Career Spotlight: Nurse Anesthetist
Do you find yourself needing a change in your nursing career and not sure where to go? Are you looking for a career path that allows you to have more autonomy and has you working more closely with physicians? One of your options might be a nurse anesthetist.
What is a Nurse Anesthetist?
According to the University of Kansas Medical Center, “nurse anesthetists provide anesthesia and related care before and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic and obstetrical procedures. They also provide pain management and emergency services, such as airway management.”1
These nurses work in a wide variety of settings from emergency rooms and surgical wings to dentists offices.
How do you become a Nurse Anesthetist?
A nurse anesthetist is required to have an advanced degree in nursing. To become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) you must have a Master of Science in Nursing.2
As with many nursing specialties, you will also have to pass a certification exam.
How much do Nurse Anesthetists make?
The average yearly salary for a CRNAs is $153,780.2
This, of course, is dependent upon the type of degree you have, where you are working and multiple other factors.
What does a normal day look like for a Nurse Anesthetist?
CRNAs work closely with doctors to provide anesthesia for patients in a wide variety of scenarios.
According to Rasmussen College, “the CRNA is responsible for evaluating the patient to help determine the best anesthetic plan for them […]. The next step is to prepare the room with the right equipment for during the surgery or procedure or whatever follows. Then they administer the anesthetic to the patient and monitor his or her vitals throughout the procedure.”3
Is anesthetist nursing the right choice for me?
With an increase in education and pay comes an increase in responsibility. Becoming a CRNA means gaining a higher level of authority and control when it comes to the patient.
Nick from Rasmussen College says “as a CRNA, you’ll have to make decisions on the medications and dosages of drugs give to a patient. These are powerful drugs that – if administered incorrectly – could potentially be deadly.”3
While anesthetist nursing may not be for everyone, it is a speciality for those nurses who are looking for a new challenge and are able to handle pressure and responsibility.
RN to BSN says the ideal candidates can remain calm and controlled in high pressure situations, can easily and quickly perform precise biometric calculations, enjoy multi-tasking and following complex protocols and excel in explaining medical procedures and sedation to patients and their families.4
If you’re looking for a career path that provides a higher level of responsibility and authority and has a higher salary, anesthetist nursing might be the career for you!
Do you have a suggestion for another nursing career spotlight? Tell us in the comments below!
SOURCES:
- http://www.kumc.edu/school-of-health-professions/nurse-anesthesia-education/what-is-a-nurse-anesthetist.html
- http://www.allnursingschools.com/nursing-careers/article/become-nurse-anesthetist/
- http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/blog/what-is-nurse-anesthetist/
- http://www.rntobsn.org/careers/certified-nurse-anesthetist/
