In this power point I have included information about the career of a Nurse Anesthetist. In it includes what their responsibilities are, job outlook, salary, level of education needed and many other specifics.
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1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
By: David Wolford
2. What do they do?
Nurse anesthetists duties include getting supplies and equipment
ready for procedures, studying and interpreting pre-surgical tests
to determine how the anesthetic will affect the patient, and
assuring that an adequate blood supply is on hand in case of an
emergency.
In addition to administering the prescribed anesthetic, nurse
anesthetists are trained to monitor the patients vital signs and
communicate the information to the physicians.
They also perform other tasks during these medical procedures, such
as inserting artificial airways, administering oxygen, and
attempting to prevent surgical shock.
They may also be called upon to explain the procedures to patients
in an effort to secure cooperation and increase confidence in the
procedure.
3. Where do they work?
Nurse anesthetists usually work in a hospital operating room, but
their combination of nursing skills and knowledge of anesthetics
also allows them to work in birthing centers/obstetrics
departments, dental offices, emergency rooms, plastic surgery
centers, and outpatient surgery facilities.
4. History
Nurses were the first professional group to provide anesthesia
services in the United States. Established in the late 1800s, nurse
anesthesia has since become recognized as the first clinical
nursing specialty. The discipline of nurse anesthesia developed in
response to requests of surgeons seeking a solution to the high
morbidity and mortality attributed to anesthesia at that time.
Surgeons saw nurses as a cadre of professionals who could give
their undivided attention to patient care during surgical
procedures. Serving as pioneers in anesthesia, nurse anesthetists
became involved in the full range of specialty surgical procedures,
as well as in the refinement of anesthesia techniques and
equipment.
5. The first school of Nurse Anesthesia
The first school of nurse anesthesia was formed in 1909 at ST.
Vincent Hospital, Portland, Oregon. The school was established by
Agnes McGee. The course was 6 months long, and included courses on
anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and administration of common
anesthetic agents.
Between 1912 and 1920, approximately 19 schools opened.
6. Salary
Reflecting the level of responsibility they assume on a daily
basis, CRNAs are some of the best-paid nursing specialists
currently working. According to the American Association of Nurse
Anesthetists, the reported average annual salary in 2008 was
approximately $168,500.Things are so bad that some hospitals are
cutting back on elective surgeries and boosting salaries, with the
average nurse anesthetist earning $104,000 a year and some are
getting offers of as much as $180,000. That's more than the average
family practice physician earns.
Rural average $174,214.30
Metro average $164,148.80
Suburban average $156,630.70
7. High School Preparation
Students interested in a career as a nurse anesthetist should take
courses in biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, geometry,
psychology, sociology. Foods and nutrition, health occupations,
physical education, English, computer skills, and foreign
languages.
8. College Requirements
Individuals interested in entering a nurse anesthetist program must
first:
Obtain a B.S. in nursing.
Be a licensed registered nurse (RN).
Have at least one year of critical-care nursing experience, such as
in the Emergency Room or the Intensive Care Unit.
9. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Program
CRNAs are the primary anesthesia providers in rural America,
enabling healthcare facilities in these medically underserved areas
to offer obstetrical, surgical, and trauma stabilization services.
In some states, CRNAs are the sole providers in nearly 100 percent
of the rural hospitals.
10. CRNA Requirements
Individuals interested in entering a certified registered nurse
anesthetist program must first:
Graduate with a masters degree from accredited nurse anesthesia
educational program. These programs range from 24-36 months,
depending upon university requirements.
Pass a national certification examination following
graduation.
11. CRNA Recertified
In order to be recertified, CRNAs must obtain a minimum of 40 hours
of approved continuing education every two years, document
substantial anesthesia practice, maintain current state licensure,
and certify that they have not developed any conditions that could
adversely affect their ability to practice anesthesia.
12. Shortage of CRNAs
A serious shortage of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
(CRNAs) has made an impact on the delivery of healthcare for a
significant portion of the U.S. population, according to the
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).The escalating
numbers of healthcare procedures requiring anesthesia have
increased the need for CRNAs. However, the demand for services
currently exceeds the availability of these anesthesia providers.
In recent years, an increase in the number of CRNAs who are
retiring, combined with decreasing graduation rates from nurse
anesthesia programs, has contributed to the overall decline in CRNA
numbers. University professors have called for more anesthesia
programs and clinical sites to be established in order to enroll
more nursing students into the programs.
13. Career Outlook
According to the US Department of Labor, nursing is the largest
health care related occupation in the country. It is also a
profession that is experiencing a nation-wide shortage. Employment
opportunities for registered nurses are excellent and are expected
to grow 21%-35% through the end of the decade. This statistic also
applies to nursing specialists such as nurse anesthetists. As the
baby-boom generation becomes increasingly older, the volume of
people who will require advanced medical care is projected to grow
very rapidly.