Nurse anaesthetists give anaesthesia for surgery, childbirth and procedures, and they are among the highest-paid nurses. Here is the path, how long it takes and what the job is really like.
Imagine standing at the head of the operating table, monitoring a patient’s breathing, heart rate and depth of anaesthesia while the surgeon works. The patient’s safety is in your hands from the first breath to the last stitch.
What nurse anaesthetists do
- Assess patients before anaesthesia
- Give general, regional and local anaesthesia
- Monitor patients throughout surgery
- Manage airways, fluids and medicines
- Look after patients as they wake up
Steps to become a CRNA in the US
- Earn a BSN and become a registered nurse
- Gain at least one year of full-time critical care experience (many programmes want more)
- Complete an accredited nurse anaesthesia doctoral programme (DNP or DNAP); since 2022, all new students must enter a doctoral programme
- Pass the National Certification Examination from the NBCRNA
- Get state licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse
Outside the US
Nurse anaesthesia exists in many countries but varies widely. In some, nurses work as anaesthesia nurses alongside anaesthetists rather than giving anaesthesia independently. Check your country’s regulator and professional body for the local route.
Skills you need
- Strong critical care skills
- Calm under pressure
- Excellent pharmacology knowledge
- Quick, precise decision-making
- Attention to detail
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take?
In the US, usually seven to eight years or more from starting a BSN, including critical care experience and a doctoral programme.
Is it competitive?
Yes. Programmes look for strong grades and high-acuity ICU experience.
But is the pay worth the years of study?
For many, yes, but the training is long, intense and expensive. Talk to working CRNAs and shadow in theatre before committing.
Your next step: If you are in critical care, ask to shadow a nurse anaesthetist for a day.
Related: CRNA salary by state
Sources: American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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