The world of healthcare is full of specialized roles. Each one of them brings fulfillment to every aspiring nurse’s dream. One such profession is a nurse anesthetist.
A nurse anesthetist is a highly trained nurse who plays a significant role. The journey to become one requires time, dedication, and commitment.
As we go deeper into this article, we will explore how to become one, the importance of being one, and answer the question: just how long does it take to become a nurse anesthetist?
What Does a Nurse Anesthetist Do?
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a nursing professional who administers anesthesia.
Anesthesiologists are referred to the medical doctors specializing in it. Nurses in these fields learn to become registered nurses with advanced anesthetic training.
Specifically, they provide anesthesia care before, during, and after surgeries. They make sure that patients do not experience pain during the procedure.
What makes them different is the distinct position they hold. Unlike other professions, a CRNA provides anesthesia by understanding a few things:
- A patient’s medical history
- Choosing the appropriate anesthetic agents
- Monitoring vital signs during the procedure
- Makes sure the patient is safe from anesthesia
Concerning work settings, CRNAs can work from the traditional operating rooms to outpatient surgery centers. Some may even work in dental offices, pain clinics, and trauma centers.
Choosing to work in one of these means you can specialize in a few areas. That’s up to you, whether it be pediatrics, obstetrics, or cardiac care. You will play an important role in patient safety throughout every procedure.
What Are the Steps to Become a Nurse Anesthetist?
Are you now more than ready to become a nurse anesthetist? To pursue this career, here’s what it takes to have this role:
1. Educational Background.
You need to have a strong foundation in nursing. To do this, you need a few things to start.
Firstly, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a similar undergraduate degree.
This program usually spans four years. It covers subjects like:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Microbiology
- Nursing practices
Then, you need to gather those tips from your professors and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered.
Also, it will be an excellent opportunity to go to graduate school. To be an anesthetist, you should attend a nurse anesthesia program. They often have a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Doing so requires an additional 2 to 3 years of study. The good news is you can learn more about anesthesia techniques, pharmacology, and patient care.
2. Licensing and Certifications.
The second responsibility of a CRNA starts by attaining a license. But before that, you need to pass the National Certification Examination (NCE). This certification may be a good thing for your resume.
But you need to remember that ongoing education is a must. There are a certain number of hours to keep your certification current every couple of years.
3. Required Clinical Hours and Experiences.
Being hands-on as a nurse anesthetist is another thing. Before graduate school, you must complete about a year of nursing experience.
You are expected to complete up to 2,000 clinical hours or more. This allows you to apply what you learned in class to the real world.
What is the Fastest Way to Become a Nurse Anesthetist?
We know that it may take a few years to become a Nurse Anesthetist. But to help you make more informed decisions, here’s how to better understand the process more quickly.
1. Having Another Bachelor’s Degree
While a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year program, being in an accelerated program can help you complete your degree in less time.
An accelerated BSN program might take 12 to 20 months. That’s why this stage can be shortened.
2. Part-time vs. Full-time
The duration of the Nurse Anesthesia Program can vary based on whether you’re studying part-time or full-time. Full-time programs are, of course, quicker but more intense.
3. Gaining Critical Care Experience
While the minimum requirement for many programs is a year, having additional critical care experience can speed up your application. It also means more time before applying.
What is the Highest-paid Nurse Anesthetist?
Yes, nurse anesthetists are indeed among the highest-paid professionals in the nursing field.
The typical average for a nurse anesthetist in the United States falls between $164,195 to $296,185 annually.
But of course, having a higher salary comes with different factors:
1. Known Places
For instance, being in a larger city or a famous medical institution might earn higher compensation.
2. Your Education and Training
Given the advanced nature of the job, you need to undergo intensive education and training. This will take 7-8 years post-high school education.
3. High Responsibility
Your role requires utmost precision, so your salary is high, too.
4. Demand
The demand is relatively high for this field. This is especially true in areas where there is a shortage of anesthesiologists.
5. Specializations and Certifications
If you wish to continue specializing or add certifications, this can command higher salaries.
What is the Lowest-paid Nurse Anesthetist?
We mentioned earlier that the salary can range within some factors. But what factors lead to this? How does this salary compare with other nursing professions? Here’s how.
1. Geographic Location
Opposite big cities and renowned hospitals, there are rural or underserved areas where compensation might be less. However, the cost of living often is as well.
2. Experience
Freshly graduated and newly certified nurse anesthetists might start at a lower salary. As you gain more years, it can also rise.
3. Employer Type
The type of healthcare facility or the agency you go to can influence pay. For instance, if you are working in a small community hospital or clinic, you might earn less.
4. Negotiation Skills
Mostly, this is underestimated. It’s crucial to negotiate for your compensation. If you do not do it effectively, you may find yourself accepting lower offers.
Is There a Demand for Anesthetists?
Over the years, only a few nurses would like to specialize in this field. Because of that, the need for nurse anesthetists has been more vital than ever.
Their expertise in anesthesia administration and patient monitoring is something every healthcare setting needs. This is to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort.
In the near future, the demand for nurse anesthetics is expected to soar up high. Because of the following reasons:
1. Older Age
As people are living longer, the older ones might need to get surgeries done. So does the need for CRNAs.
2. Better Medical Technology
As days pass, we get better medical tools and technology. Surgeries are now more doable, and many of these surgeries need nurse anesthetists.
3. Teamwork in Hospitals
You need to team up with other medical experts to survive in the field. Part of this big team is nurse anesthetists.
What Qualities Make a Good Anesthetist?
Aside from schooling and clinical experience, you must develop the following characteristics to stand out in your field.
For your soft skills, here’s what you need:
- Compassion for dealing with vulnerable patients
- Attention to detail
- Patience to every patient and procedure
As for your technical skills, acquire a deeper understanding of:
- Anesthesia techniques
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Pathophysiology
Doing this ensures you safely provide anesthesia through the equipment used and familiarity with regional to general anesthesia.
Also, keeping updated with the latest research, participating in workshops and seminars, and even being involved in research can help you offer patients the best, most up-to-date care possible.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a nurse anesthetist has no shortcuts. Yes, you may know the fastest way to become one, but every journey requires your passion for the field to survive.
If you seek a supportive environment to begin or continue this journey, Total Nurses Network is here. We offer a nurturing community of professionals, resources, and opportunities to help you succeed in your mission.
With our services, every step can be as fulfilling as the destination, no matter how long it takes to become a nurse anesthetist.
