Essay On Nurse Anesthetists

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Introduction There are a variety of different specialties within the field of nursing that one can go into. Registered nurses who decide to further their education can choose to pursue professions in many different specialties. Some examples include becoming a nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse educator, forensic nurse, or a legal nurse consultant. Nurse anesthetists are professionals who safely administer anesthesia to patients. In order to become one, there are specific educational requirements, certifications, and different skills one must obtain. Job Description Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who administer anesthetics to patients in the clinical setting, for a variety of surgeries or procedures. CRNAs often work in collaboration with anesthesiologists, surgeons, dentists, and other qualified healthcare professionals. They can work at many different sites including the traditional hospital setting, the offices of dentists, podiatrists, plastic surgeons, pain management specialists, and military health care facilities ("Certified Registered Nurse," 2014). They are responsible for administering different types of anesthetics as well as monitoring the patient before, during, and after the procedure. The CRNA will always begin by evaluating the patient’s medical history and the plan of treatment. Then they will administer necessary medications to be used on the patient during the procedure. The nurse anesthetist must closely monitor the patient’s vital signs to ensure they are receiving the correct amount of medication. They may have to make adjustments to the delivery, speed, or dosage at this time. After the procedure has been completed, the nurse anesthetist will conti... ... middle of paper ... ...k in a surgical environment, such as an operating room. They may also work in outpatient surgery centers or medical offices (Santiago, 2014). According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nurse anesthetists is expected to grow 31 percent from 2012 to 2022 ("Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse," 2014). Job opportunities for advanced practice registered nurses in general are expected to be in high demand. The most recent data are of May 2012, in which the median annual wage for nurse anesthetists in the United States was $96,460 ("Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse," 2014). Conclusion Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice nurses who have a great amount of autonomy and responsibilities that come with their profession. Through advanced education, continual recertification, and precision of clinical skills, one can become a successful nurse anesthetist.

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