REJUVENATE YOUR CAREER IN THE OLDEST ADVANCE PRACTICE SPECIALTY:
By Thomas Kelly, CRNA, MSNA
Trustee for The Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists
(PANA)
Nurse anesthesia is the oldest advanced practice specialty in the field of nursing. Yet the profession remains in a perpetual fountain of youth as it constantly redefines itself. As healthcare and technology moves forward, so does the profession of nurse anesthesia. This trend has been constant since the profession’s inception, and it continues to move steadily ahead. The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has evolved into a uniquely educated, highly skilled practitioner who cares for patients in many types of situations and environments.
The constant expansion of the field has provided, on a consistent basis, much opportunity for nurses who wish to advance their careers and move into a more specialized practice. While the practice has also felt the sting of the nursing shortage, applicants for CRNA graduate programs remain strong.
What are nurse anesthetists anyway?
CRNAs are registered nurses who administer anesthesia in a variety of settings from the most basic to the most complex. Their greatest responsibility is to provide patients with a safe and more comfortable surgical experience.
Why consider a career change?
While every aspect of nursing is crucial and highly regarded, there are nurses who look for growth opportunities within their field but beyond their current occupation—opportunities in which they can serve patients in a more specialized aspect.
Registered nurses with critical care experience and a passion for thinking on their feet are key candidates sought to fill CRNA positions.
The freedom to choose
There are many practice settings and specialization options for CRNAs. Opportunities exist from the busiest metropolitan settings to rural facilities.
Would you like to be part of bringing new life into the world in an obstetrical delivery room? How about serving patients in a closer, more intimate team environment such as a surgical center? Do you prefer to work in an outpatient setting?
The doors for new CRNAs are open in every setting imaginable. And one of the greatest benefits enjoyed by CRNAs is the ability to care for patients in a mostly autonomous environment.
Each day is challenging
In a hospital setting, every case is a critical care event. And each event has the potential to encounter unique circumstances. Avoiding obstacles and maintaining success is the responsibility of the entire surgical team, of which the CRNA plays a major part.
CRNAs literally need to think on their feet. The induction (beginning), maintenance, and emergence (conclusion) of an anesthetic requires an acute attention to detail.
The steps to providing an anesthetic are analogous to flying an airplane:
Induction—CRNAs are responsible for a smooth and safe takeoff.
Maintenance—CRNAs consistently monitor the patient’s response and ensure the patient flies on course and at altitude.
Emergence—CRNAs are on hand to guide the patient to a safe and smooth landing back into consciousness.
Like pilots, CRNAs are charged with the awesome responsibility of ensuring a safe journey every step of the way.
A commitment to lifelong learning
Do you thirst for knowledge?
CRNAs maintain a minimum of 40 continuing education credit hours every two years. Anesthesia care is as much as an art as it is a science and requires dedication and study. Participating in continuing education keeps CRNAs current with new anesthetic techniques and the continuously evolving laws that govern the practice.
Support is the backbone
Each state has its own association of nurse anesthetists that provides members with important information such as pending legislation, annual meetings, and opportunities to participate in many ways that support both professional and personal growth. In addition, The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) supports the industry’s interests on a national level.
Prerequisites to becoming a CRNA
To join the growing ranks of CRNAs, candidates must be RNs who possess a BSN, and have a minimum of one year critical care experience. The approximately ninety programs across the country range from a minimum of twenty-four months to a maximum of thirty-six months to complete. All programs are Master’s level. Most degrees awarded are in Nursing, Nurse Anesthesia, Biological Science, or Physiology. Upon graduation from an accredited program, all CRNA candidates must pass a rigorous national certifying exam.
A road worth traveled
The path to becoming a CRNA is an exciting and challenging undertaking. The journey is not easy, but it is one well worth traveled.