CRNA Job Description
Chances are high that you have been through some type of surgery, whether it was extremely invasive like appendix surgery, or if was less minor such as wisdom teeth removal. Regardless of the procedure, there was a nice person who gave you something to knock you out while the doctor poked and prodded you. A lot of times, this ‘something’ is called nitrous oxide or laughing gas, and it makes you quite giddy and then you pass out until after the surgery is completed. This person who gave you this magical stuff is either an anesthesiologist or a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetics).
What’s a CRNA?
A CRNA is a person who works among a team of anesthesiologists to distribute anesthetic treatment to patients who are about to have surgery. CRNAs are able to give the patient anesthesia if the current anesthesiologist is unavailable, which allows for more surgeries to be accomplished.
Difference Between CRNA and Anesthesiologist
Now, you may be thinking, “what’s the difference between a nurse anesthesiologist and an actual anesthesiologist?” The answer is that CRNAs work under anesthesiologists and do not have as much education or training, although they perform similar duties. In addition, anesthesiologists earn a higher salary than CRNAs. They also go to school for longer and are medical doctors.
Job Duties
Nurses are restricted by what they can do depending on the state, and anesthesiologists don’t always have to be present during their procedures. A CRNAs job description involves administering anesthesia to patients prior to surgery. They are with the patient before, during, and after the surgery for proper preparation as well as making sure that the patient is coming off of the anesthesia safely and without any problems.
Working Environment
They work in hospitals or dentist offices, and they work alongside doctors, surgeons, and other anesthesiologists. In hospitals, they are anywhere that requires surgery, such as intensive care or labor and delivery areas. They often work long hours, and they are often on call just in case the anesthesiologist cannot make it to a procedure.
Tags: anesthesiologist, CRNA, CRNA job description