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While You Were Sleeping: Nurse Anesthesiologists are on the Front Lines of Patient Care


by Jessica Groach-Santina
mailto:jessica.groach@careertrainingdirectory.com
Career Training Directory Columnist

Imagine having surgery without anesthesia, and you'll understand why anesthesiologists often earn the highest salaries in the medical field - and why nurse anesthesiologists are in such high demand.

Becoming an anesthesiologist requires 12 years in medical school, which is why they only comprise about 5% of specializing physicians in the U.S. That's where nurse anesthesiologists come in.

Anesthesiology and Nursing

Nurses have been administering anesthesia since before WWI; their unique capacity to nurture and comfort patients, while seeing to their surgical needs made them perfect for the battle front.

Today, Baby Boomers are approaching retirement, straining the health care system. Hospitals know that for the price of preparing one anesthesiology resident, they can prepare almost eight nurse anesthesiologists. Not only are they the cost-effective choice, but their lower professional liability premiums help to control the rising cost of health care. Gender is also distributed more equally in this field; while only 8% of nurses overall are men, they comprise about 43% of nurse anesthesiologists.

Also, nurses know their patients more intimately than anesthesiologists. This translates into more careful anesthesia administration. According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, these clinical nursing specialists "practice with a high degree of autonomy and professional respect."

Beginning a Career in Nurse Anesthesia

Your career in nurse anesthesia begins with a bachelor's degree in nursing or other appropriate four-year degree, followed by licensure as a registered nurse, and at least one year's experience in acute care. A master's degree from an accredited nurse anesthesia program is then required, which may take 2-3 years, followed by clinical training in a hospital setting, and a national certification exam. After all this hard work is complete, you'll be earning one of the top salaries in nursing, at $85,000-$115,000/year, in a well-respected, growing career field.

Sources:
"Q & A: A Career in Nurse Anesthesia"; American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
"Nurse Anesthetists at a Glance"; American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
"The Cost Effectiveness of Nurse Anesthetist Practice"; American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
"Physicians and Surgeons"; Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author
Jessica Groach is a freelance writer, and writing instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno. She earned her Bachelor's degree in English from Emory University in Atlanta, and her Master of Arts in Writing from the University of Nevada. Her background includes eight years in media, advertising and public relations. Her work has appeared in various lifestyle and business publications, including a Warner Business Book.

Posted on: February 24, 2006

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