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Illinois Association of
Nurse Anesthetists
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
When considering a
career in nurse anesthesia, individuals often have questions about the
profession. The following includes answers to some of the most
frequently asked questions and suggestions on where to get answers to
other questions you may have. It is hoped that you will find this
information useful in considering a career as a nurse anesthetist.
What are
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)?
Nurse anesthesia is an advanced clinical nursing specialty. As
anesthesia specialists, CRNAs administer approximately 65% of the 26
million anesthetics given to patients in the U.S. each year.
How does a
nurse become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)?
A nurse attends an accredited Nurse Anesthesia Education Program to
receive an extensive education in anesthesia. Upon graduation, the nurse
must pass a national certification exam to become a CRNA.
What does
a Nurse Anesthesia Education Program include?
24 to 36 months of graduate course work including both classroom and
clinical experience with:
The classroom curriculum emphasizing anatomy, physiology,
pathophysiology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics and pharmacology as
related to anesthesia. The major clinical component providing experience
with a variety of anesthesia techniques and procedures for all types of
surgery and obstetrics. Currently, a few Nurse Anesthesia Education
Programs grant a professional certificate while the majority confer a
master’s degree in nursing, allied health, or biological and clinical
sciences. Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs are modifying their
curricula to meet the requirement that all programs offer a master’s
degree beginning in 1998.
What are
the requirements for admission to a Nurse Anesthesia Education
Program?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing or another appropriate baccalaureate
degree from an approved nursing program. (Each program determines
"appropriate" degrees and "approved"
programs.) A license as a registered nurse. A minimum of one
year of acute care nursing experience. (Each program determines what
constitutes "acute care" nursing.)
Is
financial aid available for an individual to attend a Nurse Anesthesia
Education Program?
Financial aid is available and varies by program. It is suggested that
you contact several programs and ask them about the availability of
tuition assistance, as well as the specific admission criteria. There is
no financial aid available through the AANA for those entering a nurse
anesthesia program.
What is the role of individual CRNAs?
A CRNA
takes care of a patient’s anesthesia needs before, during and after
surgery or the delivery of a baby by:
Performing a physical assessmentParticipating in preoperative teaching
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Preparing for
anesthetic management
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Administering
anesthesia to keep the patient pain free
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Maintaining
anesthesia intraoperatively
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Overseeing
recovery from anesthesia
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Following the
patient’s postoperative course from recovery room to patient care
unit.
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Because CRNAs
are licensed as nurses, they provide services in conjunction with a
qualified physician — for instance, a surgeon, dentist,
podiatrist, or anesthesiologist.
Where do
CRNAs practice?
CRNAs practice in a variety of settings in the private and public sector
and in the U.S. military, including traditional hospital
operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, pain clinics, and physician’s
offices. They practice on a solo basis, in groups and
collaboratively. Some CRNAs have independent contracting arrangements
with physicians or hospitals.
What
employment opportunities exist for CRNAs?
CRNAs are in demand and therefore, have many opportunities for general
or specialty practice throughout the U.S. Reflecting the level of
responsibility, CRNAs are one of the best paid nursing specialties. The
reported average annual salary in 1996 was approximately $86,000. An
article in the September 21, 1992 issue of Fortune magazine included
nurse anesthetists among the top 20% of income earners in America.
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Marguerite M Brunner, MA
222 South Prospect Avenue
Park Ridge, IL 60068-4001
(847) 692-7050 ext. 3065
Courtesty from © 1998 American
Association of Nurse Anesthetists
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