Anesthetist

Question: What is a Certified Nurse Anesthetist and what is the difference between it and an Anestigiologist doctor? I would like to know what a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is. Also I would like to know the differences between a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and an Anestigiologist doctor? I would like to know the advantages and disadvantages, good and bad parts of being a CRNA. Some people say that the job is really hard and stressful because you have a lot of things to be responsible for. I would like some opinions and feedback. Thanks in advance.

Answer: About $100,000-$200,000 per year. ;) CRNA: Master's degree prepared (6-7 years of full-time college in all). Depending on an individual facility's policies, might not be allowed to perform certain procedures (epidural placements, solo on a general anesthesia case, etc.) MDA: 4 years college, 4 years med school, 3+? years internship / residency / specialization in anesthesia, and possibly more if a fellowship is done. Can do any procedure. CRAs make about $120,000 per year to start. And you're darn right it can be stressful. You literally hold a patient's life in your hands when they are under anesthesia. The liability potential is tremendous. Insurance premiums are killer. You have to be very smart, quick on your feet, a great critical thinker, vast knowledge of chemistry and the human body, and be able to work under pressure (performing emergency intubations on a patient who has coded, etc.). You need to first and foremost be an excellent critical care nurse, which is why all CRNA schools make you work in a ICU environment for a minimum of about 2-3 years before you qualify for a program.

Question: Can a nurse anesthetist who got their license in Texas practice anesthesia in a different state? I live in Texas and am going to school for my BSN, I cant go to nurse anesthetist school in Kansas because they require my BSN license to be from Kansas. After I graduate from Nurse anesthetist school can I work in Kansas?

Answer: One way to go to nurse anesthetist school in Kansas would be to qualify for a Kansas nursing license, which is different than receiving a BSN degree in Kansas. In any event, it appears that you will need a Kansas nursing license to work as a nurse anesthetist in Kansas. It is usually not too difficult for a nurse (RN) who has been licensed in one state to be licensed in another.

Question: How to become nurse anesthetist if I live in colorado? I just finished high school and I want to be a nurse anesthetist. I am going University of Colorado at Denver this fall. I want to know how I can become a nurse anesthetist in colorado because I don't want to go to another state to get my degree. Can someone please help me?

Answer: you will first have to be an RN, most anesthesia nursing programs require 2 years of ICU experience first.... So first work on getting your BSN and getting a job in ICU.

Question: What are the average hours of a nurse anesthetist? I am looking into possibly becoming a nurse anesthetist and I was wondering what kind of hours they tend to work. Any other information concerning the job would be appreciated as well! Thanks!

Answer: It depends on where you work. All CRNAs will have to be on call at some time or other. If you work in a rural area at a small hospital, you may be one of, lets say 4 CRNAs employed there, which means maybe every fourth night and every fourth weekend you are on-call 24/7. If the hospital needs you right in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner, you've have to drop everything and go. The advantage is that rural CRNAs are paid much better (average U.S. salary of $174,214). At a larger hospital, there are more of you to share call-duty, so it's not so bad. You're also paid a little less (average U.S. salary is $156,630 in metropolitan areas). In addition to call, there's the regular scheduled shift, which usually starts at 7am (or a little before) and you work until your surgery schedule is done. You may get off at one in the afternoon when surgery schedule is light and other days may be more like 6pm. Hours are very unpredictable (they're more predictable at larger hospitals).

Question: What are the education requirements to become a nurse anesthetist? I am interested in pursuing a career in nursing and possibly aspiring to nurse anesthetist and was wondering what the education requirements are. How does it compare with an actual anesthesiologist? Salary, education, etc..

Answer: CRNA: BSN, a year of critical care nursing experience, Master's program in nurse anesthesia. Total time (excluding cc experience): 6 1/2 years. Anesthesiologist: Bachelor's degree, Medical school, Anesthesia residency. Total time: 12 years. A fully trained CRNA has less clinical experience than a first year anesthesia resident, and does not have the educational background to even apply to medical school. However, many of them think they are equivalent to us. The good ones know their limitations, and work well as part of a care team. The cocky ones think they know it all, and call us when things have really gone downhill. Salaries are high for CRNAs, but about half that of an anesthesiologist. The doctor has the ultimate responsibility in the case, and assumes the risk for what the CRNA does, and that's one reason that the pay is higher. We also have significantly more training and experience, and can do more than most CRNAs (especially with regard to regional techniques). It's a good profession for nurses, as long as you have good attention to detail, and can work as part of a team. I prefer to do my own cases, because, although there are plenty of very good CRNA's that I wold trust my life to, there are also some that are downright scary. And, I love giving anesthesia. It's more fun to actually do it. If you have what it takes to be a physician, go that route. You won't be happy as a nurse. If you don't want to put the time and commitment into becoming a doctor, then nursing is also a fine choice. We need good nurses.

