Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) administer anesthesia to patients during medical procedures and monitor their vital signs. They work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other medical facilities. CRNAs were originally nurses who provided anesthesia in the late 1800s in response to high mortality rates from anesthesia at that time. To become a CRNA, one must obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing, become a registered nurse, gain critical care experience, obtain a master's degree from an accredited nurse anesthesia program, and pass a national certification exam. The average salary for CRNAs is over $160,000 and there is currently a shortage of CRNAs due to an increasing number of medical procedures requiring anesthesia and fewer graduates from nurse anesthesia programs

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist By: David Wolford

2. What do they do? Nurse anesthetists duties include getting supplies and equipment ready for procedures, studying and interpreting pre-surgical tests to determine how the anesthetic will affect the patient, and assuring that an adequate blood supply is on hand in case of an emergency. In addition to administering the prescribed anesthetic, nurse anesthetists are trained to monitor the patient’s vital signs and communicate the information to the physicians. They also perform other tasks during these medical procedures, such as inserting artificial airways, administering oxygen, and attempting to prevent surgical shock. They may also be called upon to explain the procedures to patients in an effort to secure cooperation and increase confidence in the procedure.

3. Where do they work? Nurse anesthetists usually work in a hospital operating room, but their combination of nursing skills and knowledge of anesthetics also allows them to work in birthing centers/obstetrics departments, dental offices, emergency rooms, plastic surgery centers, and outpatient surgery facilities.

4. History Nurses were the first professional group to provide anesthesia services in the United States. Established in the late 1800s, nurse anesthesia has since become recognized as the first clinical nursing specialty. The discipline of nurse anesthesia developed in response to requests of surgeons seeking a solution to the high morbidity and mortality attributed to anesthesia at that time. Surgeons saw nurses as a cadre of professionals who could give their undivided attention to patient care during surgical procedures. Serving as pioneers in anesthesia, nurse anesthetists became involved in the full range of specialty surgical procedures, as well as in the refinement of anesthesia techniques and equipment.

5. The first school of Nurse Anesthesia The first school of nurse anesthesia was formed in 1909 at ST. Vincent Hospital, Portland, Oregon. The school was established by Agnes McGee. The course was 6 months long, and included courses on anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and administration of common anesthetic agents. Between 1912 and 1920, approximately 19 schools opened.

6. Salary Reflecting the level of responsibility they assume on a daily basis, CRNAs are some of the best-paid nursing specialists currently working. According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, the reported average annual salary in 2008 was approximately $168,500.Things are so bad that some hospitals are cutting back on elective surgeries and boosting salaries, with the average nurse anesthetist earning $104,000 a year — and some are getting offers of as much as $180,000. That's more than the average family practice physician earns. Rural average $174,214.30 Metro average $164,148.80 Suburban average $156,630.70

7. High School Preparation Students interested in a career as a nurse anesthetist should take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, geometry, psychology, sociology. Foods and nutrition, health occupations, physical education, English, computer skills, and foreign languages.

8. College Requirements Individuals interested in entering a nurse anesthetist program must first: Obtain a B.S. in nursing. Be a licensed registered nurse (RN). Have at least one year of critical-care nursing experience, such as in the Emergency Room or the Intensive Care Unit.

9. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Program CRNAs are the primary anesthesia providers in rural America, enabling healthcare facilities in these medically underserved areas to offer obstetrical, surgical, and trauma stabilization services. In some states, CRNAs are the sole providers in nearly 100 percent of the rural hospitals.

10. CRNA Requirements Individuals interested in entering a certified registered nurse anesthetist program must first: Graduate with a master’s degree from accredited nurse anesthesia educational program. These programs range from 24-36 months, depending upon university requirements. Pass a national certification examination following graduation.

11. CRNA Recertified In order to be recertified, CRNAs must obtain a minimum of 40 hours of approved continuing education every two years, document substantial anesthesia practice, maintain current state licensure, and certify that they have not developed any conditions that could adversely affect their ability to practice anesthesia.

12. Shortage of CRNA’s A serious shortage of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) has made an impact on the delivery of healthcare for a significant portion of the U.S. population, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).The escalating numbers of healthcare procedures requiring anesthesia have increased the need for CRNAs. However, the demand for services currently exceeds the availability of these anesthesia providers. In recent years, an increase in the number of CRNAs who are retiring, combined with decreasing graduation rates from nurse anesthesia programs, has contributed to the overall decline in CRNA numbers. University professors have called for more anesthesia programs and clinical sites to be established in order to enroll more nursing students into the programs.

13. Career Outlook According to the US Department of Labor, nursing is the largest health care related occupation in the country. It is also a profession that is experiencing a nation-wide shortage. Employment opportunities for registered nurses are excellent and are expected to grow 21%-35% through the end of the decade. This statistic also applies to nursing specialists such as nurse anesthetists. As the “baby-boom” generation becomes increasingly older, the volume of people who will require advanced medical care is projected to grow very rapidly.

14. Sources http://www.aana.com/Default.aspx http://www.mccg.org/crna/nurse_anesthesia_profession.asp http://www.crnajobs.com/crna-careers/main.aspx