 |
|
|
|
Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are the nurse counterparts to physician anesthesiologists. They are advanced practice registered nurses who have a master's degree from an accredited nurse anesthesia educational program and have passed the national exam for certification. Together, these professionals administer about 32 million anesthetics to patients annually in the United States, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
What does a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Do?
Working with surgeons, dentists, podiatrists, anesthesiologists and other health care providers, certified registered nurse anesthetists, in general, provide anesthesia and related care to patients before, during and after medical and surgical procedures. Before a procedure, CRNAs assess and evaluate the patient for anesthesia and document their findings. Using that information, they create an anesthesia plan. At the time of the procedure, they then administer the anesthesia using one of a handful of techniques including intravenous sedation and general, regional, or local anesthesia.
Then, throughout the procedure, they monitor the patient, collecting and interpreting pertinent physiological data as necessary. Should related emergent issues arise, they address those as well by provide airway management, administer emergency fluids or drugs, or use basic or advanced cardiac life support techniques.
After the procedure, CRNAs oversee the patient's recovery from anesthesia, administering medications, fluids or oxygen as necessary. When the patient is ready, the CRNA discharges them from the post-anesthesia care area. Subsequently, they follow up with the patient and provide care, as needed, for any anesthesia side effects or complications.
Many certified registered nurse anesthetists also perform administrative functions for anesthesia departments. These tasks include managing personnel, resources and finances; performing and maintaining quality assurance and risk management; and providing continuing education.
CRNAs can specialize in cardiovascular, obstetric, pediatric, neurosurgical, plastic or dental anesthesia.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Employment
CRNAs work in the same environments as anesthesiologists--every place anesthesia can be delivered. These include:
Other common employers include: medical offices of dentists, podiatrists, ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons and pain management specialists. CRNAs may also work for the U.S. military, Public Health Services and Department of Veterans Affairs health care facilities.
In addition, more anesthesia and anesthesia-related services are becoming needed in nontraditional areas, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suites, cardiac catheterization laboratories and lithotripsy units. CRNAs practice with a lot of autonomy, but carry a heavy load of responsibility. They work closely with patients and their families to deliver appropriate care and comfort.
All kinds of work hours and schedules are available, including weekends, and early, late, long and short shifts, allowing CRNAs some flexibility, when possible. For example, you might work one 16-hour shift and one 24-hour shift each week. Job availability is another advantage. These professionals should remain in demand between 2008 and 2018, particularly in medically underserved areas such as rural towns and inner cities, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Certified registered nurse anesthetists are some of the highest-paid advanced practice nursing professionals. Salaries vary greatly by region, facility type, years in practice and sub-specialty.
Resources for CRNAs:
These schools offer particularly quick info upon request, and we have written detailed profiles for each (click school names to see the profiles).
Request info from multiple schools, by clicking the Get Info links.
Copyright © QuinStreet, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
