Nurse anesthetists are licensed independent practitioners who provide specialty nursing and medical care in anesthesia in inpatient and surgical settings. They are registered nurses (RNs) with specialized advanced education (most have master’s degrees and many have doctorates) and clinical competency to provide nursing & medical care in anesthesia.  Services include, but are not limited to physical assessment, preparing and administering anesthesia, monitoring body function and anesthetic to ensure maximum safety/comfort and overseeing recovery from anesthesia. Teaching and counseling individuals, families and groups are also a part of CRNA practice.

[As of 2018, there are approximately 59,000 CRNAs and student nurse anesthetists in the U.S.]

American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (www.aana.com)