A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a registered
nurse with advanced training in the area of anesthetics. CRNAs
supplement and provide care similar to that of an
anesthesiologist, including the provision of general and local
anesthetics, epidural, spinal and nerve blocks, twilight
sedation and pain management. CRNAs assess the patient’s
physical and medical history before a procedure for any
contraindications to anesthesia. They also monitor the patient
during the procedure for any adverse effects, and care for the
patient during the post-anesthesia unit stay. CRNAs are employed
in a variety of settings, including hospital operating rooms,
emergency rooms, labor and delivery wards, dental offices and
free-standing surgical centers. To become a CRNA, one must first
complete a 4-year bachelor's degree in nursing, pass the
national nurse licensing exam (NCLEX), and become licensed by
the state board of nursing in the state in which they desire to
practice. After this is completed, one can apply to