Question: To specialize as an anesthetist, do I have to have 1 year experience or can i immediately take online courses? To specialize as an anesthetist, do I have to have 1 year experience as an RN or is it possible for me to immediately start specializing with online courses? And what are the differences between specializing (in anesthesiology) online and in an actual university? Is it any less time consuming/easier/tougher?

Answer: First of all, let's get our terms straight. An "anesthesiologist" is ALWAYS a physician. An MD. An "anesthetist" tends to be a nurse (usually called a "nurse anesthetist"), or, in some states, can be a specialized technician. The "ogist" versus "ist" is what makes the difference. A similar analog is "optometrist" versus "ophthalmologist." The former may be called a "Dr" but it's in much the same manner that a chiropractor is called a "Dr"... neither a chiropractor or an optometrist is a PHYSICIAN (an MD). An "ophthalmologist" is, in fact, a physician... an MD. So, for your purposes, we're talking about anesthetist, not anesthesiologist. I know this because you're asking if you can start doing it as an RN... so it's obviously not anesthesiology. It's being a "nurse anesthetist." Now, beyond that, I will tell you what I tell EVERYONE who comes here and starts asking questions like this: IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT YOUR STATE'S LAWS ALLOW AND PRESCRIBE. Nursing, in all forms, is a REGULATED profession at that STATE (not the federal) level. As such, each state has its own "Nursing Board" which makes ALL the rules for how nurses are educated, how they're licensed, what they can and cannot do, what KINDS of nurses the state allows (and what each of THEM can an cannot do... and also how they're educated). You cannot come in here and ask questions like this without specifying the state. And you shouldn't really go back and add things to your question because most people just answer, then leave, never to return... so I, for one, will never see anything you add after I finish and post this answer. So the BETTER way for you to do this is pick and give points for a best answer, then re-ask a whole new question, only this time specify what STATE you're in. At least then your answerers will be able to know what laws apply to you, and can then better give you your answers. However, it would be far, far, far better if you just knew how to do the research yourself. It's not hard. Your state's nursing board's web site will have every single bit of the information you seek right on it. The nursing laws of your state will be there, the rules and regulations, the types of schools that are acceptable or which have been specifically approved, whether or not distance learning is allowed, etc., etc., etc. It'll all be right there on your state's nursing board's web site. And, really, that's the ONLY thing upon which you should rely for accurate information. I see nurses from whatever state's they're from come in here and recklessly advise others how things are, and it turns out that that's only how they are for THEM in THEIR state! That, therefore, doesn't apply to EVERYONE in ALL states. Only to THEM, in THEIR state. But they get in here and insist that what they write is how it is, and they bully and ridicule others who disagree. It's unbelievable, this place! ONLY THE BOARD OF NURSING WEB SITE FOR YOUR STATE SHOULD BE CONSULTED AND RELIED UPON. NOTHING ELSE. WHILE THERE MAY BE PEOPLE HERE WHO CAN ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS -- MAYBE EVEN ACCURATETLY -- THEY ARE NOT AUTHORITATIVE IN A LEGAL SENSE, AND SO SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON. ONLY WHAT YOU READ ON YOUR STATE'S NURSING BOARD'S WEB SITE WILL BE AUTHORITATIVE AND SHOULD BE RELIED UPON. Whether you need a year as an RN, or can start online (or any other kind of) courses right away will be answered on your state's nursing board's web site. Whether online courses will even be acceptable to your nursing board will be on its web site. Precisely what are the qualifications and educational requirements for a nurse anesthetist will be on your state's nursing board's web site. Go there. Not here. Simple as that. Once you have all of that information, then and only then might it make sense for you to come back here and ask your very last question regarding whether one approach is more or less time-consuming, or easier, or tougher than another because THAT kind of question someone here really COULD answer... because it's subjective and experiential. But you would STILL have to specify the state, because the knowledge of whether it's hard or difficult or fun or easy or time-consuming or whatever in some OTHER state won't help you one single bit in YOUR state. So, please just pick a best answer, award the points, and close this question. Then go to your state's nursing board's web site and start reading. In a single weekend of reading pretty much every word on the nursing board's web site you'll be so knowledgeable that you could start charging people to conduct seminars in the subject! And at that point, you won't even NEED this wacky place to get your nursing-related questions answered. Plus, EVERYTHING you learn from your nursing board's web site will be both ACCURATE and applicable to YOU. So, then... off you go, now, to your state's nursing board's web site. And good luck! Hope that helps! NOTE TO QUESTIONERS: Always, at some point, please select a best answer. The answerers, of course, shouldn't be doing this just for points; but it's still nice to earn them when it's appropriate. So please don't just leave it hanging, with no points awarded. At some point, when you think you've gotten all the answers you're going to get, please pick the best one and award points. Thanks!

