As an RN or APRN considering a career as a CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist, it is valuable to understand the scope of practice that defines this advanced practice nursing role. The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology details the professional scope of nurse anesthesia practice based on CRNA education, training, licensure, and certification. The scope of an individual CRNA’s practice is also impacted by federal, state, and local law and regulations, accreditation standards, and organizational policies. This guide will help you familiarize yourself with the key aspects of CRNA practice and prepare for your future career.
- Professional Role
As a CRNA, you will be: - An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensed as an independent practitioner
- Responsible for planning and delivering analgesia, anesthesia, pain management, and related care
- Collaborating with patients and healthcare professionals to provide patient-centered, evidence-based, cost-effective care
- Practice Settings and Specialties
CRNAs work in diverse settings, including: - Hospitals
- Ambulatory surgical centers
- Office-based practices
- Military and VA facilities
- Rural and underserved areas
CRNAs provide analgesia and anesthesia for various specialties, such as:
- General surgery
- Obstetrics
- Trauma
- Cardiac
- Orthopedics
- Gastrointestinal
- Dental
- Plastic
- Clinical Anesthesia Practice
CRNA perioperative clinical practice includes:
Preoperative/Preprocedure
- Conducting a comprehensive patient assessment
- Developing an anesthesia care plan
- Obtaining informed consent
- Providing patient and caregiver education
Intraoperative/Intraprocedure
- Implementing anesthetic techniques (e.g., general, regional, sedation)
- Administering anesthetic medications
- Inserting and managing monitoring devices
Postoperative/Postprocedure
- Facilitating recovery from anesthesia
- Conducting postanesthesia evaluations
- Managing pain and discharge
- Pain Management
CRNAs provide and utilize: - Acute pain services
- Multimodal pain management strategies
- Opioid-sparing and opioid-free anesthetic techniques
- Regional anesthesia techniques
- Chronic and non-surgical pain management
- Additional Services
Other services CRNAs provide include: - Prescribing medications, including controlled substances
- Providing emergency and critical care services
- Performing advanced airway management
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies
- Leadership and Advocacy
CRNAs often take on roles such as: - Patient advocates
- Healthcare administrators
- Anesthesia services directors
- Educators
- Researchers
- Business owners
- Policymakers
- Key skills to develop:
- Clinical knowledge and skills
- Independent decision-making
- Leadership
- Cultural competencies
- Collaboration
- Life-long learning
- Professional engagement
The CRNA scope of practice is dynamic and evolving, offering a challenging and rewarding career path for RNs/APRNs. Being a CRNA enables you to make a significant impact on patient care while enjoying professional autonomy, opportunities for professional development, and career growth. Your skills and experience as an RN or APRN provide the foundation to build upon and grow into this advanced practice role. Your contributions as a CRNA will not only enhance your professional journey but also play a vital role in shaping and leading the future of healthcare.