anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals can help you understand the collaborative environment.
5. What resources are available for professional development?
   • Opportunities for continuing education, certifications, and skill development are essential for career growth.
6. How does the organization support your practice autonomy?
   • Understanding the level of autonomy you’ll have in making clinical decisions is important for job satisfaction and professional fulfillment.
7. What safety protocols are in place for anesthesia administration?
   • Ensuring that the organization prioritizes patient safety and follows best practices for anesthesia administration is critical.
8. What emergency policies and procedures are in place within the facility?
   • Knowing the emergency response protocols and the availability of resources like emergency medications and equipment is essential for providing optimal patient care.
9. What is the organizational culture like?
   • Understanding the workplace culture can help you assess whether it aligns with your values and preferences.
10. What opportunities are there for involvement in quality improvement initiatives?
    • Participating in quality improvement projects can help enhance patient care and contribute to professional development.
11. What is the compensation package and benefits like?
    • Understanding the salary, benefits, and any incentives can help you evaluate the overall compensation package.
12. Can you describe the orientation and onboarding process for new staff?
    • Knowing what to expect during the orientation period can help you prepare for the transition into the new role.
13. How does the organization prioritize work-life balance?
    • Understanding the organization’s stance on work-life balance and any initiatives in place to support it can help you assess the overall job satisfaction.
14. Can you provide insight into the organization’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
    • Learning about the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion can help you evaluate its culture and values.
15. What are the opportunities for advancement within the organization?
    • Understanding the potential career growth opportunities can help you assess the long-term prospects of the position.

These questions can help you gather valuable information about the job, the workplace environment, and the organization’s culture to make an informed decision about whether the position is the right fit for them.