Question: Can a nurse anesthetist been train in a medical school to become a Anesthetist? I am want to become a nurse anesthetist but I wonder if after I certfied for a nurse anesthetist, Can I train to become an Anesthetist?

Answer: You have be a licensed registered nurse. Then, the AANA requires a minimum of one year of full-time nursing experience in an acute care setting, such as medical intensive care unit or surgical intensive care unit However, many programs require greater than one year experience. Because most programs have far more qualified applicants than available spaces, successful candidates usually have several years of experience in nursing in addition to specialized education in nursing or other health disciplines. Following appropriate experience, applicants enroll in an accredited program of anesthesia education for an additional two to three years.[ . Most CRNAs graduate with a master's degree in either anesthesia or nursing. Upon completion of their education, they must pass a mandatory national certification examination. The certification and recertification process is governed by the National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). The NBCRNA exist as an autonomous not-for-profit incorporated organization to prevent any conflict of interest with the AANA. This provides assurance to the public that CRNA candidates have met unbiased certification requirements that have exceeded benchmark qualifications and knowledge of anesthesia.CRNAs also have continuing education requirements and recertification every two years thereafter, plus any additional requirements of the state in which they practice. Nurse anesthetists may continue their education to the terminal degree level, either earning a Ph.D., DNSc (Doctor of Nursing Science), DNAP (Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice), or DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice). At the terminal degree level, nurse anesthetists have a wider variety of professional choices available to them, and may teach, participate in administration or pursue research. Currently, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has endorsed a position statement that will move the current entry level of training for nurse anesthetists in the United States to the Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP).[ This move will affect all advance practice nurses, with the proposed implementation by the year 2015.The AANA announced in August 2007 support of this advanced clinical degree as an entry level for all nurse anesthetists, but with a target date of 2025. This will increase the time in training, but refine clinical decision-making through research utilization and evidence-based practice. In accordance with traditional grandfathering rules, all those in current practice will not be affected

Question: What are some career advancements that are available for a nurse anesthetist? I'm doing a in-depth, major percentage of my final grade, research project on a career that I would be interested in pursuing. It has to contain Salary and Benefits & Advancement opportunities for a nurse anesthetist. I have researched multiple times, as well as arranging my choice of words, and I'm not really getting anything that seems correct. Any help?

Answer: If a CRNA were to reach a level where they wanted to move beyond just the clinical practice of anesthesia, they may move into research, or possibly into political advocacy for Nurse Anesthesia and Advanced Practice Nursing Policies in government legislation. Some of the CRNAs who have received their doctorates have done one or the other of these, along with teaching in a CRNA program.

Question: What is required to switch profession to Certified Nurse Anesthetist? I am a full time employee in the Telecom arena with a 4 year Mechanical Engineering degree. I have always liked the medical field and need to know what is required to switch to a Certified Nurse Anesthetist profession. Would I have to spend 2 years earning my RN license and then take 1 -2 years of ICU work before taking the certified nursing anesthetist exam? What steps are required along the way and how long for each given my present qualifications?

Answer: You would have to become an RN before you could become a certified nurse anesthetist. It's usually called CRNA, or certified registered nurse anesthetist. So, you would have to have at least an associate's degree in nursing, pass the NCLEX-RN, and work for 1 to 2 years in a critical care area before you got accepted into the program to become a CRNA, which is about an additional two years. In my area, the program to become a CRNA is 22 months long, straight, with only a few breaks for holidays and spring/summer vacation. If you got accepted into everything right away, passed everything, got a job in an ICU in a hospital right away... you're looking at least four years of school, plus the one to two years of work experience (it's two in my area). So, six years in the making.

Question: How long does it take until someone officially becomes a chief nurse anesthetist? I was sort of browsing around medical professions, and I decided to take a closer look at the aforementioned career. However, as I was reading multiple sources, it was ambiguous as to how many years it takes until someone can finally stop attending college to become a chief nurse anesthetist. I know it takes at least a master's degree, but after that I can't really tell. To me it looks like 6-8 years, but I am not sure. Does anyone know how long it takes?

