Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are compassionate and driven people tasked with performing a job that requires vigilance, mental acuity and dedication to improving the provision of health care. The decision to research this career is based on the growing need for affordable health care and the CRNAs’ dedication and continual ability to meet these demands. CRNAs demonstrate intelligence, indelible work ethic and an unsurpassed desire to advocate for the patients under their care. CRNAs provide ease and peace of mind throughout the perioperative period by including patients in the discussion and formulation of anesthetic plans. Intraoperatively, CRNAs are charged with the task of providing amnesia, sedation, immobility and analgesia

The nurse anesthesia field does not require the individual to prepare while in high school. However, many CRNAs regard high school preparation as a vital component to future success. Recommended high school courses include those mostly in science such as biology, anatomy, physiology and chemistry. CRNAs also recommend high school students interested in the field of anesthesia to pursue opportunities to shadow CRNAs and volunteer at local hospitals and health clinics (Ley). These opportunities allow students a glimpse at the daily routine of nurses and CRNAs

Variations in foundational requirements exist within educational institutions. However, much of the education required is similar among the various universities. Collegiate education in nursing represents a rigorous academic journey that begins with prerequisite courses. These courses could include anatomy, basic pharmacology, microbiology and chemistry. Following completion of prerequisite courses, students must be accepted into an undergraduate-nursing program. Two years of core nursing classes and clinical rotations in various health departments usually provide students with a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the opportunity to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) (How to Become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist). Certification as a registered nurse (RN) is awarded upon passing the NCLEX (How Do I Become a Nurse Anesthetist?). RNs may practice with an Associate’s degree but graduate education of the nurse anesthetist requires a minimum of a baccalaureate