CRNA Interview: 20 Questions to Expect in 2026 (With Answers)

CRNA interviews in 2026 are high-stakes on both sides: you're assessing whether you can work autonomously (or within an ACT model) in their specific case mix, and they're assessing whether you can handle their volume and complexity without incident. The 20 questions below cover the clinical, autonomy, and business dimensions that appear across independent, CRNA-only, and anesthesiologist-supervised settings.

Clinical competence (Q1–8)

1. Walk me through your anesthesia training and the case types you've managed most. Volume and complexity: total cases, regional blocks, cardiac, pediatric, OB. Know your numbers from your anesthesia record.
2. Describe your approach to a difficult airway — anticipated and unanticipated. Preoxygenation, videolaryngoscopy, supraglottic airway, awake fiber optic, surgical airway escalation plan. Know the ASA difficult airway algorithm by heart.
3. Walk me through your induction sequence for a high-aspiration-risk patient. RSI technique, medication choices, cricoid controversy, post-intubation confirmation.
4. How do you manage an intraoperative hemodynamic crisis? Differential-driven: volume, vasopressor, inotrope, surgical cause identification. Show your systematic approach.
5. Tell me about a case that went wrong. What happened and what did you do? Have a real answer. Intellectual honesty is mandatory here. Focus on your actions and the learning.
6. What's your approach to regional anesthesia — which blocks are you comfortable placing independently? Ultrasound-guided vs landmark. Interscalene, femoral, sciatic, TAP, epidurals, spinals — be specific about your comfort level for each.
7. How do you handle a patient with significant cardiac history requiring non-cardiac surgery? Risk stratification, cardiology clearance triggers, intraoperative monitoring, hemodynamic targets.
8. What's your pediatric anesthesia experience? Smallest patient you've managed? If limited, be honest — most CRNAs are hired for what they do, not what they don't. Ask about their pediatric case mix during the interview.

Practice model and autonomy (Q9–14)

9. Do you prefer a CRNA-only model or an anesthesiologist-supervised ACT model? Know what they run. In CRNA-only states (or practices), they want CRNAs who can work fully independently. In ACT settings, they want teamwork skills. Match your answer to their model — but be honest about your preference.
10. How do you handle a surgical request you're not comfortable proceeding with? Patient safety over surgeon schedule. "I would pause and communicate directly with the surgeon and, if needed, the anesthesia chief" is the right answer.
11. How do you handle a case that's progressing outside your training? Intraoperative communication, calling for backup, escalation. Show you know your limits and act on them early.
12. What's your approach to post-op pain management and PONV prophylaxis? Multimodal regimen, PONV risk scoring, regional blocks for opioid-sparing. Shows you own the full anesthesia episode.
13. How do you stay current with anesthesia guidelines? ASA updates, AANA resources, APSF patient safety, specific journals. Name one recent guideline change.
14. Walk me through your preoperative patient assessment. H&P review, airway assessment, medication reconciliation, consent, anesthesia plan communication with patient.

Team and culture fit (Q15–17)

15. How do you handle a surgeon who is pushing you to proceed when you're not ready? This is the most important cultural test. The answer must include: patient safety first, clear direct communication, no silent compliance, escalation if needed.
16. Describe your communication style with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists. Direct, anticipatory, non-hierarchical. Show you can communicate up and laterally with equal ease.
17. What does your handoff process look like at the end of a case? SBAR structure, pain and PONV plan, last vitals, airway concerns flagged to PACU nurse.

Compensation and logistics (Q18–20)

18. What compensation model are you looking for? CRNA compensation in 2026: $200K–$260K base for employed positions; W2 locums: $200–$260/hr; 1099: $220–$300/hr. Know your floor before the call.
19. Are you willing to take call? What ratio is workable for you? 1:4 is common for hospital-employed CRNAs. Weekend call is a significant quality-of-life factor — know your limit.
20. What's your timeline and are there any restrictive covenant concerns from your current position? CRNA contracts often have non-competes. Know your geographic radius and expiration date.

Questions you should always ask

• What's the case mix — OR cases per day, trauma, OB, cardiac percentage?
• Is this CRNA-only or ACT? What's the CRNA-to-anesthesiologist ratio?
• What's the call model — in-house vs. home call, backup protocol?
• What's the credentialing timeline?
• What's the equipment — GlideScope, ultrasound, BIS monitors — what do you carry?

CRNA is consistently the highest-compensated advanced practice role in healthcare. Ava Health places CRNAs into hospital, surgical center, and locum tenens positions across the country. Connect with a recruiter or see our CRNA salary guide.

Related: RN Interview Questions, Anesthesiology Physician Interview, NP Interview Questions.