Answer: Nurse anesthetist- 6 years. Chief- depends on hospital. GOOD LUCK.

Question: How long does one have to attend school to become a nurse anesthetist? I wanted to know how long an individual has to attend school to become a nurse anesthetist? What is the education required to become one? Is it difficult to do, and how much money does one make annually? Thanks in advance!

Answer: Nurse anesthetist is one of four commonly recognized advanced nursing specialties - and all 4 require at least a master's degree. There are presently 106 accredited programs in the US that offer a master's degree program to train nurse anesthetists. Basically, what you're looking at is a 4-year BSN program, followed by an additional 2 years of full time study towards your MSN (it is not absolutely required that your undergraduate degree be in nursing in order to be accepted to an MSN program). Do note, however, that some MSN programs require 1-2 years experience as an RN as a pre-requisite for acceptance. Employment of RNs is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade - the opportunity for employment is described as "excellent". Interestingly, positions within hospital settings are expected to grow at the slowest rate, with much of the growth coming in outpatient care, home health care and physicians' offices. The primary cause of this job shift is the increased emphasis on short-stay hospital admissions, and a greater emphasis on outpatient care and home health. Here's another interesting thing to keep in mind - shortages in the nursing profession have also extended to shortages in nursing faculty within nursing school environments. Many schools are forced to be extremely selective in admissions, with the numbers of qualified applicants far exceeding the number of available nursing school slots. Top paying states for nurses include: California, Massachusetts, Hawaii, New Jersey and Maryland - four California communities rank as the 4 highest paying municipalities in the US. According to a highly respected survey by the AMGA - the Medical Group Compensation and Financial Survey, the average US salary for a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) in 2006 was $140,013. Sounds like an excellent salary to me! I've linked to the salary survey, and also directly to the AANA, the American Association of Nursing Anesthetists homepage, where you'll find a lot more information about how to become a CRNA, and a helpful list of nationally accredited nursing school programs. I hope this helps! Good luck to you.

Question: Can physician assistants be accepted into a nurse anesthetist program? I have a friend that has almost been a PA for a year now and is curious about becoming a nurse anesthetist. All programs we have seen require a RN degree to be accepted into the NA program. A PA is just as, if not more educated than a RN. Could this transition be made smoothly?

Answer: I have heard of this happening but cannot remember what schools. As a previous poster mentioned some Anesthesiology Assistant programs are accepting PA's on a "Fast Track" Emory University is the program and this is the link: http://www.emoryaaprogram.org/

Question: What should I know about becoming a nurse anesthetist? I have 2 semesters left not including this one to be done with my AA in nursing. I thought about becoming a doctor, but that would take too much time and I won't be able to do anything with my life for until I am 30. Nurse anesthetist seems like a fun alternative. What should I know about going through school to become a CRNA and what exactly do they do. What is the difference between CRNA and a Anesthesiologist Assistant ?

Answer: A nurse anesthetist "administers anesthesia, monitors patient's vital signs, and oversees patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education." This is a CRNA. http://www.bls.gov/soc/2010/soc291151.ht… An anesthesiologist assistant has a similar capacity. The typical tasks are described in the website below: http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summar…

Question: What is the quickest way to get my RN license and become a nurse anesthetist? I have a BA in Biology and understand i'll have to wait a year to get into a program (in the meanwhile can meet any unmet pre-reqs), also i eventually want to become a nurse anesthetist, what is my quickest route?

Answer: First you need to finish the RN program. Also realize that while you have your BA in Bio, some CRNA schools accept RNs with an associates in nursing and a BS in a science field while others only accept the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, regardless of other bachelors degrees. Once you complete your nursing program you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN examination. You will also need 2 years of clinical experience working in an intensive care setting working with hemodynamic monitoring, cardiac medications, and ventialtors. You will also need to be BLS, ACLS, PALS and preferably NALS certified. (some hospitals want new RN graduates to work on a general medical-surgical type unit before starting in an ICU or CCU) Applicants for the Master of Science in Nursing CRNA programs will need excellent GRE scores, and the average candidate accepted has a 3.8 - 3.85 overall GPA with a B or better on all nursing and science course work. Most CRNA programs average 28 months in length. Good luck with school, and your career.

Question: Can you be a Nurse Anesthetist and still have raise a family? I'm thinking about becoming a nurse anesthetist but I sitll want to live a normal lifestyle...wife, kids, family, vacations, etc...but just with a lot more money since nurse anesthetists make a six figure income. Any suggestions or tips? Is it worth it for me to become a nurse anesthetist and is it a good job?

