Finding the Right "Fit": Career Tips for Anesthesia Graduates

Somnia Anesthesia recently released a white paper sharing career guidance for new anesthesia graduates, including anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists.

The document provides information on how to "identify the important variables of finding that first role," says Marina Ring, Somnia's chief administrative officer. It may also be useful to potential employers and clinicians that participate in the interview process, she adds.

Here, Ms. Ring and Brandy Pearson, national director of recruitment for Somnia, discuss some key points outlined in the career guide and share their thoughts on selecting an anesthesia practice that is the right "fit" for each candidate.   

Finding the right "fit"

"We collectively agree that the education a clinician goes through is extremely comprehensive, time intensive and a significant financial investment," says Ms. Ring. As a result, it's important that candidates spend a significant amount of time and effort in selecting their first role. During this time, according to Ms. Ring, candidates should:

  • Understand all of the employment options available. This includes understanding the difference between hospital employment vs. employment with an independent or national anesthesia group.
  • Understand which employment option best meets their needs and wants. Considerations should include:
    • Scope of work;
    • Case diversity and acuity;
    • Credentialing guidelines;
    • Individual practice and/or volume requirements;
    • Call and scheduling requirements; and
    • Direct supervision or medical direction model, for CRNAs.

Candidates should also provide their references with information about the position they are interviewing for, so that the recommendation is tailored to the requirements of the job. They must also ensure everything needed to pass a background check is in order. If there are any issues that may come up, Ms. Ring recommends the candidate mention them during the interview and explain the circumstances in order to ensure "there are no surprises."

During an interview or site visit, candidates should also be sure to meet with several of the people they'll be working with and ask questions about the community, the practice's relationships with other practices in the community, along with key issues for the practice and how they've been resolved.

From the recruiter's point of view

It's also important for candidates to understand what employers are looking for and what information they need to make their selection.

Ms. Pearson explains some potential employer considerations by describing Somnia's process. "We begin by looking for the appropriate skill set and best match for both the clinician and facility, based on their staffing needs. In addition, we closely evaluate interpersonal skills based on the facility culture and also focus on recruiting for retention."

If a candidate seems to be a match on paper, what can he or she do to stand out? "It's very important the candidate do his or her homework on the opportunity itself, the community and on the facility he or she will be working for and formulate thoughtful questions."

Ms. Ring believes that asking in-depth questions is a critical component to a candidate's long-term success, not just in obtaining a position. "Asking the right questions can and will often result in making the best-informed decision, which can lead to a successful and rewarding career. Not asking the right questions can result in a position that is not an ideal match for either the candidate or the employer."

To request a copy of the white paper, "A New Graduate's Guide to Anesthesia Careers," click here.

More Articles Featuring Somnia Anesthesia:

Somnia Anesthesia Releases White Paper on Career Guidance for Anesthesia Graduates
Somnia Anesthesia Named to Crain's New York's "Fast 50" List
Podcast Interview With Somnia Anesthesia's Dr. Marc Koch: Evaluating Anesthesia Services

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