NURSES ANESTHETISTS (NURSING CAREERS) California Occupational Guide Number 2002-C (part) Interest Area: Emerging Occupations 1995
THE JOB 
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) prepares for a medical procedure by setting up his/her assigned operating rooms with necessary equipment and supplies, meeting with assigned clients to build the clients confidence in her/him, and by completing necessary preoperative procedures. (Preoperative medical procedures might include administering medication, hooking up the patient's IV, or connecting the patient to a life support system, etc.). Then when the patient goes into the operating room for his/her surgery, the CRNA administers either a general or local anesthetic to the patient.
COMPENSATION
A national survey reported an annual average salary of $67,000 for Nurse Anesthetists.
REQUIREMENTS
Skills
-- Possess great technical skill
-- Possess theoretical knowledge
-- Be skillful at monitoring a patient's vital signs during a surgical
procedure
-- Knowledge of operating computerized equipment
-- Knowledge of initiating remedial measures to prevent surgical shock
or other adverse conditions
-- Knowledge of applying various anesthetics to patient
-- Ability to work with a team
Training/Requirements
-- Bachelor of Science in Nursing or related field
-- Registered Nurse License
-- Have a minimum of one year's experience in acute care nursing
-- Graduate from a two (or more) year accredited nurse anesthesia
education program
-- Pass nurse anesthetists certification exam to become a CRNA
-- Every two years, complete continuing education and recertification
requirements
OCCUPATIONAL CODES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., Rev. 1) 075.371-010 OES (Occupational Employment Survey) System 325020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162
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