Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) are certainly the highest paid nurses in the medical field, especially in the US. The demand for CRNAs is forecasted to have considerable growth over the next decade. Know about how to become a CRNA in detail.
Students wondering ”How long does it take to become a CRNA’’ must know that the road to qualify as a CRNA is a tedious and long one. A minimum of seven years of education and experience is required after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing to become a CRNA.
CRNAs are employed in different healthcare organizations, and their job role is similar to that of physician anesthesiologists. Since World War I, CRNAs are the primary provider of Anesthesia in the US Armed Forces, including the combat zones. A CRNA handles all the areas of management and administration of anesthesia in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations.
Nurse Anesthetists play an important role in delivering anesthesia. They make use of their nursing skills and knowledge of medications in practice. The nurse anesthetists check their patient’s list and ensure that the equipment and drugs are ready to be used. Before developing the anesthesia plan, they assess the patients and record potential complications. They assess by reviewing the medical documents of the patient.
Once the assessment is over, the patient is transported to the operation room where the nurse anesthetist administers local, general, or regional anesthesia. In case of procedures like cardiac catheterization, the anesthetist should administer sedation and monitor the vital signs.
Once the surgery is completed, the anesthetist lets the patient recover from the anesthesia. The patient is then transported to the post-operative recovery area. The anesthetist then completes the final evaluation and prescribes further medication.
Below are the steps and qualifications needed to become a CRNA.
To become a CRNA, you need to become a registered nurse first. You should earn a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. If you obtain an associate’s degree, then you can find an entry-level nursing position. After completing BSN, You should take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination) and pass it.
After earning a BSN degree and license to practice, you should focus on attending accredited nurse anesthesia programs. Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs (COA), U.S supports 121 nurse anesthesia programs. All the programs demand a minimum of one year of experience in an intensive care unit or emergency care.
After completing the university program in nurse anesthesia, you should pass the National Certification Exam conducted by the National Board of Certification & Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). You should obtain specialty licensure status in your respective state.
A CRNA needs to maintain the certification credentials throughout their career. The Continued Professional Certification program is of eight-year periods with two four-year cycles.
[Also Read: What You Need To Become A Nurse Practitioner]
The NBCRNA offers certification by examination. General CRNA requirements to take part in the exam include:
Every two years, CRNAs must apply for re-certification in order to continue to practice. NBCRNA believes that this certification requirement ensures that a CRNA has maintained a current license to practice and has taken part in approved continuing education services.
You must meet the following requirements to be re-certified as a CRNA(1).
A career as a nurse anesthetist is rewarding as well as stressful. CRNA jobs are ranked #5 in the list of 100 best jobs in America and #3 in the list of Best Healthcare Jobs. Though the job doesn’t reward promotion, it doesn’t make any difference because of the lucrative salary it offers.