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- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
A CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) administers and provides anesthesia-related care to patients before, during, and after surgery. CRNAs work with various medical practitioners, such as surgeons, dentists, and podiatrists, and act as a liaison between the patient and their leading care provider.
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Required education
DNP
CRNA demand
Nurse anesthetists are in demand due to the aging U.S. population and the growing number of surgical procedures performed in ambulatory surgical centers and doctors’ offices.
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Fast-paced
React and make decisions quickly in demanding conditions.
Higher salary
Earn more by having advanced skills and responsibilities.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
Independent
Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.
High demand
This specialty is in high demand in the U.S.
What is the role of a certified registered nurse anesthetist?
A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in providing anesthesia care to patients across various healthcare settings. CRNAs are crucial members of any surgical care team. They work with various medical practitioners, such as surgeons, dentists, and podiatrists, and act as a liaison between the patient and their leading care provider. Because of their constant communication with both patients and doctors, CRNAs are crucial to providing all parties with a full understanding of how a procedure needs to be approached to ensure maximum safety and comfort for each patient.
What you’ll do as a certified registered nurse anesthetist
Certified registered nurse anesthetists are responsible for bringing stellar communication skills, quality patient care, and a high level of scientific skill to each of your cases, which are likely to range across all disciplines. If you value human connection, independent thinking, high compensation, and on-the-fly problem solving, you just might be a CRNA.
Their roles and responsibilities can vary depending on the facility and state regulations. It’s important to note that the scope of practice for CRNAs can vary by state. In some states, they may have more autonomy in their practice, while in others, they might require physician supervision or collaboration.
Here are the general duties of a CRNA:
It’s important to note that the scope of practice for CRNAs can vary by state. In some states, they may have more autonomy in their practice, while in others, they might require physician supervision or collaboration. Additionally, CRNAs can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, surgical centers, and private practices.
Their roles and responsibilities can vary depending on the facility and state regulations. It’s important to note that the scope of practice for CRNAs can vary by state. In some states, they may have more autonomy in their practice, while in others, they might require physician supervision or collaboration.
Here are the general duties of a CRNA:
- Preoperative Assessment: CRNAs conduct thorough preoperative assessments of patients to evaluate their medical history, current health status, and any potential risks or contraindications for anesthesia.
- Anesthesia Planning: Based on the patient’s assessment, CRNAs create an individualized anesthesia plan, choosing the appropriate anesthetic agents and techniques to ensure patient safety and comfort during surgery or medical procedures.
- Anesthesia Administration: CRNAs administer anesthesia, including general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and monitored anesthesia care (MAC), depending on the specific needs of the patient and the procedure.
- Monitoring and Adjusting Anesthesia: During surgery or medical procedures, CRNAs continuously monitor the patient’s vital signs, anesthesia depth, and overall well-being. They make necessary adjustments to the anesthesia dosage to maintain the patient’s stability and respond promptly to any adverse events.
- Pain Management: CRNAs are well-versed in pain management techniques. They may provide post-operative pain relief through epidural catheters, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps, or other modalities to ensure the patient’s comfort and recovery.
- Collaborating with the Healthcare Team: CRNAs work closely with surgeons, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated patient care and to communicate any critical information during surgical procedures.
- Patient Education: CRNAs inform patients about the anesthesia process, potential risks, and post-operative care to alleviate anxiety and promote patient understanding.
- Emergency Preparedness: CRNAs are trained to handle emergency situations that may arise during surgery or medical procedures, such as anaphylaxis, airway obstruction, or cardiac arrest.
- Post-Anesthesia Care: After surgery or the medical procedure, CRNAs continue to monitor patients during the recovery phase and manage any post-operative complications related to anesthesia.
- Professional Development: CRNAs stay updated on the latest advances in anesthesia techniques, technology, and best practices through ongoing education and training to maintain their certification and improve patient care.
It’s important to note that the scope of practice for CRNAs can vary by state. In some states, they may have more autonomy in their practice, while in others, they might require physician supervision or collaboration. Additionally, CRNAs can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, surgical centers, and private practices.
Administration
You’ll give anesthetics and epidurals, and monitor breathing, temperature, heart rate, and other vital signs. While these actions may seem mundane, they’re extremely important in understanding and maintaining the baseline health of a patient, and can be the first indicators of a potential problem or negative reaction to an anesthetic or procedure.
Collaboration
You’ll be the liaison between the doctor and various healthcare departments involved in the procedure. You’ll often be asked to provide patient background information, baseline vitals, and any other pertinent information so that you and the rest of the care team can make a treatment plan that best suits every individual patient. So, while you may be the only CRNA in the room, it’s very crucial that you’re an active and communicative team member.
