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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

By: David Wolford

What do they do?

Nurse anesthetists duties include getting supplies and equipment ready for procedures, studying and interpreting pre-surgical tests to determine how the anesthetic will affect the patient, and assuring that an adequate blood supply is on hand in case of an emergency. In addition to administering the prescribed anesthetic, nurse anesthetists are trained to monitor the patients vital signs and communicate the information to the physicians. They also perform other tasks during these medical procedures, such as inserting artificial airways, administering oxygen, and attempting to prevent surgical shock. They may also be called upon to explain the procedures to patients in an effort to secure cooperation and increase confidence in the procedure.

Where do they work?

Nurse anesthetists usually work in a hospital operating room, but their combination of nursing skills and knowledge of anesthetics also allows them to work in birthing centers/obstetrics departments, dental offices, emergency rooms, plastic surgery centers, and outpatient surgery facilities.

History

Nurses were the first professional group to provide anesthesia services in the United States. Established in the late 1800s, nurse anesthesia has since become recognized as the first clinical nursing specialty. The discipline of nurse anesthesia developed in response to requests of surgeons seeking a solution to the high morbidity and mortality attributed to anesthesia at that time. Surgeons saw nurses as a cadre of professionals who could give their undivided attention to patient care during surgical procedures. Serving as pioneers in anesthesia, nurse anesthetists became involved in the full range of specialty surgical procedures, as well as in the refinement of anesthesia techniques and equipment.

The first school of Nurse Anesthesia

The first school of nurse anesthesia was formed in 1909 at ST. Vincent Hospital, Portland, Oregon. The school was established by Agnes McGee. The course was 6 months long, and included courses on anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and administration of common anesthetic agents. Between 1912 and 1920, approximately 19 schools opened.

Salary

Reflecting the level of responsibility they assume on a daily basis, CRNAs are some of the best-paid nursing specialists currently working. According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, the reported average annual salary in 2008 was approximately $168,500.Things are so bad that some hospitals are cutting back on elective surgeries and boosting salaries, with the average nurse anesthetist earning $104,000 a year and some are getting offers of as much as $180,000. That's more than the average family practice physician earns.

Rural average $174,214.30Metro average $164,148.80Suburban average $156,630.70

High School Preparation

Students interested in a career as a nurse anesthetist should take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, geometry, psychology, sociology. Foods and nutrition, health occupations, physical education, English, computer skills, and foreign languages.

College Requirements

Individuals interested in entering a nurse anesthetist program must first:Obtain a B.S. in nursing.Be a licensed registered nurse (RN). Have at least one year of critical-care nursing experience, such as in the Emergency Room or the Intensive Care Unit.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Program

CRNAs are the primary anesthesia providers in rural America, enabling healthcare facilities in these medically underserved areas to offer obstetrical, surgical, and trauma stabilization services. In some states, CRNAs are the sole providers in nearly 100 percent of the rural hospitals.

CRNA Requirements

Individuals interested in entering a certified registered nurse anesthetist program must first:Graduate with a masters degree from accredited nurse anesthesia educational program. These programs range from 24-36 months, depending upon university requirements. Pass a national certification examination following graduation.

CRNA Recertified

In order to be recertified, CRNAs must obtain a minimum of 40 hours of approved continuing education every two years, document substantial anesthesia practice, maintain current state licensure, and certify that they have not developed any conditions that could adversely affect their ability to practice anesthesia.

Shortage of CRNAs

A serious shortage of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) has made an impact on the delivery of healthcare for a significant portion of the U.S. population, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).The escalating numbers of healthcare procedures requiring anesthesia have increased the need for CRNAs. However, the demand for services currently exceeds the availability of these anesthesia providers. In recent years, an increase in the number of CRNAs who are retiring, combined with decreasing graduation rates from nurse anesthesia programs, has contributed to the overall decline in CRNA numbers. University professors have called for more anesthesia programs and clinical sites to be established in order to enroll more nursing students into the programs.

Career Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, nursing is the largest health care related occupation in the country. It is also a profession that is experiencing a nation-wide shortage. Employment opportunities for registered nurses are excellent and are expected to grow 21%-35% through the end of the decade. This statistic also applies to nursing specialists such as nurse anesthetists. As the baby-boom generation becomes increasingly older, the volume of people who will require advanced medical care is projected to grow very rapidly.

Sources

http://www.aana.com/Default.aspx http://www.mccg.org/crna/nurse_anesthesia_profession.asp http://www.crnajobs.com/crna-careers/main.aspx