CRNA Jobs in Florida: What to Look for in Cases and Flexible Schedules

Leadership Spotlight: Andrew Conrad, Co-Chief, CRNA

Andrew Conrad is the Co-Chief CRNA at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, Florida. He’s part of the Gulf Coast Medical Center Anesthesia team since graduating from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2016. In 2023, he stepped into the co-chief CRNA role working alongside Lijy Babu.

In this Leadership Spotlight, Andrew shares what it’s like to practice as a CRNA in a high-volume, high-acuity hospital in Florida, the types of cases you’ll encounter (and won’t), how the team supports work-life balance, and what makes this role a strong fit for CRNAs seeking clinical variety and professional career growth in Fort Myers.

Q: What brought you to Southwest Florida and how did your CRNA journey begin?

My family and I moved to Naples, Florida from Littleton, Colorado in 2013, and I started my anesthesia residency in 2014. When the time came to pick a group to work for, I chose to stay at Gulf Coast Medical Center and work for North American Partners in Anesthesia.

Q: What kind of facility is Gulf Coast Medical Center?

Gulf Coast Medical Center is the largest hospital in the Lee Health System with 22 operating rooms. We are a Level II Trauma Center with a neuroscience institute, orthopedic oncology, and cardiology services, and much more. We also have an accredited comprehensive stroke center that features minimally invasive catheter procedures to treat stroke patients.

Q: How has the hospital grown in recent years?

Since 2017, Gulf Coast Medical Center has undergone an extensive expansion, adding three stories with 268 patient beds, including additional ICU beds and an inpatient unit for cancer care. Annually we see almost 210,000 patients. It’s a tremendous career opportunity for CRNAs given the wide range of cases and acuity levels. Here, CRNAs get to sharpen their skills, expand their scope, and stay clinically engaged across multiple specialties.

Q: What types of cases do CRNAs handle at Gulf Coast Medical Center, and how has the team evolved over time?

Our group was originally founded in the 1970s and has built a wonderful rapport with the surgeons and staff. In January 2021, we took over trauma services as a level two trauma center serving Southwest Florida. In addition to trauma, our caseload includes urology, ortho, trauma, bariatrics, adult, ENT, colorectal, GI cancer, GYN, oncology, neurosurgery, vascular, and general surgery. Additionally, we cover three orthopedic pain outpatient surgery centers.

Q: Are CRNAs involved in procedures outside the OR?

Yes, in addition to cases done in the operating room, we are a stroke center and have a neurointerventional lab. We also have endoscopy bronchoscopy, MRI, interventional Radiology, TEE, cardioversion and Rare Cath Lab.

Q: Are there any specialties that CRNAs do not cover?

That’s a great question. One thing to note is that we have no pediatrics, no hearts, no OB unless they fall under the trauma umbrella.

Q: How does your team support flexibility and work-life balance for CRNAs?

We’re very flexible with staffing and help out should someone need to switch or take off. For example, a unique feature about our group is that we have a full-time in-house CRNA from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM to alleviate the burden of overnight call. The first call callback rate is about 10%, and second call callback rate is less than 2%. We know this kind of scheduling flexibility is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, allowing CRNAs to manage personal commitments while thriving professionally.

Q: What should a CRNA do if they’re interested in joining your team?

We would love for you to join our team here, so schedule time with NAPA's career consultant in Florida, Juliet Ciaravino, to learn more. I’d be happy to show you around the facility and you can see if Gulf Coast Medical Center is a match for you.