Preventing CRNA Burnout: A Chief’s Advice on Achieving Work-Life Balance

Leadership Spotlight: Kate Reddy, CRNA

Burnout, balance, and building a sustainable career in anesthesia are top of mind for many CRNAs right now. Long hours, high responsibility, and the emotional weight of patient care can take a toll if teams and leaders aren’t intentional about supporting well-being.

Kate Reddy, CRNA, Chief CRNA at St. David’s HealthCare and NAPA-Austin Managing Director, thinks about this every day. In this conversation, she shares her perspective on preventing burnout, supporting work-life balance, mentoring the next generation and leading with a people-first mindset.

Q1: Burnout is something many CRNAs experience. How do you think leaders can help prevent it?

Kate Reddy: Burnout is something we’ve all felt at some point, and it doesn’t just go away on its own — you have to be intentional about preventing it. At NAPA-Austin, we’ve worked hard to build a scheduling model that gives people options. Some of our CRNAs prefer 8s or 10s, others like longer shifts with more days off — 12s, 16s and 24s. We try to make it work based on what fits their life.

But it’s more than just the schedule. It’s the culture. People feel comfortable saying, “Hey, I need a break,” or “I’ve got something going on at home,” and they know they’ll be supported. That kind of trust makes a huge difference. We want our CRNAs to feel like they can have a full life outside of work — and still love what they do when they’re here. I believe my most important responsibility is to care for my team.

Q2: How do you support work-life balance in a role that’s known for being demanding?

Kate Reddy: I want all of our providers to feel comfortable coming to me with anything. I’ve had many coaches, mentors and managers in my life who were a major part of my engagement and happiness. Our CRNA jobs can be very challenging, but it’s easier when you know you’re supported, someone has your back and is committed to building a team and processes that set providers up for success. A leader who genuinely cares about you — not just as a provider, but as a whole person — can make all the difference.

Q3: Some anesthesia teams are evolving in structure. How do you create a positive environment when roles and models change?

Kate Reddy: Healthcare is always evolving, and sometimes that means new team structures or ways of working. For some practitioners, that can feel uncertain at first. That’s why transparency and trust are key. We’ve built a model that respects the unique strengths each provider brings, and we’re committed to supporting everyone on our team as they build and strengthen their practice.

For CRNAs, I think it’s important to be proud of where you came from and the excellent care you’re personally able to provide. It’s also important to have room to grow — whether that’s stepping into mentorship or leadership roles, or helping to shape team culture and build camaraderie among providers. At NAPA-Austin, we prioritize leadership development and recognize the importance of the anesthetist voice. I’m grateful that we not only have a seat at the table, but we actively contribute to the direction and evolution of our practice.

Q4: What advice would you give to new CRNAs who are just starting out and looking for the right team?

Kate Reddy: I always tell new grads: find a place where you’re seen — not just scheduled. We don’t just plug people into shifts. We take the time to get to know what kind of cases you want to grow in, what kind of support you need and what kind of life you want outside of work. We pair new CRNAs with experienced mentors, and we’re intentional about creating a team culture where people feel supported, not burned out. Flexibility isn’t just a buzzword here — it’s something we actively work on, because we know that when people feel balanced, they do their best work.

Q5: You talk a lot about supporting the whole person, not just the clinician. What does that look like in practice?

Kate Reddy: This is something I’m very passionate about. I want our providers to know they can come to me with anything — whether it’s family needs, school, personal goals or just a tough season. When leaders create that kind of environment, people feel safe being honest about what they need. Our jobs will always have challenges, but when people feel supported as whole individuals, not just as clinicians on a schedule, they’re more engaged, more resilient and ultimately happier in their careers.

Q6: What excites you most about the future of the CRNA profession?

Kate Reddy: The anesthesiology profession is evolving — and CRNAs are right at the center of that change. We’re not just adapting to new technologies or policies; we’re helping shape them. Whether it’s leading conversations around AI in anesthesia, advocating for full practice authority, or mentoring the next generation, CRNAs are stepping into bigger roles. When we focus on caring for each other, creating healthy work environments and investing in the next generation, we’re not just sustaining the profession — we’re strengthening it. And that’s something to be proud of.