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As a CRNA what do you do on a day-to-day basis and what does a normal day in your field look like?
I am a student at Mayo High school and I do P-TECH at RCTC and its a program for future nurses to help us graduate high school with our LPN degrees. I am considering being a CRNA in my future.
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Chosen Osarodion’s Answer
As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), your day-to-day responsibilities revolve around administering anesthesia and managing patients' anesthesia care throughout surgical or medical procedures. Here's a look at a typical day:
Morning Preparation:
Pre-operative Assessments: Review patient charts, medical history, and current medications. Conduct a physical assessment and discuss anesthesia plans with patients.
Team Collaboration: Meet with the surgical team, including surgeons and anesthesiologists, to finalize the anesthesia plan.
During Procedures:
Administer Anesthesia: Prepare and administer the appropriate type of anesthesia (general, regional, or local).
Monitor Patients: Continuously monitor vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels) to ensure the patient’s safety.
Adjust Anesthesia Levels: Adjust dosages as needed based on the patient's response.
Post-Procedure Care:
Recovery Room Monitoring: Oversee patients in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), ensuring a smooth recovery and managing any pain or side effects.
Patient Education: Provide post-operative instructions to patients and their families regarding pain management and recovery.
Other Duties:
Documentation: Record all aspects of the anesthesia care provided.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated on the latest anesthesia techniques and protocols through ongoing education and training.
Being a CRNA involves critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. It’s a rewarding career for those who enjoy patient care and the science of anesthesia.
Your P-TECH program is a great foundation for this path since you'll already have hands-on nursing experience early on.
Morning Preparation:
Pre-operative Assessments: Review patient charts, medical history, and current medications. Conduct a physical assessment and discuss anesthesia plans with patients.
Team Collaboration: Meet with the surgical team, including surgeons and anesthesiologists, to finalize the anesthesia plan.
During Procedures:
Administer Anesthesia: Prepare and administer the appropriate type of anesthesia (general, regional, or local).
Monitor Patients: Continuously monitor vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels) to ensure the patient’s safety.
Adjust Anesthesia Levels: Adjust dosages as needed based on the patient's response.
Post-Procedure Care:
Recovery Room Monitoring: Oversee patients in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), ensuring a smooth recovery and managing any pain or side effects.
Patient Education: Provide post-operative instructions to patients and their families regarding pain management and recovery.
Other Duties:
Documentation: Record all aspects of the anesthesia care provided.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated on the latest anesthesia techniques and protocols through ongoing education and training.
Being a CRNA involves critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. It’s a rewarding career for those who enjoy patient care and the science of anesthesia.
Your P-TECH program is a great foundation for this path since you'll already have hands-on nursing experience early on.
Updated
Angel’s Answer
Hey, that’s a great question! A typical day as a CRNA can vary, but generally, you'll start by reviewing patient charts, making sure they’re ready for surgery. During surgeries, you’ll monitor patients’ vital signs, adjust anesthesia levels, and make sure everything’s running smoothly. You’ll work closely with surgeons and the medical team. It’s all about keeping patients safe and comfortable. It’s a busy, hands-on job, but it’s also incredibly rewarding! You're doing amazing by thinking ahead! Keep it up!