NOTE: As you work with various departments and doctors, it’s important that you know what you need from them as a teammate and are clear with them about your needs in order to do your job safely and effectively.
NOTE: As you work with various departments and doctors, it’s important that you know what you need from them as a teammate and are clear with them about your needs in order to do your job safely and effectively.
Documentation
You’ll take patient histories and get consent before any procedures. Document basic pre-op vitals, what medications have been administered and how much, and record patient responses during and after surgery.
Education
You’ll teach patients and their families about the effects and adverse reactions of anesthesia. Remember, any time in a hospital or under medical care can be scary for both patients and their families. It’s your opportunity to validate and reassure them that their questions are understandable and normal. Don’t assume that they understand everything that you’re throwing at them as nerves can often get in the way of active listening. When in doubt, check in and make sure they feel comfortable coming to you with any further questions and/or concerns.
Treatment
You’ll take care of patients pre- and post-surgery, helping them with recovery and pain management. This is where the importance of your patient relationship and bedside manner really come into play. It’s extremely important that patients are comfortable communicating with you about any change they might feel and that you have a robust understanding of their medical background, especially when they aren’t in a state where they can communicate for themselves.
What are the differences between a CRNA and an anesthesiologist?
The key differences between a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and anesthesiologist is that a CRNA is licensed to practice as an advanced-practice nurse and graduates from an accredited nursing school. An anesthesiologist is licensed to practice as a physician and graduates from a medical school.
Where you’ll work as a certified registered nurse anesthetist
CRNAs provide care across practice areas, anywhere pain management is required. Typically, CRNAs are visualized in an operating room, providing anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery. CRNAs also play a vital role in providing airway establishment and management and sedation during emergencies and traumas. They provide anesthesia to women in labor and patients with pain conditions requiring nerve blocks.
CRNAs are teachers and advocates. They teach nursing and CRNA students, patients and families. They advocate for the profession and the best care of their patients.
Some settings where a CRNA might work include:
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CRNAs are teachers and advocates. They teach nursing and CRNA students, patients and families. They advocate for the profession and the best care of their patients.
Some settings where a CRNA might work include:
- Hospitals: CRNAs are an integral part of surgical teams in hospitals, where they provide anesthesia care for a wide range of surgical procedures, including general surgeries, orthopedic surgeries, cardiovascular procedures, neurosurgery, obstetrics, and more.
- Ambulatory Surgical Centers: CRNAs work in outpatient surgical centers, providing anesthesia services for same-day procedures, such as cataract surgeries, endoscopies, and plastic surgeries.
- Obstetrics and Labor Delivery: CRNAs are involved in providing anesthesia care to pregnant women during childbirth and cesarean sections. They administer epidurals and other forms of pain relief to manage labor pain effectively.
- Pain Management Clinics: Some CRNAs work in pain management clinics, where they administer various pain management techniques, including epidural injections, nerve blocks, and other interventions to help patients manage chronic pain.
- Emergency Departments: CRNAs may be involved in the management of critical and trauma patients in emergency departments, providing rapid assessment and stabilization through anesthesia interventions.
$195K
How much do CRNAs make?
The average salary of a CRNA is about $195k, according to 2025 data from Payscale.com, with salaries ranging between $123,000 - $247,000. Average salaries, however, can vary depending on your area’s cost of living and level of demand. Regardless, right now CRNA is the highest-earning nursing specialty.
What’s the demand for CRNAs?
CRNAs are in high demand due to the aging U.S. population and the growing number of surgical procedures performed in ambulatory surgical centers and doctors’ offices.
Overall, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that the projected job growth for CRNAs between 2018 and 2028 would be 26%, so your job as a CRNA is likely to be consistently secure.
Because of the aging U.S. population, ever-changing healthcare legislation, there is a constant demand for nurse anesthetists across various disciplines. With these factors leading to a growing emphasis on preventative care, there has been a notable increase in surgical procedures performed in ambulatory surgical centers and doctors’ offices, thus requiring an increasing number of CRNAs on staff.
In fact, more and more healthcare centers are leaning heavily on CRNAs to be primary anesthesia providers. This is largely thanks to research and reports that have found little to no major differences in ability, education or function between CRNAs and physician anesthesiologists, whose main function within an operating room is to provide CRNA oversight.
So, in absence of an anesthesiologist, CRNAs can fill the gap.
