A CRNA helps administer anesthesia to patients. A CRNA is a registered nurse and holds a master’s degree. If you enjoy preparing patients for intense surgery operations, then you will enjoy being a CRNA. You help ease the nerves of patients before they enter into a surgery. After surgery, you help the patient to recover from the operation. You are also required to watch over a patient during a surgery. You will need to make sure that the patient does not experience any adverse effects to anesthesia. If a patient does experience adverse effects, then you will need to know how to respond and administer other treatments. The CRNA plays an integral role throughout the operation that a patient undergoes. He or she works directly with a doctor to ensure that a patient fully recovers from his or her illness. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a CRNA?” When you want to become a CRNA, it is important for you to be committed to the pursuit of a nursing degree and the other educational requirements of this career.
What’s it like to be a CRNA?
CRNAs may work in high-stress environments. As a CRNA, you will need to assist a surgeon or doctor during a surgery procedure. A doctor may want you to help in handling medical equipment during the operation. Of course, before the surgery begins, your main task will be to administer the anesthesia and ensure that the patient does not have any allergic reactions. A CRNA can be put in a difficult position if a patient is allergic to anesthesia, and he or she may need to administer CPR or other life-saving measures. CRNAs are usually able to work very flexible hours. A CRNA may be able to work only on a part-time basis.
Education Requirements
To become a CRNA, one will have to complete various advanced education requirements. One will need to obtain his or her nursing degree. To obtain a nursing degree, you will have to apply for nursing programs upon the completion of basic pre-requisite courses. Admission into nursing programs is very competitive, so you should try to obtain the best grade point average that you can. After you receive your nursing degree, you will then need to obtain a master’s degree. It usually takes two or three years to complete a master’s degree with a specialization in anesthesia. It is a good idea to apply to multiple CRNA programs. This way, you will be sure that you receive admission to a program. During the application process, you will need to complete an interview with board members. You will need to take a recertification course every year.
Salary & How to Get a Job
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a CRNA is about $100,000 a year. A CRNA is the highest paid type of nurse. To get a job as a CRNA, you should apply for programs at public hospitals. You may also be able to find plenty of open positions available at university research centers and hospitals. A private doctor’s office may also want to hire you to oversee patient care.
References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_2070329_become-certified-registered-nurse-anesthetist.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/soc/2010/soc291151.htm