CRNA FAQS
I often get asked by other nurses about my field. In states like California, where there are fewer CRNAs per capita than in other states, many medical professionals have never even heard of a CRNA. So I have created a short CRNA Frequently Asked Questions List. If you have additional questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I am sure that I or other CRNAs would be glad to answer these questions as well.

What is a CRNA?How do you become a CRNA?
Once you have a Bachelors Degree in Nursing from an accredited educational institution, you get a Masters Degree in Anesthesia. The actual title of the degree may vary from institution to institution. It typically takes two years to complete the program, and you are required to do a class room portion as well as a clinical portion.

What is the difference between a CRNA and an Anesthesia Assistant?
The position of CRNA was created because there was a shortage of Anesthesiologists. Now there is a shortage of CRNAs and Anesthesiologists. Recently, a new specialty has been created called an Anesthesia Assistant. Anesthesia Assistants require a whole lot less training, but as a result the scope of what they are allowed to do is also limited. These people basically assist CRNAs and Anesthesiologists with prepping patients for surgery, and are trained to do just about everything but administer drugs. They basically do a lot of the drudge work, and give CRNAs and Anesthesiologists the ability to spend more time in surgery/administering drugs.

Who do CRNAs report to?
A CRNAs place in every organization is different from facility to facility. CRNAs can either be employed by a hospital or medical group, or they can create their own private practices like physicians.

Those are the most common questions I get. Please let me know if you have more questions.