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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 Anesthetist
  • Staff Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (Staff CRNA)
  • Staff Nurse Anesthetist

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key 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.
  • Hands-onPerform advanced airway management techniques including endotracheal intubation and fiberoptic bronchoscopy in critical surgical situations, adapting to patient-specific anatomical variations.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze real-time vital signs, capnography, pulse oximetry, and cardiac monitoring data during anesthesia administration, identifying physiological changes requiring immediate intervention.
  • KnowledgeDesign individualized anesthetic plans incorporating pharmacological agents, dosing protocols, and airway strategies based on surgical requirements, patient comorbidities, and evidence-based best practices.
  • MindsetIntegrate patient safety principles, ethical standards, and evidence-based anesthetic protocols when managing complex clinical scenarios involving critically ill or high-risk surgical patients.
  • 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.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles with patient-specific physiology when administering multimodal anesthesia and adjusting agent delivery in response to surgical stimulation.
  • Hands-onOperate digital anesthesia machines, vaporizers, and invasive hemodynamic pressure monitors throughout surgical procedures, maintaining precise control of anesthetic delivery.
  • Hands-onExecute precisely regional anesthesia techniques including epidural and peripheral nerve blocks using ultrasound guidance and nerve stimulators, ensuring patient comfort and procedural safety.
  • KnowledgeJustify anesthetic pharmacology decisions and physiological management strategies when collaborating with interdisciplinary surgical teams, including anesthesiologists, surgeons, and perioperative staff.
  • MindsetSupport patient and family anxiety management throughout the perioperative experience through therapeutic communication, informed consent processes, and patient education regarding anesthesia risks and expectations.
  • 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.

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.
MetricU.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

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Epic Systems
  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Word
  • eClinicalWorks EHR software

Technology Skills

  • AetherPalm InfusiCalc
  • Allscripts Professional EHR
  • Amkai AmkaiCharts
  • Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
  • Cerner Millennium
  • ChartWare EMR
  • Drug database software
  • EDImis Anesthesia Manager
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Anesthesia masks
  • Arterial line catheters
  • Automated external defibrillators AED
  • Bilevel positive airway pressure BiPAP ventilators
  • Bispectral index monitors BIS
  • Blood collection syringes
  • Blood collection tubes
  • Calibrated vaporizers
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment