Nurse anesthetists work to ensure patients feel safe and comfortable during surgery, providing an invaluable service in healthcare. If you’re wondering what does a nurse anesthetist do, you can first learn the skills needed through the University of St. Thomas, setting you on the path to this rewarding career.
Many people are nervous about being put to sleep for surgery. Thankfully, nurse anesthetists, also called nurse anesthesiologists, work to ensure patient safety. Have you ever wondered, “What does a nurse anesthetist do?” Their main responsibilities include administering anesthesia and ensuring patients do not experience unnecessary pain during surgery.
If you are interested in pursuing this rewarding career path, the University of St. Thomas’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program can help you get started. You can complete the program in as few as 12 months with a quality education.
What Is a CRNA, and Why Are They Essential in Healthcare?
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a medical professional who administers anesthesia and plays a crucial part in taking care of patients before, during, and after surgery.
As some of the most widely utilized healthcare professionals in the country, the impact of CRNAs on patient care cannot be understated. CRNAs administer more than 58 million anesthetics annually, enhancing patient safety and comfort. In many rural hospitals, CRNAs are the sole anesthesia providers, offering critical care where it is most needed.
They are also more readily available in areas with higher populations of patients who are uninsured, on Medicaid, or unemployed. Additionally, CRNAs are key providers of anesthesia care in the U.S. military.
Roles and Responsibilities of Nurse Anesthetists
What does a CRNA do? CRNAs play a vital role in delivering anesthesia care. They work closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers to ensure patient safety and comfort. Some of their key responsibilities include:
- Preparing patients for anesthesia, including conducting physical assessments and providing preoperative education
- Administering and maintaining anesthesia throughout surgical procedures
- Monitoring vital signs and managing recovery from anesthesia
- Educating patients before and after they receive anesthesia for surgery or other procedures
- Assessing and identifying potential risks, such as allergies, health conditions like asthma or diabetes, or the risk of overdose
- Administering precise dosages of anesthesia based on the patient’s needs
Through these responsibilities, CRNAs help provide the best possible care and experience for patients, making them an essential part of the healthcare team.
Check out the curriculum that lays the foundation and goes beyond.
How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist: Education, Training, and Certification
What path does one take to become a nurse anesthetist? The journey to becoming a nurse anesthetist involves several important steps:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Become licensed as a Registered Nurse
- Gain at least one year of experience working in an intensive care unit
- Graduate from an accredited nurse anesthesia program
- Pass the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists after graduation
This process typically takes about seven to 10 years, though the timeline can vary. While the journey may seem long, nurse anesthetist schooling is thorough, ensuring that these professionals are well-prepared to provide safe and high-quality care. If you’re eager to get started sooner, programs like the University of St. Thomas’s ABSN can help you earn your nursing degree in as little as a year.
The University of St. Thomas’s ABSN program offers a comprehensive education blending online coursework, hands-on learning, and clinical experiences.
Learn more details about the University of St. Thomas’s ABSN program.
Where Do Nurse Anesthetists Work?
After completing nurse anesthetist schooling, CRNAs have a wide range of work environments to choose from, including:
- Critical access hospitals
- Emergency rooms
- Hospital operating rooms
- Intensive care units
- Labor-and-delivery units
- Mobile surgery centers
- Outpatient surgery centers
- Physician or dentist offices
- Post-anesthesia recovery rooms
- Specialized medical facilities like those for plastic surgery, ophthalmology, or pain management
- U.S. military medical facilities
The expertise of CRNAs is needed across many areas of healthcare, making them versatile and valuable in the medical field.
Nurse Anesthetist vs. Anesthesiologist: What’s the Difference?
While both nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists are qualified to provide anesthesia, there are key differences between the two roles.
The primary distinction involves education and certifications. A nurse anesthetist is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education, earned a doctoral-level degree in anesthesia, and passed the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists. On the other hand, an anesthesiologist holds a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree and has completed specialized training.
Another difference is the scope of practice. Anesthesiologists are licensed to practice independently and supervise CRNAs and anesthesia assistants in all settings. CRNAs, however, can only practice independently if their state allows full-practice authority or CRNA-only models.
Do Nurse Anesthetists Get Paid Well? CRNA Salaries and Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for nurse anesthetists is $212,650 as of 2023. The career outlook for CRNAs is also strong, with the BLS projecting a job growth rate of 38% between 2022 and 2032.
With competitive pay and high demand, nurse anesthesia offers a rewarding and promising career path for those who put in the effort and dedication.
Begin Your Nurse Anesthetist Journey with University of St. Thomas
Health challenges and surgeries are a part of life, whether for an athlete recovering from an injury or someone facing a serious health condition. Nurse anesthetists’ expertise makes the whole surgical experience smoother and more manageable for everyone involved. At the University of St. Thomas, you can take the first step toward becoming a nurse anesthetist by earning a nursing degree.
Contact an admissions advisor today to learn more and get started on your path to becoming a nurse anesthetist.