Becoming A Nurse Anesthetist

The CRNA has deeper understanding of disease processes, pharmacological treatment and technological interventions when caring for patients. Advance practice comes with a high level of responsibility; furthermore, increased autonomy is why I aspire to advance my nursing practice. I want to be the nurse that eases my patient’s way through what may be the most stressful time in their life. During my anesthesia shadowing experience I witnessed the complexity and compassionate care that the CRNA provided safely and efficiently. Most importantly I observed clear communication that was vital to all involved in the care of the patient’s unique needs. My shadowing experience fueled my drive to continue to pursuing CRNA School and extend my knowledge at the

However, I was uncertain of which career path I wished to pursue. I was given the privilege to shadow various healthcare physicians around the area, which could help determine which field of medicine was for me. Of the specialties I had observed, I found that anesthesiology was the most intriguing and I was immediately attracted to it. In order to acquire more information about the speciality, I applied to volunteer at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in the anesthesia department. I began assisting the anesthesia technician with her daily responsibilities. She eventually introduced me to many anesthetists there. After shadowing many anesthetists, I quickly learned that much of the patient interaction was with the anesthesiologist assistant or the certified registered nurse anesthetist rather than the anesthesiologist. I was thrilled to see the anesthetist comfort the patient as well as his family before the surgery. I, then, realized that I did not want to become a physician but rather an anesthesiologist assistant because I wanted to provide that administrative and comforting experience for the patients and their loved

My first encounter with a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) was during my undergraduate nursing OB/GYN rotation. I was impressed with the CRNA when she placed the epidural to the patient in labor. I remembered patient had difficulty staying still due to the contraction, but the CRNA took her time to explain the procedure while comforting the distressed patient. Once the epidural was in placed and the medication started working, I could tell the relief the patient experienced. I realized then that a CRNA goes beyond the delivery of anesthesia, pain management and monitoring of patients. Thus, obtaining this degree will prepare me to ease the patient’s mind through education, pain management, monitoring, experience and compassion.

Nurse Anesthetists are also known as CRNA, which means Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. Being a CRNA, one has big shoes to fill when it comes to their job. CRNA’s work with anesthesiologist surgeons and other physicians and medical professionals to give anesthesia to patients undergoing medical and surgical procedures. CRNA’s care for patients before, during and after a medical or surgery by doing a patient assessment , preparing the patient for anesthesia, they must maintain the anesthesia throughout the whole procedure to secure the proper sedation, and pain management, and as a CRNA they must make sure the patient recovers from the anesthesia properly. CRNA’s usually overshadow anesthesiologists. They perform much of the work

Certified registered nurse anesthetists are advanced practice nurses who are certified and specialized in the administration of anesthesia (“Position description,” 2014). CRNAs make their own independent decisions and judgments regarding the application of anesthesia, and, in most states, physician supervision of CRNAs is not required (“Legal issues,” 2010). The profession was introduced to the United States during the

They also take care of patients anesthesia before, during, and after surgery. They even give mothers epidurals during child birth for pain management. A CRNA can also perform physical assessments, participate in preoperative teaching, administer anesthesia to keep patients pain free, oversee recovery from anesthesia, prepare for anesthetic management, and follow the patients postoperative course from recovery to the patient care unit. These types of nurses are the only certified personnel to deliver anesthesia in most rural hospitals in the United States (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 42).

With change comes evolution. Most professions, specifically nurse anesthetist, as we know them today did not begin in the state they are in today. They grew through trial and error. Before revealing the history of this profession and most important, its leading pioneer, one must be familiar with the role of a nurse anesthetist. Nurse anesthetists, often confused with anesthesiologists, are nurses with baccalaureate degrees in nursing and master degrees in anesthesia who are responsible for administering anesthetics to patients preoperational. Contrary, anesthesiologists are physicians whose education requires a baccalaureate degree as well as medical schooling with special education in anesthesia. However, the anesthesia part of the education is very similar for both providers (KANA. 2011).

