A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who administers anesthesia during procedures. CRNAs also assist patients with pain management.
CRNAs are the tenth best healthcare job in 2023, according to U.S. News & World Report. Becoming a nurse anesthetist requires commitment, as you must attend an additional nursing program with a full-time clinical requirement. But what does a nurse anesthetist do that requires so much schooling and skills?
This article explores the reality of life as a CRNA, including the pros and cons of working in this nursing specialty. We'll highlight CRNA duties and responsibilities, including where they can work and their scope of practice. Continue reading to learn more about what CRNAs do.
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What CRNAs do will vary depending on the state and facility you practice in. While all CRNAs have the same abilities, some states don't allow them to practice independently, which may affect your daily duties.
Nurse anesthetists will spend most of their time in direct patient care. Specific duties include:
While admin may not seem like a typical duty for a CRNA, it is essential to their job. To be clear, administrative duties only mean overseeing a department if that is your specific job. The administration tasks we're referring to include most of the other tasks you'll complete that aren't direct patient care, such as:
CRNAs typically work in locations that have operating rooms, emergency rooms, or intensive care units. Some places where CRNAs can work include:
Working as a nurse anesthetist can be exciting and rewarding. But, it's also challenging because of the increased responsibilities, especially during surgical procedures.
Your daily responsibilities will vary based on work location. However, CRNAs work in operating rooms (ORs) and will find their days to be fairly similar.
Mornings generally start by changing into OR scrubs and checking the daily OR board. Changing into hospital scrubs helps maintain cleanliness and decreases infection chances during procedures. The OR board lists the patients having surgery daily, including their procedures, surgeons, OR room number, and the CRNA or anesthesiologist on the case.
Some states allow independent practice for CRNAs, allowing them to work without anesthesiologist oversight. In states with CRNA independent practice, you will have a set number of cases listed on the OR board.
If you work under an anesthesiologist, you'll want to touch base with them to determine the plan for the day. This conversation may include any individualized plans for specific patients or procedures.
After determining which OR or procedure rooms you will be in, it is your responsibility to check all of your equipment. CRNA equipment includes medication carts, ventilators, gasses, and additional tools and supplies. You'll also need to acquire anything missing or required for specific procedures.
Once the OR cases start, CRNAs manage all anesthesia and breathing equipment for the patient while asleep. You'll be responsible for putting the patient to sleep, intubation, IV access, pain management, and titration of medications throughout the surgery.
You'll repeat the entire OR process for each patient. Some days you may have one lengthy OR procedure, while others offer quicker turnaround with many patients. It all depends on which OR you are assigned and where you work.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
