You'll be joining a remarkably stable ten-person all-CRNA anesthesia team that exemplifies what healthcare teams should be: collegial professionals who genuinely support one another, share the workload equitably, and foster a positive work environment where people choose to build careers—not just collect paychecks. This isn't a department plagued by toxic personalities or politics; it's a culture of authentic collaboration where team members respect each other's expertise, cover for one another without resentment, and share both challenging and easier cases fairly.
The team's stability speaks volumes: three CRNAs have been with Good Shepherd for over ten years, and two others have more than five years of tenure. In today's healthcare market, where opportunities abound, such longevity reveals a rare combination of excellent leadership, professional respect, and work-life balance. People don't stay a decade because they're trapped—they stay because they've found a practice that truly works.
The anesthesia team operates under the leadership of Darren Ernst, CRNA, Chief of Anesthesia, who has been with Good Shepherd for over nine years. Darren understands CRNA practice firsthand and leads with a collaborative, empowering approach that values input, respects judgment, and enables practitioners to operate at the top of their licensure. This isn't top-down oversight—it's peer-driven leadership built on trust and shared expertise.
Under Darren's leadership, the team functions with self-governance and professional independence. Case assignments rotate fairly, and challenges—whether clinical or interpersonal—are handled directly and respectfully. The emphasis is on supporting excellence rather than controlling decisions, fostering both job satisfaction and superior patient outcomes.
The anesthesia team thrives within a robust clinical support system designed for efficiency and patient safety. Perioperative nurses understand anesthesia workflow, OR staff are competent and reliable, and recovery nurses provide thorough post-op care. Pharmacists and laboratory teams are accessible and responsive, ensuring collaboration rather than communication breakdowns.
OR scheduling staff coordinate with the anesthesia team to maintain reasonable case flow—never sacrificing safety for throughput. Administrative leadership understands that sustainable staffing and balanced workloads aren't luxuries; they're prerequisites for maintaining a satisfied, long-term workforce that delivers exceptional patient care.
What sets this team apart is its genuine camaraderie. Team members enjoy working together, socialize outside of work, and provide mutual support during challenging days. When someone faces a difficult case or personal challenge, colleagues step up—not out. Schedule swaps and vacation requests are met with flexibility and empathy, not resistance.
Good Shepherd demonstrates tangible appreciation for its CRNAs with thoughtful amenities that enhance daily life and wellbeing:
Healthcare teams often fail due to toxic culture, unfair workloads, inadequate staffing, or hierarchical structures that undermine autonomy. Good Shepherd's anesthesia team succeeds because it has eliminated these pitfalls through thoughtful leadership, fair policies, and authentic collaboration.
The all-CRNA model removes hierarchical tension—CRNAs aren't secondary providers here; they're the experts. The equitable call rotation and shared case distribution prevent burnout, while robust staffing ensures practitioners are challenged but never overwhelmed. The result is a culture of professionalism and respect where careers thrive long term.
This replacement position offers the opportunity to join an established, high-functioning team where your clinical expertise, professional judgment, and work-life balance will all be respected. You won't be left guessing unspoken rules—you'll be warmly welcomed by colleagues who genuinely want you to succeed.
With extensive onboarding, mentorship, and support, you'll have the time and guidance to acclimate, learn protocols, and build strong relationships across departments. For CRNAs seeking not just another job but a sustainable career in a supportive, high-trust environment, this team represents something increasingly rare and invaluable: colleagues you'll look forward to working with every day.