What is an anesthetist?

Well, as many of you already know, I decided to back to school AGAIN (for the LAST time)! This fall I began studying anesthesia in Jackson, TN at Union University. The program I chose is a 36-month doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) program with an anesthesia specialty. Upon completion of the program, I will take "boards", which is an exam, that accredits nurse anesthetists or CRNAs, certified registered nurse anesthetists

So, You Ask, What is a Anesthetist, Nurse Anesthetist, or CRNA?

An anesthetist specializes in the delivery of anesthesia and management of both acute and chronic pain. There are several pathways to becoming an anesthetist including graduate anesthesia assistant programs (AA), medical school residencies (MD/DO), and graduate nurse anesthesia programs (CRNA).

Here is a funny video about what people think we do! I promise it is really a LOT more complicated!

Nurses were the first anesthesia providers and assisted surgeons with providing pain relief and anesthesia services during procedures. The scope of practice of CRNA is determined by the individual state the anesthetist is practicing, however, CRNAs offer the only anesthesia services in many rural counties across the country. Chances are if you have required anesthesia services of some type (epidural for childbirth, anesthesia for a tonsillectomy, or even a coronary bypass surgery) you have experienced the skill and expertise of a nurse anesthetist!

This blog is being created for a school project so it will contain lots of educational information, but feel free to follow my 36-month journey to becoming a nurse anesthetist!