Lloyd Said:

nurse anesthetist career option questions?

We Answered:

To become a CRNA (Certified RN Anesthetist) you need a master's degree in nursing. That's a total of 6-7 years (if you attended full-time). Plus you need a minimum of 1-3 years of work experience as an RN in a critical care unit (ICU, CCU) before you can even get accepted into a nurse anesthesia program. So in all it might take you 8-10 years before you reach your goal. And also, be warned that nurse anesthesia programs only take the best of the best - the best students, those who show leadership ability, those who do volunteer work or in some way stand out from the crowd. Schools get hundreds of applicants but can only accept at most a few dozen students in most anesthesia programs, so you might have to apply to several schools over several years before you get accepted. It's a huge commitment once you're in, too. Virtually impossible to work other than extremely part-time.

A lot of people think CRNA job sounds great - especially the pay - but once they find out how hard it is, what a long path it is to get there, many give up.

Eleanor Said:

NURSE ANESTHETIST CAREER help?

We Answered:

You need a bachelor's degree...some programs will allow you to have ANY bachelor's degree (not just a BSN), while others will require that you have a BSN in Nursing first. You also need at least 1 year of crtical care experience - ICU, etc. You have to have excellent grades because it is a highly competitive program to get into. It just depends on the schools you plan to apply to...you should read their websites and their requirements to get an idea of what to expect.

And yes, since you have to have ICU experience, you will HAVE to do some sort of nursing program first.....even if just an ADN.

Eugene Said:

Is Nurse Anesthetist a good career?

We Answered:

As always, Jill has given a great answer. Let me add, if you ever want to meet a group of narcissistic frequently negative people, go find a group of surgeons. Many can be great, and most are very nice, but then others are exceedingly negative. The only people I have ever met I am sure were misanthropes were surgeons.

Miriam Said:

Is a Nurse Anesthetist a good career?

We Answered:

Actually, in NYC the salary range for CRNAs is from $128,000 to $402,000 per year.

The profession requires a 4 year degree. Licensure as an RN, 2 years experience as an RN in an intensive care setting working with hemodynamic monitoring, and ventilators.

Also required are certifications in basic and advanced life support as well as pediatric advanced life support.

Then they go to an approximately 28 month program in anesthesia. Admission to these programs is very competitive.

Most CRNAs are generally happy in their choice of profession. They provide anesthesia for patients in surgical procedures and some ambulatory situations.

Some work for hospital anesthesia services, others work privately or as part of a private practice.

Jamie Said:

Nurse Anesthetist career?

We Answered:

I can't speak to the specific differences, but it usually has to do with types of cases which they are able to perform independently without supervision, which also may vary depending on facility policies, etc.

As for becoming a CRNA, the most efficient (and common) way is to earn your masters in nursing anesthesia, which gives you the degree and simultaneously earns you the right to sit for the certification exam. You don't earn a separate master's degree first and go through CRNA training after.