NURSE ANESTHETIST
Anesthesia is the use of
special drugs that temporarily block sensation in an area of the body or
enable a patient to be kept unconscious and pain free during surgery. In
the United States, anesthesiology is provided by two specialty groups,
nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists (physicians). Nurse anesthetists
or certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) are licensed professionals
who undergo extensive training. A CRNA takes care of a patient's anesthesia
needs before, during and after surgery or delivery of a baby. CRNAs can
administer anesthesia in all types of surgical cases, applying all the
accepted anesthetic techniques - general, regional, local or sedation.
Education
Nurse anesthesia programs are
between 24 to 36 months in length and provided on the masters and doctorate
levels. All programs require a Bachelors of Science in Nursing or another
appropriate baccalaureate degree from an approved nursing program and at
least one year of intensive care nursing experience before entry. Entrance
into programs is quite competitive.
Registration/Certification/Licensure
CRNAs are licensed and certified
in all fifty states. Completion of the program of study makes one eligible
to take the Certifying Examination given by the Council on Certification
of Nurse Anesthetists.
Salary
$46,000-90,000
Employment Opportunities
CRNAs are in demand. They practice
in a variety of settings in the private and public sector and in the U.S.
military. The nurse anesthetist can work for a hospital, birthing center,
outpatient surgery center (surgery, dental, podiatrist), in a group practice
or they can practice independently. CRNAs work in collaboration with a
surgeon, dentist or podiatrist or an anesthesia team with an anesthesiologist,
to provide anesthesia care. Others become clinical instructors, educational
program directors or department supervisors.
Programs
Professional Association
American
Association of Nurse Anesthetists
222 South Prospect Avenue
Park Ridge, IL 60068-4001
(847) 692-7050 Ext. 3065
Last updated: June 26, 2001