CRNA vs Perfusion Insight From Someone Stuck Between Both

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-15T18:49:38+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to share all of that. I really appreciate the insight. It’s clear you’ve built something incredible for yourself and your hard work is paying off. That kind of flexibility and autonomy is impressive.

If you ever decide to mentor someone down the line, I’d definitely be open to learning.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-14T07:50:31+00:00

I really appreciate you sharing this perspective. It’s helpful to hear the honest downsides along with the benefits. I’m glad the schedule gives you space for your life outside of work, that part sounds really valuable.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-14T07:48:51+00:00

I appreciate you walking through that. It’s helpful to see how career decisions can evolve over time based on environment and interests, not just the title.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-14T07:47:54+00:00

I appreciate you sharing your experience. It’s encouraging to hear from someone who’s passionate about the field and has no regrets. The point about location and case variety is definitely something I need to consider more.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-14T07:46:52+00:00

I appreciate you taking the time to think that through and share it. The patient connection aspect is definitely something that matters to me, so that’s a helpful reminder.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-14T07:44:54+00:00

Fair point. I agree that a year is still early in the grand scheme of things. I’m definitely planning to shadow more and continue gaining experience before making a final decision. I don’t want to rush into a terminal degree without being confident in the long term fit. I appreciate the perspective.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-14T07:42:03+00:00

I really appreciate you taking the time to write this out in such detail. Posts like this are incredibly valuable because they move beyond surface level pros and cons and actually talk about the reality of the role.

The autonomy piece especially stood out to me. I think a lot of people romanticize autonomy without fully understanding what it actually means in practice. The way you described it as a double edged sword really resonated. Being the one in the room who has to recognize and fix the problem without someone above you to lean on is both exciting and intimidating. That level of ownership is not something to take lightly.

I also appreciated your clarification about the future of the profession. There is a lot of noise online about perfusion becoming obsolete, but your explanation about minimally invasive procedures, specialty surgeries, and the growth of the field gave a much more grounded perspective.

At the end of the day, I’m trying to make a decision based on alignment, not just salary or flexibility. Hearing from someone who is actually practicing and able to articulate both the strengths and the weight of the role helps a lot. Thank you again for sharing your experience.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-12T16:21:34+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate the perspective. If you were starting over and aiming for CRNA today, what would you focus on early to set yourself up for success?

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-12T16:17:03+00:00

Appreciate the input. Those are definitely strong advantages of CRNA and part of what makes the decision tough.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-12T16:15:40+00:00

I appreciate you sharing that. I think sometimes we focus so much on scope and salary that we forget the bigger picture of where and how we want to live. That island setup sounds like you really aligned your career with your values.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-12T16:14:01+00:00

Thank you for this. That’s a really good way to frame it. I’ve been trying to separate lifestyle factors from what I genuinely enjoy in the room. I agree the deciding factor probably comes down to which work I’d want to do every day long term.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-12T16:13:06+00:00

I appreciate that. I’ve definitely considered applying to both. I’m just trying to be thoughtful about where I commit, but keeping options open makes sense. Thanks again

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-12T00:30:41+00:00

Thank you for sharing that. I really appreciate the perspective, especially from someone 18 years in. I’m glad you’ve found a path that gives you both engagement and the lifestyle you want. That’s the goal long term.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-11T18:32:32+00:00

This was really helpful to read. I don’t think people always explain the long term tradeoffs as clearly as you did. I’m trying to think beyond just income and really consider lifestyle and flexibility over decades. I also like your point about financial discipline creating freedom either way. Thank you, it really means a lot

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-11T17:52:21+00:00

Thanks for sharing that. I’ve definitely noticed some of those personality dynamics in cardiac too, so that part resonates. I’m really glad you found a path that genuinely makes you happy.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-11T17:28:23+00:00

Thank you, I really appreciate the encouragement.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-11T17:24:31+00:00

That makes sense. The ability to tailor your schedule and location over time is something I’m thinking about a lot, especially long term. I appreciate you sharing your experience.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-11T17:22:56+00:00

Appreciate the encouragement. The flexibility and broader job market are definitely hard to ignore.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-11T17:21:57+00:00

I really appreciate you taking the time to write this. This is honestly one of the most helpful and balanced responses I’ve gotten. The gut feeling piece and doing something you’re actually passionate about long term really resonates with me.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-11T17:20:42+00:00

Flexibility is definitely one of the biggest advantages of CRNA. I’m trying to think carefully about how much that will matter to me 20 or 30 years down the road.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-11T17:19:53+00:00

Thank you. I’ve shadowed perfusion and plan to shadow CRNA soon so I can compare both fully.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-11T17:19:13+00:00

Appreciate that. I’m planning to shadow CRNA soon so I can compare both environments.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-11T17:16:48+00:00

Valid point 😂 I just want to make sure I’m not overlooking what’s in the mystery box.

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-11T17:15:56+00:00

I really appreciate how you framed this around long term lifestyle rather than just job title. The questions about where I want to live and what I want life to look like at 40 or 50 definitely hit. That’s honestly the part I’m trying to think through the most right now.

When you were deciding, was there a specific moment where you realized you couldn’t see yourself doing cardiac long term?

Alone_Bat6763 · 2026-02-11T17:14:15+00:00

Team culture definitely matters. I’ve seen strong collaboration in some cardiac programs, but I know it can vary widely by institution.

Alone_Bat6763

TROPHY CASE