Nurse ANETHESTITIST

EricJRN, MSN, RN · May 6, 2006

Nurse anesthetists are also known as CRNA's. (Sometimes that's easier to remember how to pronounce.) Although I'm not a CRNA, I can tell you that CRNA is generally associated with the top pay of any opportunity in nursing. CRNA's have a master's degree in nursing and usually several years of prior RN critical care experience. They aren't exactly the same as anesthesiologists, who are MD's. In most places though, the CRNA handles the same types of anesthesia cases and the day-to-day work is very, very similar to anesthesiology.

We do have a CRNA Forum and a Pre-CRNA Forum here at Allnurses.com where you can find a lot more information.

burn out · May 7, 2006

A CRNA is now at least in my state a Masters degree with a certificate in anesthesia . You have to have a bachelors but not necessarily a BSN. A Crna works under the Anesthesilogist (MD). For instance if you have 5 OR suites you can have 5 CRNAs but only one Anesthesiologist. CRNA s work under the directions of the Anesthesiologist.

meandragonbrett · May 8, 2006

A CRNA is now at least in my state a Masters degree with a certificate in anesthesia . You have to have a bachelors but not necessarily a BSN. A Crna works under the Anesthesilogist (MD). For instance if you have 5 OR suites you can have 5 CRNAs but only one Anesthesiologist. CRNA s work under the directions of the Anesthesiologist.

No, CRNAs are not required to work under the direction of an anesthesiologist. CRNAs work with physcians of all types, surgeons, dentists and anesthesiologists. CRNAs posess their own license and are responsible for their actions. Head on over to the CRNA forum, there is a sticky that will answer a lot of your questions regarding the profession.