Removing the hurt: Nurse anesthetists play crucial role in managing patients’ pain
Looking for a rewarding job in health care? Consider a career as a nurse anesthetist (CRNA). The profession is part of a specialized world of surgical support, where nurse anesthetists enjoy increasing job prospects, job satisfaction, and competitive salaries.
Job description: Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in administering anesthesia and managing pain during surgical procedures, childbirth and other medical t reatments. They can assess patients’ medical histories and physical conditions, develop and implement anesthesia care, administer anesthesia medications and monitor patients’ vital signs throughout procedures. “It’s all about helping manage pain before, during and after surgery or any medical treatment,” says Rita Nelson, a healthcare recruiter in Tampa, Florida. “You spend a lot of time discussing care with surgeons and anesthesiologists to make sure everythi ng runs smoothly.”
Education:
Becoming a nurse anesthetist requires a significant investment in education and training. “You take extra steps to prepare for the profession,” says Nelson. “It’s a lot like any other nursing specialty – you have to get training that applies to the role.” First, earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing program, then obtain a registered nurse (RN) license by passing the NCLEX-RN examination. Nurse anesthe tists gain clinical experience working as a registered nurse, preferably in critical care or anesthesia-related settings. Nurses then complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a specialization in nurse anesthesia before obtaining certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) by passing the National Certification Examination administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertifi cation for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
Job outlook:
Nurse anesthetists are in strong demand, which is expected to continue due to an increasing demand for surgical procedures and health care services, driven by population growth, aging demographics and advances in medical technology. Many U.S. regions have shortages of anesthesiologists, leading to greater reliance on nurses to provide anesthesia care. Also, as health care plans continue to expand, there has been an increase in patients seeking surgical and medical treatments, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Salary:
While salaries vary based on experience, location and employer, nurse anesthetists are among the highestpaid nursing professionals. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for nurse anesthetists was $203,090 as of May 2023.
Job satisfaction:
Nurse anesthetists often report high levels of job satisfaction. “The job is challenging and rewarding,” says Nelson. “Plus, nurse anesthetists enjoy a lot of autonomy.”