ABSTRACT
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) work in practice models ranging from full scope (independent) to limited scope (dependent). Little is known about the influence of population density on CRNAs' scope of practice (SOP) and job satisfaction in Arizona, an independent practice state. The objectives were to examine relationships between (1) SOP and population density and (2) job satisfaction and SOP. In this descriptive study, an 11-question survey was sent to CRNAs practicing in Arizona. A total of 515 surveys were distributed; 261 responses (50%) were received, and 230 respondents (46%) met inclusion criteria. Spearman rank-order correlation was used to analyze the relationship between SOP and population density and between SOP and job satisfaction. Rank biserial correlation was used to examine association between CRNAs' SOP and geographic location. More than half the participants were male (54%), and 46% were female (age range, 27-75 years; years' experience, 1-50 years). Population density had no association with SOP (P=.074). However, SOP and job satisfaction showed a positive correlation (P<.001). These findings suggest that removal of regulatory barriers to CRNAs' SOP could decrease costs and increase access to care. Autonomy plays a clear role in job satisfaction, which may have implications for recruitment and retention.
