Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

CRNAs (as they are often alphabetized) have been around since at least the 1800’s in the USA. They account for much of the anesthesia given to patients in America and they enjoy a level of autonomy that provides great satisfaction. Unlike the out of balance ratios in staff nursing, nurse anesthetists are composed of 51% females and 49% males according to AANA (American Association of Nurse Anesthetists).

• review the medical history and interview their patients prior to surgery if possible to discover any potential risk not already identified
• provide anesthesia for bedside procedures such as cardioversions
• work in hospitals, day surgery centers or dental offices to name a few
• follow up with patient’s post-op
• meet annual education re-certification standards to stay on top of the latest breakthroughs
• educate patients what to expect for surgery
• may work independently or with a team including an anesthesiologist
• intubate patients, respond to codes, start PIVs and arterial lines, and start epidurals both in and out of the operating room

Income is a big pull for many pursing this career path. While any CRNA will tell you money should not be your only pull to the job, it is impossible to ignore it. According to a Locum Tenens (think CRNA travel company) survey completed in 2011 the average CRNA salary for 2011 was $168,988. You can see the more details from this survey by clicking here.

You will need your BSN for starters. If you have an associate degree in nursing, you will need to go back and further your education as a BSN before applying to school.

Most programs require 1-2 years in critical care. "Acute Critical Care" means different things to different schools, so check with them directly. Generally, ICU experience is required (and very helpful!)

You will also need to take the GRE or MAT and get decent scores on them. Then get ready for a stress producing interview to top it all off. It goes without saying that a good GPA will help you get your foot in the door too!

CRNA school is HARD. The average program length in the USA is 27 months. This is full time, 50-60 hour weeks, with minimal breaks. The majority of students do not work and even part time jobs are frowned upon by the schools usually.

After graduating school, you will have to pass the national exam. It is hard work, but with a better than average job satisfaction that comes along with becoming a CRNA, it may just be worth it to you!

American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

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