In the medical world, nurses and doctors are working hand in hand in taking care of patients. Even though medical care won’t be that effective without each other, there has been a distinct difference between the two in the terms of status level in the hospital. In the ladder of authority, it is always the doctor on top then the nurses following them. In delivering medical care, the doctor will give orders for the patient and it would be carried out by the nurses. Nurses are most often referred as doctor’s assistants.

CRNA or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist are paid more than a Family Doctor. Based on the numbers of Merrit and Hawkins & Associates, a physician recruiting firm, CRNA’s have an average base salary of $189,000 compared to $173,000 of Primary Care Doctors. A staffing expert Kurt Mosley said that it has been the fourth year in a row that CRNA’s were recruited and are paid higher than family doctor. In this case, it seems that the placement in the ladder has changed position in terms of salary.

What are the responsibilities of CRNA’s:

If your a CRNA, you are an advanced practice nurse who administers anesthesia to patients. You work in collaboration with anesthesiologists, surgeons and other physicians and medical professionals to deliver anesthesia for medical and surgical procedures. CRNA’s are performing patient assessment, preparing the patient for anesthesia, administering and maintaining the anesthesia to ensure proper sedation and pain management, overseeing patient recovery from anesthesia and caring for the patient’s immediate post-operative needs.

How to become a CRNA?

If yo want to become one, you must be very willing to render 7 years to education and clinical practice in order to meet the minimum requirements. A Bachelor’s Degree of Nursing is required or other appropriate undergraduate degree, must be registered nurse and a master’s degree from one of the more than 100 graduate schools of nurse anesthesia.

Training to become CRNA:

Must have at least one year of experience in an acute care setting, such as an emergency room or critical care unit, and complete additional training in a large hospital setting. A registered nurse will pass a national certification exam following graduation to obtain the CRNA designation and must complete at least 40 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain the designation.

The requirements to become CRNA is quite tiring to accomplish but in the end its worth it. Filipinos are known to be dedicated individuals and are among the most number of nurses around the world. If ever time will lead you to USA, better become a CRNA to pay off all the effort.

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