What does a Nurse Anesthetist do?

A Nurse Anesthetist ensures patients remain comfortable during diagnostic tests and medical procedures by administering pain relief and sedative medications called anesthetics. Depending on the state and local laws governing the field, Nurse Anesthetists may work independently or under the supervision of a physician.

Their education-related duties can also contribute to patient satisfaction and retention rates for hospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinics and private medical practices.

Nurse Anesthetist skills and qualifications

To perform their assigned duties successfully, an Anesthesia Nurse needs certain skills. Some qualifications that you can mention in your Nurse Anesthetist job description include:

• Knowledge of biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics and the best practices for administering general, regional, monitored and local anesthesia

• Ability to operate continuous flow anesthetic machines, infusion pumps, anesthetic vaporizes, oxygen masks, peripheral venous catheter and other supplies, equipment and tools

• Math and analytical skills to select anesthesia medications and calculate dosages

• Verbal communication skills to provide easy-to-follow instructions and explain complex concepts to patients

• Interpersonal skills to set patients at ease and foster trust

• Observation skills to spot signs of potential complications and side effects

• Computer skills to utilize medical records, spreadsheet, database, email and other software programs

• Familiarity with rules and regulations related to the storage and handling of controlled substances, infection control and patient safety, privacy and security

Nurse Anesthetist experience requirements

During their training programs, Nurse Anesthetists complete clinical training hours, so even recent graduates often have enough experience to begin working independently. However, you may wish to list a few years of work history in your job description for Nurse Anesthetist positions if your new hire will be supervising students or working independently in a practice with a large patient volume.

Nurse Anesthetist education and training requirements

The minimum education required to be a Nurse Anesthetist is a graduate degree in nursing anesthesiology. To be admitted to one of these master’s or doctoral programs, prospective Nurse Anesthetists typically need to hold an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a valid state-issued Registered Nurse (RN) license.

After earning an advanced degree in nursing, Nurse Anesthetists must then typically gain certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) by passing the National Certification Examination (NCE). States usually require a Nurse Anesthetist license as well. In some areas, earning CRNA is enough to satisfy state licensing requirements, but in other places, Anesthesia Nurses may need additional qualifications. Prior to writing your Anesthesia Nurse job description, learn what the regulations for CRNA licensing are in your state and modify the skills and qualification section accordingly.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the job description for Anesthesia Nurse positions doesn’t fully align with the characteristics of your position, review these related jobs:

• Anesthesiologist

• Anesthesiologist Assistant

• Aesthetic Nurse

• Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Anesthetist job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Nurse Anesthetist and an Anesthesiologist?

An Anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in anesthesia, while Nurse Anesthetists are Registered Nurses with advanced training in anesthetics. In some states, an Anesthesiologist must directly supervise a Nurse Anesthetist. Other states permit Nurse Anesthetists to practice independently, consulting Anesthesiologists for support and advice as needed.

What’s the difference between a Nurse Anesthetist and an Anesthesiology Assistant?

An Anesthesiology Assistant is a Physician Assistant with training in anesthesiology. They generally must work under the supervision of an Anesthesiologist or Nurse Anesthetist. Anesthesiology Assistants perform supportive tasks like monitoring patient vital signs and preparing equipment, but they are less likely to directly administer anesthesia the way that Nurse Anesthetists do.

What’s the difference between an Anesthesia Nurse and an Aesthetic Nurse?

Although their job titles seem similar, Anesthesia Nurses and Aesthetic Nurses work in different fields of medicine. Anesthesia Nurses administer anesthesia prior to medical procedures and diagnostic tests, while Aesthetic Nurses perform skin care treatments, such as chemical peels and laser resurfacing.