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.
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
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $137,230. 25th percentile: U.S. $187,110. 50th percentile: U.S. $223,210. 75th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 90th percentile: U.S. $239,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
