Anesthesia Nurse Job Description

Anesthesia Nurses are Nurses who specialize in the administration of anesthesia. In order to become a Certified Registered Nurses Anesthetist (CRNA), you must acquire graduate-level education, as well as board certification in the field of anesthesia. Anesthesia Nurses are the oldest specialty Nurses group in the United States.

What Does An Anesthesia Nurses do?

A CRNA works with anesthesiologists, surgeons and other medical professionals in order to provide anesthesia for a wide variety of medical and surgical procedures. They will care for patients before, during and after procedures by performing an assessment, as well as the necessary preparation work. Nurses will also ensure proper sedation, followed by making sure recovery goes smoothly for the patient following the procedure.

Nurses work in many different settings, often being used in operating rooms, critical and intensive care units, outpatient centers, labor and delivery units, dental offices, and much more. They often work alongside ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons and podiatrists as well. Anesthesia Nurses are also the only qualified providers of anesthesia in military and government medical facilities.

How To Become A CRNA

Nurses often obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing during undergraduate studies, as well as a Master’s degree. Prospective CRNA candidates must be prepared to complete a minimum of seven years of schooling to do so, followed by a national certification exam.

Nurses must also complete 40 hours of education every two years to uphold the certification.