Answer: The most difficult part will be anesthesia school- a 24 to 30 month program. It takes a lot of diligence and studying to get through the program, but it can be done while married with children. (We have students at our hospital who have families and are doing fine) After that, find a position at a hospital with flexible scheduling, and you're set. I work one 24 hour shift and one 16 hour shift per week. You typically start with 6 weeks vacation, so if you find the right hospital, you'll have plenty of time for a normal lifestyle.

Question: How long does it take to become a Nurse Anesthetist? I've just graduated from H.S. and I'm really curious about becoming a Nurse Anesthetist. How many years will it take until I can be hired as a Nurse Anesthetist?

Answer: BHS ... 4 years for nursing degree CRNA ... 3 years, if you get in right out of school, the wait list is lengthy at most schools. It would be best to work in a critical care field (ICU, CCU, CICU, OR) in the interim because this is the fields that are picked from most. Great need for CRNA's, good pay but lots of reaponsibilities. Hard work, nut rewarding.

Question: If I want to join the military and become a nurse anesthetist, what is the best way to do that? Should I go to a rotc college and get my bachelor's there or should I go to a regular college and get my bachelor's then join? I just don't know what to do, or what would be the best bet. Im going to join the Air Force and be a nurse anesthetist. Please helppp! Thnks.

Answer: you need to talk to a collage first and get a good idea what you need o do to get this degree, while on campus ask if they have a rotc recruiter [ some do most don's but they can recommend a good local person] when you have That info from at least on better 2 collages [ 1-2 days tracking info ] go see and talk to at least 2 different recruiters and see what info they say alike. tip some of them are just not as good as others or care, while go above and beyond. do keep in mind that if you go the rotc thing while they will pay for collage and give you a few bucks while in collage. you will have to do as much time after in the service. . [ mostly a 6 yr contract Old school ] but you stay 20 you get 2 k a mo for life and full medical for you and the family for $460 a year then they will pay for you to be a Pa while your in. good luck

Question: How can I become a nurse anesthetist if I first go to a community college to become an RN.? Ok I want to become a nurse anesthetist but I realize I first need to get my bachelors degree. What I am wondering is what I need to do to if I first go to a community college. What classes do I need to take?

Answer: well, if you go to a community college, make sure you have credits that transfer, and go to a state college. im no doctor, so im not sure what classes you need to take. i would guess physics, other science classes, and whatever classes they offer for anistisiology

Question: What would be a better choice an Anesthetist or a Dermatologist? I really wanted to be an Anesthetist, but from what iv been hearing theres much more work too it, but i aslo like how much they get paid. But a dermatologist seems easier and some say they get payed more. I would really like a job with in the medical field cuase i want to help people but i also want to have a good salary to suport me and my family, but I also would like to have some time for my family and not be in the hospital all my life.

Answer: Dermatologists are medical doctors, and it's currently one of THE toughest specialties to get into. That means you need to do very well in college to get into a top med school, and then you need to be at the top of your class at medical school, get really high board scores, do research, etc. in order to go into dermatology. If by "Anesthetist" you mean Anesthesiologist, they are medical doctors too, and that specialty is up there with Derm in terms of how hard it is to become one (again, top grades, scores, published research, etc). If by Anesthetist you meant "Nurse Anesthetist", then it's easier in that it does not require the level of training and expertise as becoming a physician in the same field....but in the hierarchy of nursing, it's a pretty challenging job nonetheless. I'm not a dermatologist or anesthesiologist, so I can't speak to "how easy" it is once you get there, but that's a mute point since it is incredibly, incredibly hard to get there in the first place. If you're looking to coast, you should be looking elsewhere. Anything that's easy to do or easy to get into isn't going to pay well compared to something that's harder and tougher. You've put the cart before the horse....first you need to figure out if you really want to become a physician, and then if you have what it takes to get into med school. Once you're in med school you can worry about which specialty to go into....even people who "have decided" before med school change their mind because you don't get actual exposure until you're a med student.

Question: What classes do you take to become a Nurse Anesthetist? What did you go through to become a Nurse Anesthetist? What classes did you take? What schools did you go to? How long did it take? How difficult was it? Where are you now? Please don't go to a website and copy something you read. I would like personal experiences only please. Thanks.

Answer: 1) Get a BSN and work in a critical care area for 2+ years 2) Look at the entrance requirements for several schools and take any needed pre-reqs 3) Apply to several schools. It's VERY competitive. 4) The typical program is 2.5 years. The first year or so is lectures, the rest is practicals. The schooling (both types) is VERY intense. Here's a link to get you started: https://www.aana.com/BecomingCRNA.aspx?i…