CRNA stands for “certified registered nurse anesthetist.” Though every medical professional serves an essential function, CRNAs are critical to the success of many procedures. “What are the responsibilities of a CRNA?” you may ask. Here are a few of the most important ones.
Health assessments
Certified registered nurse anesthetists are with their patients every step of their surgical journey, including the very beginning. CRNAs often conduct the initial patient assessments and discuss the surgery and recovery with them before the procedure. They must do this to ensure the physical and mental preparedness of each patient before they undergo surgery. These diagnostics also prove helpful in post-operation assessments so that they can compare with pre-operation conditions.
Administering anesthesia
As the name implies, certified registered nurse anesthetists work with anesthesia. They are typically the medical personnel responsible for administering anesthetics during surgeries and monitoring a patient’s status throughout the entire procedure. In fact, they do not leave the patient’s side at any point during an operation. Since every person has a slightly different reaction to anesthetics, they must maintain careful control over the patient’s state so that the surgery can be a success.
Overseeing patient recovery
CRNAs not only prepare patients and administer sedatives during operations, but they also see to post-operation care and recovery. Since they administer the anesthetics that put a patient under, they must also ensure that the patient adequately recovers from it. Though CRNAs perform these duties hundreds of times, it is always important to see every person become fully coherent again. Without their oversight, any anesthetic issues could continue without anyone realizing it.
Thinking beyond “what are the responsibilities of a CRNA” to actually working as one takes time and commitment. If you are looking to work in this field, you’ll need to pursue the necessary degrees and look for a place to practice. Also, be sure to find a support system and learn how CRNA malpractice insurance works. If you have a passion for medicine, all these moving pieces could coalesce into a great career for you!
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