CRNA Duties?

Nursing Students SRNA

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I'm really interested in becoming a CRNA. I'm still in high school but I've been doing my research. During this, I read that CRNAs only work with women giving birth. Is this true? Or do they deliver anesthesia to any patient who needs it at the time? I've been confused about this all day, so I'd really like for someone to clear this up for me. Thanks!

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Is it possible you were reading something about CNMs (certified nurse midwives) and just got the acronyms mixed up?? I can't imagine anyone stating in print that CRNAs only work with laboring women ... That is certainly not true! CRNAs adminster all types of anesthesia to all types of clients.

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A CRNA performs anesthesia in all settings. They basically have the same scope of practice as an anesthesiologist. As a nurse anesthetist you can do OBGYN anesthesia if that is what you are interested in, but it is certainly not limited to that area. It is a great career, best of luck to you in your pursuits.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
.......I read that CRNAs only work with women giving birth. .....

Wrong. Wherever that came from, ignore that source.

Try http://www.gaspasser.com

and, check all the many LINKS at the top of this allnurses.com page concerning CRNAs.

Good luck.

d

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Specializes in ICU.

Not sure where you read that, but it sounds like that is about CNMs (midwives), not CRNAs. CRNAs place epidurals for laboring women and are present when a c-section occurs, but that is pretty much the only involvement they have with women giving birth. Nurse anesthetists provide anesthesia during surgery, as well as doing things like epidurals, nerve blocks and such in pain clinics, or intubating in a code blue. Check out http://www.aana.com for more information.

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Thanks! I was hoping these were the types of replies I'd get. Haha

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