If you’ve ever had surgery, delivered a baby via cesarean section, or undergone a procedure that required you to “go under,” chances are a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) was a key member of your care team. These highly trained professionals are responsible for administering anesthesia, managing pain, and monitoring vital signs to ensure patients remain safe and comfortable before, during, and after a procedure.
Yet despite the crucial role they play in the health care system, many people don’t know who CRNAs are or how deeply skilled they must be to do their job. As health care continues to evolve and access to care in rural areas becomes more critical, CRNAs are stepping forward as leaders in safe, effective anesthesia care.
Who Are CRNAs?
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in anesthesia care. They are licensed to administer all types of anesthesia, including general, regional, and local, and work in a variety of settings like hospitals, surgical centers, pain management clinics, and even military or mission environments.
CRNAs work both independently and in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, podiatrists, and other qualified health care professionals. In some states, they are the sole anesthesia providers, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to a physician anesthesiologist may be limited. According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, CRNAs safely deliver more than 50 million anesthetics to patients in the United States each year.
Highly Skilled and Trusted
To become a CRNA, a registered nurse must first gain critical care experience, such as working in an intensive care unit (ICU). Then, they must complete a graduate program in nurse anesthesia and pass a national certification exam. CRNAs are trained to make rapid, life-saving decisions and work independently or as part of a health care team alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other specialists.
CRNAs are trusted not only for their clinical expertise but also for the compassion and individualized care they provide. They stay with patients throughout procedures ensuring that every person receives the right care at the right time.
A Career That Makes a Difference
The CRNA profession is ideal for those who enjoy working in fast-paced environments, love science and problem-solving, and have a strong desire to care for others. CRNAs often lead anesthesia departments, educate the next generation of nurse anesthetists, or get involved in health policy and advocacy.
For anyone considering a career in health care — whether you’re a high school student exploring your options or a nurse thinking about the next step — a future as a CRNA is worth exploring. Talk to a CRNA, ask to shadow in a surgical setting, or look into local educational programs. There are even scholarships and loan repayment options available for those entering the field.
by Timothy Douglass, MSN
UPMC Anesthesiology
Timothy Douglass, MSN, is the chief CRNA at UPMC Williamsport. For more information about careers and job shadowing opportunities with UPMC in North Central Pa., visit Careers.UPMC.com.
