Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are a vital part of the medical field. They are necessary for a wide range of reasons, including surgeries and patient care. CRNAs are in constant demand all over the United States. Wellhart staffs locations across the country with prospective locum tenens providers.
What is the scope of practice for CRNAs?
CRNAs are a type of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). They are qualified to administer anesthesia to patients for surgeries. This includes examining the patient pre-op, maintaining the patient while under anesthesia, and caring for them afterwards.
CRNAs are subject to state laws that mandate whether or not they can practice independently. Usually they practice under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.
How do I become a licensed CRNA?
To become a CRNA, you must graduate with a baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing or an appropriate major. Then, possess an unencumbered license as a registered nurse (RN), by taking the NCLEX, along with at least a year of full-time experience. CRNAs must graduate with at least a master’s degree from a nurse anesthesia educational program. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) must approve the program.
After completing the National Certification Examination (NCE), CRNAs can apply for licensure in their respective state. The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) offers the NCE.
How long does it take to become a CRNA?
It takes about seven to 10 years to complete all the requirements to become a CRNA. This begins with the four years it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. After gaining a nursing license, registered nurses must work full-time for at least a year.
What exams do CRNAs need to take?
The main exams that CRNAs focus on are the NCLEX and the NCE from the NBCRNA. The former is the exam to become a registered nurse, while the latter is the exam to become a CRNA specifically. The Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) offers the NCLEX.
The exam utilizes computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology to measure an applicant’s knowledge and skills as a nurse. The NCE however specifically tests the knowledge and abilities for those in the nurse anesthesia field. Just like the NCLEX, the NCE uses CAT technology in 100 to 170 questions, with a three hour time limit.
What licenses do CRNAs need?
While it varies by state, CRNAs generally need a license to practice as a RN or APRN, along with certification from the NBCRNA. Licenses to practice as a nurse come from each state, so having a license in one state may not be valid in another.
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows CRNAs to work in multiple states easily. Nurses can practice in multiple states designated as compact states. Most states have the NLC, the only states to not have NLC enacted is Nevada, Oregon, and a few U.S. territories. A few of them have pending NLC legislation, awaiting implementation or partial implementation.
What are the continuing education requirements for CRNAs?
CRNAs must renew their credentials with the NBCRNA through their CPC Program. The CPC program is an eight-year program. It allows CRNAs to complete 100 credits every four years. Of the 100 credits, 60 of them are Class A credits and 40 of them are Class B credits.
It also includes a CPC Assessment every eight years. This identifies any areas that need additional study and is a performance standard assessment of the four modules. The modules in the CPC program dive into airway management, applied clinical pharmacology, human physiology and pathophysiology, and anesthesia equipment/technology/safety.
How much do CRNAs make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse anesthetists — or CRNAs — make about $214,200 per year in the U.S. This varies by state, and they report that Illinois is the top paying state for CRNAs at $281,240 per year. For more information about CRNA salaries, check out our CRNA salary guide.
Are you a CRNA looking for a job? Check out our job board to see available positions all over the United States.
This article was written by Desirae Sin