Nurse Anesthetist Job Description
There is a wide range of focuses one can pursue when starting a career in the medical field. Just as there are specialized doctors, there are specialized nurses. One nursing specialty that is garnering a lot of attention and is expected to grow 45% over the next decade is the complement or alternative to an anesthesiologist – a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
CRNAs may work independently or collaboratively to assist doctors, dentists, and other medical professionals in the administration of anesthesiology as well as managing pre and post-procedure care for a patient. The primary difference between an anesthesiologist vs a CRNA is that an anesthesiologist is a medical doctor requiring a more extensive education of 9-11 years of school and clinical experience whereas a CRNA is a nurse requiring 7-8 years of school and clinical experience.
Though an anesthesiologist and a CRNA require varying academic accreditations, the differences are unremarkable with a lot of overlap between the two.
How to Become a CRNA
Obligatory to nearly all specialized nursing occupations, one is required to start by earning their Registered Nurse (RN) degree. An RN degree can be fulfilled by pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN).
After completion of the Registered Nursing degree, those pursuing a CRNA career are required to at the minimum, have a Master’s degree in nursing. Most, however, opt to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or more commonly known as a Ph.D. before pursuing their CRNA certification.
The next step includes gaining at least one year of hands-on experience working as an Acute Care Nurse. Though CRNA programs vary, acute care is usually defined as working in an emergency room, intensive care clinic, or coronary care clinic.
Once the undergraduate, graduate and acute care nursing accolades and experience have been completed, it’s time to apply to CRNA schools. CRNA school usually takes about two to three years to complete and combines classwork with hands-on clinical experience.
The final step includes becoming board certified and passing the National Certification Exam. Upon certification, the newly minted CRNA is ready to start their new career.
Applying for CRNA Jobs
There is certainly no shortage of demand for CRNAs, and this doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. CRNA’s are found in dental practices, hospitals (public, private, and military), plastic surgeons, and many more medical outfits.
CRNAs can either work statically in one area or take their show on the road as a traveling or locum tenens CRNA. Locum tenens may pursue part-time, full-time, or contract-based work as they desire anywhere in the country.
Some additional benefits enjoyed by traveling CRNAs include:
- Excellent Pay – Earn more money than a static or staff CRNA and able to negotiate wages based on the contract.
- Flexible Scheduling – Choose when and how much you want to work.
- Free Travel – Most or all relocation costs are typically paid for.
- Well-Rounded Experience – Work with an array of medical disciplines; no two assignments are the same.
In addition to the greater overall flexibility and pay, traveling CRNAs are easily matched with assignments due to the insatiable demand. Staffing companies specializing in anesthesiology, such as Aermed Logistics can be an excellent partner in helping CRNAs find locum tenens opportunities.
Why Aermed Logistix?
Aermed Logistix is not only in the business of providing anesthesia services, they are in the business of helping CRNAs develop and grow professionally. They believe in placing anesthesia providers in positions where they can make the greatest impact.
If you are interested in how to become a CRNA or MDA and looking to expand your career and explore locum tenens opportunities, Contact the Anesthesia Staffing Specialists at Aermed Logistix today.