Anesthesia Nursing

Anesthesia Nursing A nurse anesthetist provides anesthesia and care associated with it to patients before and after surgery. They may also administer medication for diagnostic and obstetrical procedures, pain management, or emergency services.

What is a Nurse anesthetist?

A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a nurse that has received specialized training in the field of anesthesiology. The CRNA administers medicine as needed for surgery. CRNAs work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologist, and other health care providers that work with surgical patients.

Additional education and training is required beyond an RN degree. The requirements involve a 4-year undergraduate degree in nursing or a similar health field degree. You must obtain a license for an RN, and have experience in the acute care of patients. After working in acute care, it is generally followed by entrance into an anesthesia program, to study and obtain a doctorate.

Related: Patients with Clostridium difficile In addition to services to surgical patients, CRNAs provide clinical support services outside of the operating room. Anesthesia and anesthesia-related services are expanding to other areas, such as MRI units, cardiac catheterization labs and lithotripsy units. Upon request or referral these services include providing consultation and implementation of respiratory and ventilatory care, identifying and managing emergency situations, including initiating or participating in cardiopulmonary resuscitation that involves airway maintenance, ventilation, tracheal intubation, pharmacologic, cardiopulmonary support, and management of blood, fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance.

Administrative Roles Some CRNAs perform administrative functions for departments of anesthesia. The services provided by these department directors and managers are extremely important to the overall functioning of an anesthesia department and directly affect the efficiency and quality of service provided.

Other CRNA Roles Some CRNAs have chosen to specialize in pediatric, obstetric, cardiovascular, plastic, dental or neurosurgical anesthesia. Others also hold credentials in fields such as critical care nursing and respiratory care. In addition to their membership in the AANA, many CRNAs also belong to in a variety of anesthesia and subspecialty organizations. Every nurse has an important role, and CRNA’s have critical responsibilities with the patients they care for.

It is often the CRNA that collects pertinent information from the patient prior to surgery. Missing, or inaccurate information could potentially cause death, so it is vital all information be accurate. Patients are often stressed prior to surgery, and may forget important details, the CRNA is trained to ask questions to ensure all information is obtained. They essentially make sure the patient is safely prepared for surgery, a critical step to ensure every patient's safety.

Related: Patients and Food If you have an interest in this field of nursing, there are some considerations you should cover prior to investing in the continued education.

Are you extremely detail oriented? If not, reconsider moving into this career. Your job will require very close attention to every detail. One slip up could cost a life. This is the type of position that you check, check, and re-check before proceeding.

Are you interested in science and chemicals? A CRNA will have less interaction with patients on a casual basis. The interaction will be more questions, and taking critical information, less personal than you would do as an RN. Are you willing to work an irregular schedule? In the beginning of your career working in anesthesiology, you may be on call for emergency surgical procedures. Even during these times, you will be expected to obtain all necessary information regarding the patient, prior to surgery.

Do, you have the time to devote to the continued education program?

Hours of study time, and of course, time to attend class, and complete an internship. Nothing can be more frustrating that trying to further an education and realizing it's not the right time.

If you are planning to further your career and become a CRNA, you have a challenge ahead, but it will be worth it in the long run as it is a very important job, and in high demand just about everywhere. Determination and hard work will allow you to reach the goals you desire. You will become a part of a team that works to ensure the safety and well being of all surgical patients. For more information, check with your local state licensing board to determine qualifications needed to pursue this career.

Related: International Nurses Association

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