Nursing Specialties

Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

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What is a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses specifically trained to provide anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery or other procedures. They meet with patients beforehand to determine the best medication choice. During surgery, they monitor patients and afterward track their response as the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Patient comfort and safety is their top concern.

CRNAs reassure patients, answer their questions or concerns, and connect with patients on a psycho-social level. They provide patient teaching to alert the person on what to expect before and after their procedure. Often, they escort the patient from the operating room to the recovery area. CRNAs often work in smaller medical or dental offices and larger hospitals alongside physician anesthesiologists. 

There are two main differences between a physician anesthesiologist and a nurse anesthetist. The first is that CRNAs are considered to be working under the supervision of the physician who is performing the procedure. For physicians, anesthesiology is an independent specialty. The second is that physician anesthesiologists have more years of medical and clinical training.  

However, nurse anesthetists are employed to deliver anesthesia for many of the same patients that physicians manage. Studies have shown that “CRNAs achieve the same level of safety and quality as their physician counterparts.”

Nurse anesthetists have obtained advanced practice degrees focusing on anesthesia and receive extensive clinical training. In the future, they will be expected to complete doctoral degrees (DNAPs) to be able to practice.

What does a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Do?

Nurse anesthetists meet with patients after reviewing their charts. 

General activities may include: 

  • Taking a patient history and providing teaching
  • Administering a physical exam
  • Selecting and planning the type of anesthesia medication/route to be used
  • Inserting an IV access
  • Collaborating with other health providers
  • Once the patient is under anesthesia, inserting an airway and managing oxygenation
  • Monitoring patient vital signs and other indications of tolerating the procedure
  • Reducing or reversing anesthesia medication
  • Overseeing and following patient’s recovery from anesthesia 
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

What skills does a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) need?

Nurse anesthetists possess skills to: 

Manage airways and monitor vital signs
Run ventilators and adjust settings
Administer intravenous, intramuscular, or inhaled anesthesia
Perform advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
Manage pain
Communicate effectively
Teach patients and staff

What skills does a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) need?

Nurse anesthetists possess skills to: 

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Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)s

Work settings for Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)s

Nurse anesthetists work in hospitals, surgery centers, and physician offices. CRNAs frequently work in rural facilities and the U.S. armed forces.‍

Common Cases Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)s Encounter

Nurse anesthetists care for a wide variety of cases, from mothers delivering babies to dental surgeries and colonoscopies.

How to Become A Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

  1. Complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree: takes about two to four years based on the program
  2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for your RN license after graduation
  3. Gain experience working as a registered nurse for two years or more, preferably in critical care, OR, or ED/ER environment
  4. Attend a CRNA program. Nurses with ADN degrees can complete their BSN in conjunction with their master’s or doctoral degree. These programs take about 18 months to three years or longer to complete.
  5. Take the national exam to become certified as a CRNA through the NBCRNA
  6. Apply for CRNA licensure in your state of practice. CRNAs are classified as advanced practice registered nurses, and each state decides licensing requirements.

How to Advance Your Career As A Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

CRNAs have completed an MSN degree; however, by 2025, all CRNA programs will require doctoral training (DNAP). In addition, all programs must be accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and include all necessary clinical hours. These doctoral degrees are not to be confused with physicians’ medical doctor degrees.

Education Requirements & Helpful Certification

Nurse anesthetists must be BCLS and ACLS certified. They renew their CRNA license every four years after completing 60 CE credits. 

CRNA Certification (initial certification) goes through The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

Recertifications are done through the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Program.

In addition, CRNAs often take out their own malpractice insurance.

Average Salary For Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)s

Nurse anesthetists typically make between $172,089 - $229,987, with a median salary of $199,060, according to Salary.com.

The May 2021 Bureau of Labor and Statistics report shows which states have the highest and lowest wages for nurse anesthetists. The highest-paid states are Connecticut, New Jersey, and Illinois. The lowest-paid states are Kansas, Arkansas, and Florida, which is tied with Idaho.

Ideal Personality Traits

  • Critical thinker, quick decision-maker
  • Focused, attentive, and calm
  • Works well in stressful situations
  • Excellent communicator
  • Resourceful

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Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses trained to administer anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery or other procedures. CRNAs meet with patients and initiate a pre-operative interview to determine what anesthesia would be suitable. They answer any questions or concerns, monitor the patient closely under anesthesia, wake the person afterward, and may escort them to the recovery area. Some CRNAs work collaboratively with other anesthesiologists; others can work independently depending on their location, and in some states, a CRNA can prescribe medication independently.

Education Requirements

Nurse anesthetists must be BCLS and ACLS certified. They renew their CRNA license every four years after completing 60 CE credits. 

CRNA Certification (initial certification) goes through The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

Recertifications are done through the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Program.

In addition, CRNAs often take out their own malpractice insurance.

How to advance/career pathway

CRNAs have completed an MSN degree; however, by 2025, all CRNA programs will require doctoral training (DNAP). In addition, all programs must be accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and include all necessary clinical hours. These doctoral degrees are not to be confused with physicians’ medical doctor degrees.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Evaluate the patient prior to surgery or the procedure
  • Determine the type of anesthesia to administer and maintain proper levels
  • Intubate patient if needed and manage the ventilator
  • Ensure equipment works accurately
  • Monitor vital signs and protect the patient from injury
  • Communicate patient status to the physician and operative staff

MOST COMMON CASES

Nurse anesthetists care for a wide variety of cases, from mothers delivering babies to dental surgeries and colonoscopies.

How to become a

Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

  1. Complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree: takes about two to four years based on the program
  2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for your RN license after graduation
  3. Gain experience working as a registered nurse for two years or more, preferably in critical care, OR, or ED/ER environment
  4. Attend a CRNA program. Nurses with ADN degrees can complete their BSN in conjunction with their master’s or doctoral degree. These programs take about 18 months to three years or longer to complete.
  5. Take the national exam to become certified as a CRNA through the NBCRNA
  6. Apply for CRNA licensure in your state of practice. CRNAs are classified as advanced practice registered nurses, and each state decides licensing requirements.

The Pros

  • A high degree of autonomy and professional respect
  • Enjoyment gaining the trust of anxious patients
  • Satisfaction at the end of a surgery that went well
  • Increased responsibility but still can defer to anesthesiologists if needed

The Cons

  • Stress due to unpredictable hours and being on call
  • Must obtain and maintain more education
  • Increased liability risk and may need malpractice insurance
  • Exposure to bodily fluids and air-borne communicable diseases
  • Political differences with MD Anesthesiologists at times
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Personality Traits

  • Critical thinker, quick decision-maker
  • Focused, attentive, and calm
  • Works well in stressful situations
  • Excellent communicator
  • Resourceful
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Average Salary

Nurse anesthetists typically make between $172,089 - $229,987, with a median salary of $199,060, according to Salary.com.

The May 2021 Bureau of Labor and Statistics report shows which states have the highest and lowest wages for nurse anesthetists. The highest-paid states are Connecticut, New Jersey, and Illinois. The lowest-paid states are Kansas, Arkansas, and Florida, which is tied with Idaho.

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Work Setting

Nurse anesthetists work in hospitals, surgery centers, and physician offices. CRNAs frequently work in rural facilities and the U.S. armed forces.‍