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Thank
you for your interest in the profession of Nurse Anesthesia. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA’s)
are independently licensed, advanced practice nurses. At Scott and White, CRNA’s work on a collaborative
team with Anesthesiologists to assure the safest possible outcome for each and every patient. We welcome
you to our world and hope that you enjoy yourself as you observe the roles and responsibilities of a Nurse Anesthetist. In order
to make your day in the operating room a meaningful learning experience, we have established objectives to guide your preparation.
Prior to your day with a CRNA, review the objectives and use the links provided to gain a basic understanding of who
we are, what we do, and how we do it. When you are finished reading the material on
an internet link, use the back arrow on your computer to return to this site. |
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Objective #1 Appreciate the role of the nurse anesthetist in the history of anesthesia practice.
Many people believe that Nurse Anesthetists have only recently emerged and work as "physician assistants"
for Anesthesiologists. Use the link to the left to read about the history of Nurse Anesthesia......a profession dating
back to the 1800's |
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Objective #2 Discuss the roles and responsibilities of the nurse anesthetist.
There
are many opportunities for Nurse Anesthetists to practice their profession. Many opt to work in the traditional hospital
based operating room. However, many other opportunities for practice exist. Use the link to the left to appreciate
the scope of Nurse Anesthesia practice. |
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Objective #3 Understand the requirements for entry to Nurse Anesthesia Education programs
During the past 30 years, the profession of Nurse Anesthesia has progressed from a hospital based diploma to a University
based Master's degree. Use the link to the left to find out about the credentials that you will need in order to
apply for Nurse Anesthesia training. |
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Objective #4 List the components of General anesthesia
During general anesthesia,
the patient has the expectation of unconsciousness and amnesia. The surgeon has the expectation of a "still"
surgical field. Use the link to the left to review the basic components of general anesthesia. When in the operating
room, feel free to discuss these elements of general anesthesia with your anesthetist. |
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Objective #5
Become familiar with the function of the anesthetic machine and monitors.
Do you remember your first driving
lesson? The dash board of the car was almost intimidating. Likewise, the first time you see an anesthesia machine
and monitor, it may seem intimidating. However, once you learn how to "drive" it is no more difficult
than driving a car. Use the link to the left to become familiar with the machine and ask your CRNA mentor to show you
how it works.
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Objective #6
Describe devices used to secure the airway
Maintaining proper ventilation of the lungs and oxygenation of the blood is an essential task for the anesthetist.
There are many devices available to assist the anesthetist with airway management. Click on the link to the left and
review the tools commonly used to assure that the patient has an open airway. |
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Objective #7 List the various classes of drugs used in the case observed in the operating room.
Many drugs are commonly used during general anesthesia. The choice of drug to use is based on the physiologic
needs of the patient and the preference of the anesthetist. Various classes of drugs are listed on the left and linked
to a drug typical of that class. In the operating room, you may observe the anesthetist using the drug that you review
on this web site or a similar drug from the same class. |
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Objective #8
Discuss the goals for the patient upon arrival to the
Post Anesthesia Care Unit.
As anesthetists, we would like to take our patients to the post operative recovery area
warm and free from nausea and pain.
Ask your anesthetist about the measures taken to achieve these goals.
Post anesthesia Care Unit nursing is a specialty with it's own professional organization.
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The
National organization to support and enhance the practice of Nurse Anesthetists is the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Although membership in the national organization is not required, the vast majority of
CRNA’s are active members of the AANA.
A strong national organization has many functions.
Educating members and keeping a watch on legislative issues which effect health care are two major roles of our
National organization. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is the national organization for Anesthesiologists. Although the two organizations may have different
political agendas, they work closely together on issues to promote patient safety.
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