What is a CRNA and How Can You Become One?

What is a CRNA and How Can You Become One?

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So, what is a CRNA? The medical field is full of many acronyms, which can make it hard to remember all of them. Luckily, you have plenty of resources to keep you sharp on these difficult terms! Certified registered nurse anesthetists are crucial members of medical teams in a variety of different settings. They work alongside other health care professionals such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, and dentists, to make sure that anesthesia is administered properly. The importance of their role merits very competitive wages, especially if they choose to travel! Below, we’ll review the specific responsibilities of a CRNA and what it takes to become one!

what is a crna

What is a CRNA? An Overview

Responsibilities of the Role

The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) is an excellent source for both potential and practicing CRNAs. According to the AANA, these are the main responsibilities of the role. Generally speaking, it is a CRNA’s duty to:

  • Review a patient’s medical records to confirm that anesthesia will be safe to use
  • Make the patient aware of any side effects of anesthesia
  • Administer anesthesia during surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetric procedures
  • Provide care during every step of the anesthesia process
  • Monitor a patient’s vital signs during procedures
  • Oversee a patient’s recovery from anesthesia
  • Perform epidural, spinal, and nerve blocks

Necessary Skills

In order to complete these tasks effectively, potential CRNAs must hold a very specific set of skills. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that the ideal CRNA should embody the following traits:

  • Communication skills
  • Critical-thinking skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Compassion
  • Meticulousness
  • Resourcefulness

Do you need more information about these skills? you can find detailed explanations of each trait and how they apply to the work of a CRNA on the bureau’s website.

How You Can Become a CRNA

Do you think you have what it takes to be a CRNA? We like your enthusiasm! But, as you probably know, becoming a CRNA requires a lot more than just excellent interpersonal skills. Here, we’ll provide a condensed version of the AANA’s steps you must take to become a CRNA!

  1. Acquire a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or related degree
  2. Secure your registered nursing (RN) license
  3. Serve one year or more as an RN in an acute care setting, such as an ICU or ER
  4. Earn at least a master’s degree from an accredited nurse anesthesia program
  5. Pass the National Certification Examination through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)

As with all medical professions, a small list of steps towards certification does not mean you’ll be able to complete the process in a short amount of time. On average, it takes a minimum of 7 to 9 years of education and experience to become a CRNA. For more detailed information about the levels of certification, visit the AANA’s page covering the education of nurse anesthetists in the United States!

The Pay

We get it. The more you think about it, the more daunting the process of becoming a CRNA seems. But, we’re happy to report that the struggle is definitely worth the reward! According to the BLS, the median pay for CRNAs in 2018 was $113,930 per year and $54.78 per hour! In addition to favorable pay, this field is also expected to grow by 26% in the next years. This is much faster than a lot of other career options!

If you’re an experienced CRNA, we have some good news for you, too! As said above, CRNAs who are willing to travel can make even more than those who work in permanent positions. For example, ZipRecruiter reports that the average national salary for a travel CRNA in 2018 was $168,691 or $81 per hour! So, if you’re a CRNA with more than one year of experience who’s interested in higher pay and the adventure of a lifetime, fill out an application on our website today!


There you have it. Now that you’ve read this overview, we hope that you have a better understanding of the question “What is a CRNA?” and the steps you must take to become one! If you have any other questions about this role, the qualifications, or why you should consider traveling if you already have experience as a CRNA, please reach out to us in the comments below! We will be more than happy to answer your questions. For those of you who have already started traveling, feel free to share your experiences with us as well. Who knows, your insight could inspire others to check it out for themselves!

Author: Locum Jobs Online

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