Nurse Anesthetist

A Nurse Anesthetist will work indoors at one or several hospitals. They work closely with surgeons to determine when a surgery will take place and the level of anesthesia needed for the patient. 

Every day, an NA will meet face to face with patients who will undergo procedures needing anesthesia. Part of their job will be to answer patient questions and help the patient feel comfortable undergoing anesthesia. 

Surgery happens every day as well. As an important part of the surgical team, these professionals will scrub up and wear safety equipment such as glasses, gloves, and gowns. They are responsible for providing the patient with anesthesia from start to end. After the patient is under anesthesia, the NA will monitor vital signs and change the amount of anesthesia needed during the procedure.

If something goes wrong during a procedure, the NA will help respond. There will be an Emergency Action Plan unique to each hospital and the NA will be trained and expected to participate as described.

After a procedure is completed, the NA will help wake the patient back up and monitor any possible problems. They will also speak with the patient about any typical side effects of the anesthesia.

As an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, this position may also carry leadership roles in the hospital. An NA may schedule other nurses, participate in delivering orientation, or consult with other medical professionals about specific cases and procedures.

Soft Skills

• Active communication skills, such as listening and speaking clearly
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Detail-oriented
• Empathy and able to build relationships

Technical Skills

• Ability to learn and use hospital software systems
• Computer software such as Microsoft Word
• Trained to assist in surgery
• Trained in basic nursing skills prior to earning APRN credential
• Mathematical ability

Nurse Anesthetists typically work in a hospital setting. They may be employed at a smaller physician’s office as well.

This position can involve changing locations as well. You might work at a hospital one day and move to a different one the next. In many cases, you will have control over this choice. Other organizations you might work are:

• Hospice Care Facility
• Birthing Centers
• Veteran’s Hospitals
• Outpatient Clinic
• A college nursing program
• Dental Office

The greatest sacrifice will be time. It can also be expensive to become a Nurse Anesthetist.

Nurse Anesthetists must start as Registered Nurses. It takes RN’s an average of four years of college to earn their license. NAs are expected to have experience in critical care situations for several years before applying to their programs. Different programs may have different requirements, but all will expect you to have experience as an RN first.

The program for a nurse to earn an Advanced Practice Registered Nursing certification is two-three years. There is a National exam after completing the program you must pass to earn title. This means it can take seven to eight years to become a Nurse Anesthetist. You are often not able to work and attend school for the program. It is likely future NA’s will be required to earn a doctorate.

If you are able to complete the long school experience, however, you will be seen as a leader and advanced member of the medical community.

By 2025, Nurse Anesthetists will be required to earn a doctorate. This will increase the time needed to become one by at least a year.

This position has also grown in awareness – more people know what a Nurse Anesthetist is and are able to build strong relationships with them.

Nurse Anesthetists are one of the largest growing professions in the medical field as well and will continue to grow in need. It is one of the highest paying advanced nursing positions.

• Pretending to be a doctor or nurse
• Participating in volunteer clubs at school and helping others
• Interested in biology and anatomy
• Excelled; always wanted to do their best and be a winner.