nurse anesthetist
description
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) have the main responsibilities of administering anesthesia and monitoring patients through their surgeries. They also have the task of ensuring that their patients have a smooth recovery after their surgery. Other responsibilities of a CRNA include: completing physical assessments of each patient , discussing the surgery and recovery with the patient prior to the procedure, preparing and administering the patient-specific amount of anesthesia needed for the procedure, maintaining the patient’s anesthesia levels during surgery, and ensuring proper anesthesia recovery for patients until patients are transferred to care units.
potential areas of employment
A career as a nurse anesthetist could lead me to employment anywhere in the United States because there are over 50,000 practicing in the US now. I would prefer to move out west eventually which would be possible with this proffession.
salary
On average, a certified registered nurse anesthetist in the US makes about $160, 250 per year. This amount can increase with experience and can change based on your location. Nurse anesthetists get paid every 2 weeks. Because of President Trump's new tax bracket, my salary would place me in the 32% Federal Income Tax Bracket. My income tax for a state out west such as Colorado would be around 5%.
schedule
The schedule of a nurse anesthetist varies depending on the hourly shifts one may work. Nurses that work shorter shifts (around 8 – 12 hours a day) may work an average of 4-5 days per week, while anesthetist that work longer shifts such as a 24 hour rotation shift may only work 2 – 3 days per week. My schedule will vary depending on my location of employment, holidays, and family.
Benefits
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment as a nurse anesthetist is projected to grow 31% from 2016-2026. This is a job in high demand which will lead to finding employment anywhere in the US being an easy task. Working as a nurse anesthetist, I will be able to help others in need from all ages and backgrounds. Not only will I be there for the actual procedure, but I will have the opportunity to help the patients prepare for their surgeries and make sure they recover properly. This will allow me to form a bond with each patient. Through the company that I work for, I will receive health, dental, and vision insurance. The schedule of a nurse anesthetist can be less demanding if needed which will make it easier to have a family of my own.
challenges
There are multiple challenges that come with becoming a nurse anesthetist, but the largest one would be the toll it takes on you emotionally. Although many procedures will be successful, there will always be a fear of complications. There will be times that you lose a patient that you have grown to know as more than just your patient. It will be emotionally draining to have to tell the family of the patient about what has happened. Another challenge will be the work schedule. There will be times that I may work three 24 hour days in one week. As a nurse anesthetist, you must be ready to face any challenge handed to you.