A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is a medical professional who specializes in administering safe and effective anesthesia during medical procedures. Their daily schedule typically varies depending on the exact nature of their role. If you’re interested in learning more about working in this field, discovering what a day in the life of a CRNA is typically like can help you determine if this career path is appropriate for you.
In this article, we discuss some typical daily duties for CRNAs and provide answers to some frequently asked questions about this job.
What is a day in the life of a CRNA like?
A day in the life of a CRNA typically varies depending on the type of medical institution they work for and their specialization. CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who help various other types of medical professionals, such as anesthesiologists, surgeons and dentists, by administering anesthesia to their patients. Their training also allows them to operate independently in many US states, without the supervision of an anesthesiologist or other type of physician. This means that some medical institutions solely rely on CRNAs to provide anesthesia to their patients.
What type of institutions employ CRNAs?
Some medical institutions that are likely to use CRNAs are:
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Hospitals
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Dentist offices
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Plastic surgery clinics
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Podiatry clinics
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Ophthalmology clinics
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Pain centers
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Public health offices
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Government and military medical facilities
What are some daily duties of CRNAs?
Some daily tasks that CRNAs are likely to perform regardless of their specialization are:
Inspecting the operating room
CRNAs are responsible for ensuring that operating rooms are properly equipped to provide safe and effective anesthesia to patients. This mainly refers to reviewing the operating table or chair and checking that the anesthesia equipment is fully functional. Since these tasks are a prerequisite to any procedure that involves anesthesia, CRNAs are likely to perform them at the start of a workday.
Reviewing patient information
Since the type and amount of anesthesia required typically depends on multiple patient characteristics, CRNAs analyze each patient before deciding how to administer it. They usually perform a physical examination and ask each patient questions to determine their physical condition. After completing the examination, they assign each patient a score from one to five based on standards set by the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA). A lower score indicates a healthier patient who’s less likely to experience any unwanted effects from the anesthesia.
Some relevant health factors that CRNAs attempt to determine by questioning a patient are:
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Their level of physical endurance
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The quality of their sleep
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Whether the patient has had previous surgeries
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Any medication that the patient may be taking, particularly for cardiac issues
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Any potentially harmful substances, such as narcotics, that the patient may be taking regularly
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The patient’s body mass index (BMI)
Monitoring patients during medical procedures
After preparing the operating room and evaluating a patient’s health condition, CRNAs monitor their health status while under anesthesia. This mainly refers to checking their heart rate, breathing and blood pressure. If they identify any changes in the patient’s vital signs or pain levels, they use their expertise to take appropriate measures.
Managing patient well-being after anesthesia
After monitoring their patients’ health status during anesthesia procedures, CRNAs assist them as the anesthesia effects wear off. They typically continue to monitor each patient’s vital signs after procedures, up to the point when the patient is ready to be discharged. In some situations, they’re required to address various issues that patients may be experiencing, such as nausea and pain.
Frequently asked questions about being a CRNA
These are some FAQs about a career as a CRNA:
What is a CRNA’s typical work environment?
A CRNA’s work environment typically depends on the institution they work in and their specialization. In states that don’t allow them to operate independently, they work under the supervision of an anesthesiologist or surgeon. Many CRNAs work full-time from Monday to Friday, with some working nights and weekends. Due to the fast-paced nature of the role, they require the energy and stamina to maintain their performance levels throughout their shifts.
What are the job requirements for CRNAs?
The requirements for becoming a CRNA are:
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Education: CRNAs require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or equivalent and a master’s degree from a nurse anesthesia program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Upon completing their educational requirements, aspiring CRNAs gain relevant knowledge in anatomy, pharmacology, pathology and physiology.
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Training: Aspiring CRNAs gain practical experience by working directly with patients in various medical settings while earning their bachelor’s degree and after graduation. Also, while studying for their master’s degree, they typically gain specialized practical training under the supervision of experienced CRNAs and anesthesiologists.
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Certifications: The basic requirement for working as a CRNA is earning a registered nurse (RN) license, which many aspiring CRNAs earn near the end of their bachelor’s program or after graduation. After earning their master’s degree, they’re required to pass the exam administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), which allows them to earn the CRNA certification and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license.
What are some basic pros and cons of working as a CRNA?
Some of the pros of working as a CRNA are:
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The job is likely to be in demand for the foreseeable future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for CRNAs is likely to grow by 40% until the year 2031, which is much faster than the average growth for all occupations.
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You can choose from a wide variety of work environments. The large number of medical facilities that require CRNAs means you can potentially access various professional environments.
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You have a relatively high level of autonomy. Even in states where CRNAs are required to work under the supervision of an anesthesiologist or surgeon, their skill level and knowledge allow them to make critical decisions and operate independently.
Some potential cons of working as a CRNA are:
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The role involves a large amount of responsibility. Managing patient safety during procedures that involve anesthesia can be risky and stressful. Depending on your mindset, this level of responsibility can also motivate and inspire you.
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It involves extensive education and certification requirements. Becoming a CRNA can be a lengthy process, with multiple degrees and certifications required. After earning them, however, you’re likely to have access to multiple employment opportunities throughout your career.
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You may have an intense work schedule. Some CRNA jobs involve working overtime and weekends, which may affect your personal life. If this is a challenge for you, some roles only involve working regular work hours from Monday to Friday.
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