Overall, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that the projected job growth for CRNAs between 2018 and 2028 would be 26%, so your job as a CRNA is likely to be consistently secure.
Because of the aging U.S. population, ever-changing healthcare legislation, there is a constant demand for nurse anesthetists across various disciplines. With these factors leading to a growing emphasis on preventative care, there has been a notable increase in surgical procedures performed in ambulatory surgical centers and doctors’ offices, thus requiring an increasing number of CRNAs on staff.
In fact, more and more healthcare centers are leaning heavily on CRNAs to be primary anesthesia providers. This is largely thanks to research and reports that have found little to no major differences in ability, education or function between CRNAs and physician anesthesiologists, whose main function within an operating room is to provide CRNA oversight.
So, in absence of an anesthesiologist, CRNAs can fill the gap.
My life as nurse anesthetist
For Thomas P., DNP, APN/CRNA, the journey into nursing was a second career. Since earning his Master’s degree in Nurse Anesthesia, he spends his days focusing on quality one-on-one patient care, in and out of the operating room. Between the variety of cases that come across his desk, and the opportunity to put his patients at ease, both physically and mentally, Thomas’s career as a CRNA is always fulfilling and never boring.
Every day that I go home, I know I have impacted someone’s life in a positive way. I love knowing that I have been there for my patients, from those who are toddlers to those who are geriatrics. I help to alleviate their fears and be with them during a frightening experience in their lives.
Thomas, PhD
Nurse anesthetist
How to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist
Becoming a CRNA involves several steps, including education, experience, and certification. Here is a general guide on how to pursue a career as a CRNA:
Get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
The first step is to complete a BSN program from an accredited nursing school. This typically takes around four years. During your undergraduate studies, focus on courses related to anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and critical care, as they will be essential for your future career as a CRNA.
Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.
Most CRNA programs require applicants to have a minimum of one to two years of acute care nursing experience as a registered nurse (RN). Work in critical care units such as intensive care (ICU), cardiac care, or emergency room settings to gain valuable experience in managing critically ill patients.
Gain at least a year’s experience in acute care.
This typically means working in an ICU to gain a more hands-on understanding of anesthesia management.
Complete a Doctoral Degree in Nurse Anesthesia (DNP or DNAP)
After obtaining your BSN and fulfilling the required nursing experience, you’ll need to enroll in a nurse anesthesia program. These programs are at the graduate level and will lead to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctorate of Nursing Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree in nurse anesthesia. Make sure to choose a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Click here to learn more about the differences between the two doctorate-level degrees.
Pass the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist exam through the National Board of Certification & Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists
After successfully completing the nurse anesthesia program, you will need to pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Passing this exam grants you the title of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Click here to learn more about the exam.
Obtain your state licensure.
In addition to national certification, you will need to obtain a state license to practice as a CRNA. Licensure requirements vary by state, so you must meet the specific criteria set by the state board of nursing.
Keep up-to-date with your continuing education.
To maintain your CRNA certification and license, you’ll need to participate in continuing education and meet the recertification requirements outlined by the NBCRNA. It’s important to note that the process of becoming a CRNA can be competitive and demanding. Admittance to nurse anesthesia programs can be competitive, and you may need to demonstrate a strong academic background, relevant nursing experience, and a genuine commitment to the field of nurse anesthesia.
Why you should consider a career as a certified registered nurse anesthetist
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists play a vital role in every surgical team. In your role as a CRNA, you will bring exceptional communication abilities, top-notch patient care, and advanced scientific expertise to every case, which may span various disciplines. If you value face-to-face human interaction, independent decision-making, career opportunity and advancement, and the need for quick problem-solving skills, then becoming a CRNA might be the nursing specialty for you.
Certified registered nurse anesthetist career resources
Stay up to date with, or become a member of, CRNA organizations to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
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Sources
- What is a CRNA? | Source: NP Schools
- How do you become a CRNA? | Sources: Nurse.org, NBCRNA.com, All CRNA Schools
- What are some job opportunities for a CRNA? | Sources: Nurse.org, SHRM.org
- Where can a CRNA work? | Sources: Advancing Surgical Care, AANA.com
- What are some of the roles and responsibilities of a CRNA? | Sources: All Nursing Schools, SHRM.org
- What is the demand for a CRNA? | Source: AANA
- What is the job satisfaction rate for CRNAs? | Source: ScienceDirect.com
- What are the attributes of a CRNA? | Source: Nurse.org
- Earning your DNP/DNAP | Source: Nurse.org
- CRNA Programs | Source: Nurse.org
- Obtaining CRNA Certification | Source: NBCRNA.com