Deborah
What are some important things/details I should know about being a Nurse Anesthetist?
#career #Nursing
2 answers
Clay Downing
Clay’s Answer
I love this question. My next door neighbor is a Anesthesiologist. This is what I wanted to do out of nursing school, CRNA. To be honest I became a medical device rep and you make about what a doctor does. Anyway back to CRNA. You will need to complete 4 yr nursing program and do 2 years in SICU( surgical Intensive care unit). The CRNA program is VERY competitive so you must put all your effort into the nursing program because without those great grades, CRNA will not happen.
Once you are CRNA, you can incorporate and you and other CRNAs can create a business servicing more rural hospitals. The CRNA program is basically an Anesthesiologist specialty without going to med school. You will work under the supervision on the Dr. You need to be very detailed oriented as you are administering what could be lethal medications and you play a serious role in surgeries.
Remember this statement when it comes to Anesthesia, it is easy to put someone to sleep, the skill is bringing them out of anesthesia and being awake.
Stephanie Espinosa
Stephanie’s Answer
The Nurse Anesthetist program is very competitive but just as Clay said, "The CRNA program is basically an Anesthesiologist specialty without going to med school. You will work under the supervision on the Dr.". Most programs require about 2-3 years of experience before applying and the program is approximately 3-4 years.
Keep in mind that a few years ago, it was officially changed that you must obtain up to the Doctorate of Nursing Practice for Nurse Anesthetists for employment opportunities. So do not feel overwhelmed if you find programs that are going directly from a post-BSN to DNP.
Good luck!