Nurse Anesthetist

Your Fit

Income

$223K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

9.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Nurse Anesthetist?

Nurse Anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in providing anesthesia and related care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures. They also provide pain management and emergency services, such as airway management.

Sample job titles:

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Nurse Anesthetist, Staff Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (Staff CRNA), Staff Nurse Anesthetist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Nurse Anesthetist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Nurse Anesthetist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$137K per year	$187K per year	$223K per year	$227K per year	NA per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $174K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Nurse Anesthetist do?

Work environment

Nurse Anesthetists work in a variety of medical settings including hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, physicians' offices, and military health facilities. They often work in operating rooms, labor and delivery units, and pain management clinics.

Quick task list

Performs a pre-anesthetic assessment and evaluation of the patient.
Develops and implements anesthesia care plans.
Administers anesthesia and monitors patient response.
Adjusts anesthesia levels during surgery.
Provides post-anesthesia care, including pain management and support for recovery.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pediatric Anesthesia: Specializing in providing anesthesia to infants and children.
Obstetrical Anesthesia: Providing pain relief for labor and anesthesia for cesarean deliveries.
Cardiothoracic Anesthesia: Working with patients undergoing cardiac and thoracic surgeries.
Neuroanesthesia: Specializing in anesthesia for neurosurgical procedures.
Pain Management: Focusing on the management of chronic pain through various interventions.

Description

Nurse Anesthetists play a crucial role in the success of a wide range of medical procedures by ensuring patient comfort and safety. They work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, podiatrists, and other healthcare professionals. Their responsibilities include not only administering anesthesia but also monitoring the patient's vital signs and adjusting anesthesia as necessary during procedures.

This profession requires a high level of expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions. Nurse Anesthetists need to have a deep understanding of both the physical and psychological aspects of anesthesia, as well as the ability to respond to emergency situations effectively.

Nurse Anesthetists must also possess excellent communication skills, as they are responsible for educating patients about anesthesia and addressing any concerns they may have. They need to maintain a calm demeanor and provide reassurance, particularly in high-stress situations.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a key role in patient safety and successful surgical outcomes.
High level of autonomy and responsibility in patient care.
Opportunities for specialization and continuous learning in the field.

You might make a good Nurse Anesthetist if you are...

Detail-oriented, with a strong focus on patient safety.
Able to make quick and accurate decisions under pressure.
Compassionate and skilled in communicating with patients and their families.
Interested in physiology, pharmacology, and the complexities of anesthesia.
Prepared for a demanding educational and professional pathway.

Pros:

High level of autonomy and professional respect.
Competitive salary and strong job market.
Personally rewarding with direct impact on patient care.

Cons:

Long and rigorous educational and training requirements.
High-stress situations and responsibility for patient lives.
Demanding work hours and potential for on-call duties.

How to become a Nurse Anesthetist

Typical education

Becoming a Nurse Anesthetist typically requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which is a 4-year program, followed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This is followed by 1-3 years of experience in acute care nursing and a 2-3 year nurse anesthesia educational program, leading to a Master's or Doctorate degree in Nurse Anesthesia.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced science courses, particularly in biology and chemistry.
Mathematics, especially statistics and algebra.
Psychology to understand patient care and behavior.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or clinics.
Shadowing a nurse or other healthcare professionals.
Participating in health science clubs or related programs.

Preparation after high school

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Obtain a Registered Nurse (RN) license by passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
Gain experience in critical care nursing, which is often a prerequisite for nurse anesthesia programs.
Complete a graduate program in nurse anesthesia, which typically awards a Master's or Doctoral degree.
Obtain certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

More resources

American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) - The professional organization for nurse anesthetists, offering resources, education, and advocacy.
National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) - Provides certification and recertification information for CRNAs.
American Nurses Association (ANA) - Offers a broad range of resources and advocacy for the nursing profession.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) - Provides educational resources and updates in the field of anesthesiology.
Journal of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists - A journal providing scholarly articles and research in the field of nurse anesthesia.

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