Nurse Anesthetist
Field of Study — Nursing
Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses who administer anesthetics to patients undergoing medical, dental, surgical and obstetrical procedures. They work in collaboration with physicians or dentists, combining professional nursing skills with the science of anesthesia. Nurse anesthetists are an important part of the surgical team.
Nurse anesthetists:
- explain upcoming medical procedures and anesthesia to patients.
- assemble and test medical equipment needed to administer anesthetics.
- prepare prescribed solutions and start intravenous injections.
- administer prescribed anesthetics and medications.
- observe patients to ensure that anesthesia is maintained.
- monitor patients for warning signs during anesthesia and assist attending physicians with emergency procedures, if necessary.
- record each patient’s condition (as well as all anesthetics and medications administered) before, during and after surgery.
Nurse anesthetists may work in hospitals, emergency rooms, dental offices and outpatient surgery facilities.
Educational Requirements
Students interested in a career as a nurse anesthetist should take the most challenging high school courses available in science, math and English, including advanced placement courses.
To be a nurse anesthetist, students must first complete education and training to be a baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse. Students also must have at least one year’s experience in a critical care setting.
To become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), students attend an approved nurse anesthesia graduate program, which includes 24-36 months of course work and a minimum of 800 hours of clinical experience. Finally, they must pass a national certification examination by the Council on certification of Nurse Anesthetists.
Educational Institutions
Virginia Colleges and Universities
Old Dominion University College of Health Sciences
Virginia Commonwealth University
Professional Associations
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
222 South Prospect Ave.
Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 692-7050
http://www.aana.com - Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthetists
4001 Springfield Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 346-2788
http://www.crnava.com - Virginia Nurses Association
7113 Three Chopt Road
Suite 204
Richmond, VA 23226
(804) 282-1808
1-800-868-6877
http://www.virginianurses.com