Nurse Anesthetists
Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
SOC: 29-1151.00
Common Job Titles
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)Nurse AnesthetistStaff Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (Staff CRNA)Staff Nurse Anesthetist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate patient physiological status and anesthetic risk factors prior to surgical procedures, integrating laboratory data, diagnostic imaging, and patient history.Advanced
- Hands-onPerform advanced airway management techniques including endotracheal intubation and fiberoptic bronchoscopy in critical surgical situations, adapting to patient-specific anatomical variations.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze real-time vital signs, capnography, pulse oximetry, and cardiac monitoring data during anesthesia administration, identifying physiological changes requiring immediate intervention.Advanced
- KnowledgeDesign individualized anesthetic plans incorporating pharmacological agents, dosing protocols, and airway strategies based on surgical requirements, patient comorbidities, and evidence-based best practices.Advanced
- MindsetIntegrate patient safety principles, ethical standards, and evidence-based anesthetic protocols when managing complex clinical scenarios involving critically ill or high-risk surgical patients.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate emergency response protocols for anesthetic complications including malignant hyperthermia, cardiac arrest, and airway crises under time-critical conditions, leading resuscitation efforts and coordinating team resources.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles with patient-specific physiology when administering multimodal anesthesia and adjusting agent delivery in response to surgical stimulation.Advanced
- Hands-onOperate digital anesthesia machines, vaporizers, and invasive hemodynamic pressure monitors throughout surgical procedures, maintaining precise control of anesthetic delivery.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute precisely regional anesthesia techniques including epidural and peripheral nerve blocks using ultrasound guidance and nerve stimulators, ensuring patient comfort and procedural safety.Proficient
- KnowledgeJustify anesthetic pharmacology decisions and physiological management strategies when collaborating with interdisciplinary surgical teams, including anesthesiologists, surgeons, and perioperative staff.Proficient
- MindsetSupport patient and family anxiety management throughout the perioperative experience through therapeutic communication, informed consent processes, and patient education regarding anesthesia risks and expectations.Proficient
- Hands-onDemonstrate mastery invasive vascular access placement including arterial lines and central venous catheters in diverse patient populations, adhering to sterile technique and hemodynamic monitoring requirements.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Nurse Anesthetists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
50,350
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $137,230 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $239,200+ |
| Workers on average earn | $231,700 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Medicine and Dentistry4.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
- Biology4.6/5
- Chemistry4.3/5
- Mathematics4.3/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Epic SystemsMEDITECH softwareMicrosoft WordeClinicalWorks EHR software
Technology Skills
AetherPalm InfusiCalcAllscripts Professional EHRAmkai AmkaiChartsBizmatics PrognoCIS EMRCerner MillenniumChartWare EMRDrug database softwareEDImis Anesthesia Manager
Tools & Equipment
Anesthesia masksArterial line cathetersAutomated external defibrillators AEDBilevel positive airway pressure BiPAP ventilatorsBispectral index monitors BISBlood collection syringesBlood collection tubesCalibrated vaporizers