Getting Started as a Nurse Anesthetist

Referred to as a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist), a nurse anesthetist has the ability to administer anesthesia to patients. With a more extensive knowledge of nursing and a variety of job responsibilities, the career of a nurse anesthetist can help nurses earn more money as they pursue this worthwhile position.

Nurse Anesthetist Job Description

Nurse anesthetists have a number of duties. While required to be on their feet for long periods of time, CRNAs must also be on call and be available to work flexible hours, sometimes on weekends. Adapting to an irregular work schedule is just one of the many aspects unique to nurse anesthetists jobs.
 
The major duties for a CRNA include:
  • deciding the proper drugs and techniques best fit for a patient’s needs
  • gathering medical history for a patient to find possible side effects and reactions to anesthesia
  • initiating emergency procedures if the patient has a negative response to the anesthesia
  • monitoring a patient’s temperature, pulse, heart and breathing rate
  • obtaining knowledge about new drugs and techniques
  • providing pain relief for women in labor.
Luckily the income for a CRNA balances out the responsibility, as the salary for a nurse anesthetist can range anywhere from $110,000 to $150,000.

Required Education for Nurse Anesthetists

A number of nurse anesthetist schools provide the proper education needed to start a CRNAs career. Here is a list of the more popular universities across the nation that have quality nurse anesthetist programs:
  • Boston College
  • California State University
  • Columbia University
  • Drexler University
  • Duke University
  • Missouri State University
  • Southern Illinois University
  • University of Miami
  • Webster University.
To become a CRNA, a Bachelor and Master of Science degree must be obtained. Once the proper education has been completed, CRNA hopefuls must first become a registered nurse (RN) and have at least one-year of nursing experience within a medical intensive care unit.
 
The final step is to take a mandatory national certification exam. A CRNA is required to continue his education and get recertified every two years. Other medical practice regulations must also be followed, but these vary by state.

Employment Opportunities

Hospitals tend to be the most popular choice for work as a CRNA. In particular, university hospitals provide work for recent graduates and certified nurses. The government also provides assistance with the CRNA job hunt, as new medical programs and clinics are built every year.
 
Nurse anesthetists typically work with physicians either as an assistant or as a partner. Some of the types of physicians that nurse anesthetists may work with are:
  • anesthesiologists
  • dentists
  • obstetricians
  • podiatrists
  • surgeons.
Nurse anesthetists can also choose to practice independently. However, regulations on the degree of independence or supervision vary by state.
 
The medical field has become more advanced through the years and continues to progress. As a result, job opportunities for those interested in nurse anesthetics are also increasing. However, because a career as a nurse anesthetist is involves extensive medical knowledge and is quite demanding, those pursuing nurse anesthetist jobs must have a strong educational background, as well as a strong will to help people.
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