A nurse anesthetist is an advanced practice nurse who administers anesthesia for surgery or other medical procedures. Nurse anesthetists are involved in the administration of anesthesia in a majority of countries, with varying levels of autonomy. A 2002 survey reported that there were 107 countries where nurse anesthetists practice anesthesia and nine countries where nurses assist in the administration of anesthesia.
In the United States, the term "Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist" is used to denote advanced practice registered nurses with a doctorate or master's, specializing in the administration of anesthesia. Nurse Anesthetists are required to have 7 to 8 years of education, training, and experience before they can become a CRNA; the average critical care experience prior to entering a master’s or doctorate nurse anesthesia program is 3.5 years. CRNA's account for approximately half of the anesthesia providers in the United States and are the main providers of anesthesia in rural America, U.S. military, Veteran’s Administration, medically underserved communities, and to maternity patients. 49,000+ nurse anesthetists administer approximately 43 million anesthetics to patients each year. CRNA’s are trained to administer every type of anesthesia. Historically, nurse anesthetists have been providing anesthesia care to patients since the American Civil War more than 150 years ago. The CRNA credential came into existence in 1956 and approximately 40% of nurse anesthetists are male. Scope of practice limitations and practitioner oversight requirements vary between healthcare facility and state, with 17 states and Guam granting complete autonomy as of 2016. In states that have opted out of supervision, the Joint Commission and CMS recognize CRNA's as licensed independent practitioners. In states requiring supervision, CRNA's have liability separate from any supervising practitioner and are able to administer anesthesia independently of physician anesthesiologists.
Internationally
Currently there are 107 countries where nurse anesthetists practice and nine countries where nurses assist in the administration of anesthesia. In 1989, the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists was established. They have developed standards of education, practice, and a code of ethics. Delegates from 35 member countries participate in the World Congress every few years.