They juggle a vast amount of information on a daily basis and must have the judgment and confidence to stand firm for the patient’s safety. They must be sure that they will make the right call when it comes to measuring the amount of anesthesia being administered to a patient or coming up with a new plan when another fails. They must be confident to help the patient and family feel at ease and trust them to take exceptional care for their loved one. I need to improve my confidence because I am sometimes timid when making a decision or answering a question. I will become a successful CRNA if I improve my confidence because I want nothing less than the best care for my

The US News ranked a Nurse Anesthetist number 4 in the top 100 best jobs of 2016. Although satisfying, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a highly stressful nursing specialty (Phillips, 2010). According to Gouveia (2016), a registered nurse is ranked top 5 in most stressful jobs. Some of the brightest and best CRNAs, even past presidents of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) have taken their own life because of addiction (Quinlan, 2009). Substance abuse and addiction is a well-known topic unfortunately, it continues to be an issue and struggle everyday for some anesthesia providers. CRNAS are well-educated individuals; however, the prevalence, and relapse rates for substance abuse are alarming. The

CRNAs carry a cumbersomely hefty load of responsibility and are compensated accordingly. The reported average annual salary in 2012 was approximately $157,000 with more experienced CRNAs earning up to $214,000 each year. The prospects for finding a good job in this field are excellent for the future. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there is a consequential and growing desideratum for CRNAs across the country. More and more community hospitals are opting to employ a team of highly eligible CRNAs than a single, high-cost anesthesiologist. Projected job magnification for CRNAs between 2012-2022: 25% (more expeditious than the 19% magnification projected for RNs and the 11% average for all

With all of the different specialties in healthcare, some get overlooked or may be under the radar. An uncommon and often disregarded career choice in healthcare is that of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist or a Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice. Although not many people know about these healthcare careers, they play a vital role within the healthcare team. This field is growing rapidly and the likelihood of coming into contact with a nurse anesthetist during a hospital stay is on the rise. Knowing the history, education, responsibilities, and career outlook for a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist or a Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice can aide in understanding their very specific role in the care of patients.

The journey to embrace the speciality of anesthesiology has been ecstatic and full of fond memories. It was not until the end of my internship that I finally developed a passion in anesthesiology and the field of critical care. I soon realized that with my zeal for clinical anatomy, command over concepts of physiology, dexterity in medical procedures and empathetic connection to my patients, this speciality would be an ideal match. In my opinion, anesthesiology demands a physicians ability to consolidate the core principles of clinical medicine with the knowledge of basic science principles delicately balanced with high standards of ethical code and conduct. I am confident that with my depth of knowledge, passion for clinical research as well

As the years go by, the nursing field is expanding. Different types of nurses are being needed for a variety of jobs in the nursing field. This field of work is especially one of the most important because the world will always need nurses. Although the nursing field is very competitive to get into, the need for nurses increases rapidly as time goes on. A CRNA, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, is one of the most popular fields being practiced. A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is a step further than a Registered Nurse. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are advanced nurses that specialize in anesthesia. CRNA’s provide anesthesia care for millions of patients in the United States of America. Anesthesia is a form of medicine that puts a person that is undergoing surgery to sleep while also numbing the pain. There are many steps in the process to becoming a CRNA, it is a very serious field, therefore it requires more experience and training.

I have always believed in giving back to the community and in sharing my competencies and skills with others. My desire to help people in the field of nursing has powered my decision to take up a graduate degree in Nursing. Overcoming the many challenges in my life has helped me to believe that I can reach any goal I have set for myself, and one of these lifelong goals is to become a nurse practitioner and to obtain

So what is a CRNA? The AANA defines them as RN’s that “provide anesthesia in collaboration with surgeons, Anesthesiologists, dentists, and other qualified healthcare professionals.” (AANA,”CRNA at a Glance”par.4 ,2013). Essentially they are responsible for administering anesthesia (medication to aid in the surgical procedure) when it is