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What does a Nurse Anesthetist do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A nurse anesthetist is a type of advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in the administration of anesthesia. Nurse anesthetists work in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, and other medical professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.

Nurse Anesthetist job duties include:

  • Administering anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery or other medical procedures
  • Monitoring patients' vital signs and adjusting anesthesia accordingly
  • Consulting with surgeons and other medical staff to determine the best type of anesthesia for each patient
  • Educating patients and their families about the anesthesia process and what to expect
  • Keeping detailed records of patients' medical histories and anesthesia experiences
  • Responding quickly and effectively to any complications that may arise during surgery or other procedures
  • Maintaining a sterile and safe working environment at all times
  • Continuing to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in anesthesia care
  • Supervising nurse anesthetist students and providing guidance and mentorship

Nurse Anesthetist Job Requirements

A certified nurse anesthetist is a registered nurse who has completed a graduate-level program in anesthesia. In order to become a nurse anesthetist, one must first complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing and then pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). After becoming a registered nurse, one must then complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a specialization in anesthesia. Nurse anesthetists must also pass the National Certification Examination administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). In order to maintain certification, nurse anesthetists must complete at least 40 hours of continuing education every two years.

Nurse Anesthetist Skills

  • Communication
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Organizational skills
  • Time management
  • Stress management
  • Patience
  • Compassion
  • Detail oriented

Related: Top Nurse Anesthetist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Nurse Anesthetist

A nurse anesthetist is a registered nurse who has completed graduate-level education in anesthesia. Nurse anesthetists work in collaboration with surgeons, dentists, and other medical professionals to provide patients with quality care before, during, and after surgical procedures.

The first step to becoming a nurse anesthetist is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution. Once you have obtained your RN license, you can then apply to a nurse anesthesia program. These programs typically last about 24 months and include both didactic and clinical coursework.

Upon completion of a nurse anesthesia program, you will then need to pass the National Certification Examination administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Once you have obtained certification, you will need to maintain it through continued education and recertification every four years.

Becoming a nurse anesthetist requires dedication and commitment, but it is a rewarding career that offers excellent job prospects and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients.

Related: Nurse Anesthetist Resume Example

Related: Nurse Anesthetist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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