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A certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA) takes care of a patient?s anesthesia needs
before, during, and after surgery or delivery of a baby. Nurse anesthetist
duties include: conducting a physical assessment of the patient, preparing the
appropriate anesthetic for surgery, administering the anesthetic, monitoring and
maintaining anesthesia during the operation or delivery, and overseeing a patients
recovery from the anesthetic after surgery is complete. During the anesthesia
process, a CRNA is continuously responsible for a patient?s safety and comfort.
In terms of education, this position requires a master?s degree from an
accredited nurse anesthesia program. In order to enroll in a nurse anesthesia
program, an individual must usually have a bachelor?s degree in nursing, be
licensed as a registered nurse, and have at least one year of experience in
a critical/acute care setting. (The entire education process to become a
nurse anesthetist usually spans on average 6-8 years depending on the programs
chosen.) After the education process is complete, individuals must pass a
national certification examination. For more information regarding a career as
a nurse anesthetist, please visit the
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Please use the links provided
below to learn more about specific educational programs pertaining to this field.
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