Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who specialize in anesthesia care. CRNAs undergo rigorous training in anesthesiology and are licensed to administer care across the country.

Many aspects affect the plan of the anesthetic for patients. The type of surgery, medical history, assessment of current health status, and unique needs and requests by the surgeon play a major role in the anesthetic plan.

CRNAs are trained in the full spectrum of anesthesia care, from preoperative assessment, anesthesia planning, intraoperative anesthetic management, and postoperative care. In many anesthetics throughout the U.S., the CRNA is the sole anesthesia provider.

Anesthesia safety has increased dramatically over the past few decades and continues to improve with advances in scientific understanding of the response of the human body to anesthetics, standards of care, and enhanced continuing education standards. Anesthesia always carries a small risk, and your anesthesia provider will discuss those risks with you based on their assessment prior to your procedure.

The science and administration of anesthesia is not different between CRNAs and MDAs. The model of training physicians and nurses in the introduction to care of patients differs. Both are rigorous programs, focused on safe and efficient care.

The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists maintain current information about anesthesia standards as well as communications about the happenings in the world of healthcare.