Certified Nurse AnesthetistSummary
A certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA) takes care of a patient's anesthesia needs before, during, and after surgery or delivery of a baby. Nurse anesthetist duties include: conducting a physical assessment of the patient, preparing the appropriate anesthetic for surgery, administering the anesthetic, monitoring and maintaining anesthesia during the operation or delivery, and overseeing a patients recovery from the anesthetic after surgery is complete. During the anesthesia process, a CRNA is continuously responsible for a patient's safety and comfort.
Educational Requirements and Resources
In terms of education, this position requires a master's degree from an accredited nurse anesthesia program. In order to enroll in a nurse anesthesia program, an individual must usually have a bachelor's degree in nursing, be licensed as a registered nurse, and have at least one year of experience in a critical/acute care setting. (The entire education process to become a nurse anesthetist usually spans on average 6-8 years depending on the programs chosen.) After the education process is complete, individuals must pass a national certification examination. For more information regarding a career as a nurse anesthetist, please visit the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
. Please use the links provided below to learn more about specific educational programs pertaining to this field.