What Does a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Do?
A certified registered nurse anesthetist is an advanced practice nurse who specializes in administering anesthesia and managing patient care before, during, and after surgical or medical procedures. CRNAs work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, dental offices, and military medical facilities.
CRNAs conduct pre-anesthesia assessments, develop and implement anesthesia plans, monitor vital signs during procedures, and oversee patient recovery. They often work autonomously and are integral to surgical teams, particularly in rural or underserved areas where they may be the sole anesthesia provider. Their role requires clinical expertise, rapid decision-making, and a commitment to patient safety and comfort.
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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Core Responsibilities
- Conduct preoperative patient evaluations and health assessments
- Develop individualized anesthesia care plans
- Administer general, regional, or local anesthesia
- Monitor patients’ vital signs and anesthesia levels during procedures
- Adjust anesthesia levels as needed based on patient response
- Manage airway and ventilation in critical care situations
- Oversee postoperative recovery and pain management
- Maintain accurate anesthesia records and documentation
- Collaborate with surgical teams, physicians, and nurses to ensure optimal outcomes
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Expertise in pharmacology, physiology, and anesthesia techniques
- Proficiency in patient monitoring and life-support systems
- Airway management and emergency response competency
- Knowledge of regulatory standards and anesthesia guidelines
Soft skills
- Rapid critical thinking and decision-making
- Strong communication with patients and surgical staff
- Emotional resilience in high-stress environments
- Attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols
Educational requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Completion of a nurse anesthesia program accredited by the COA (Council on Accreditation)
Certifications
- Current RN license and CRNA certification
- Certification by the NBCRNA (National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) required
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) often preferred or required based on setting
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3+ years of experience as a CRNA or in critical care nursing prior to program entry
- Familiarity with electronic anesthesia record systems
- Experience in a specialty area such as obstetric, pediatric, or cardiovascular anesthesia
- Prior military or rural healthcare practice background
National Average Salary
CRNA salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is:
$168,775
Sample Job Description Templates for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
Entry-Level CRNA
Position Overview
An entry-level CRNA provides anesthesia care under guidance and supervision while building independent clinical skills. This role is ideal for newly certified nurse anesthetists starting their professional practice.
Responsibilities
- Conduct patient assessments with oversight
- Assist in developing anesthesia care plans
- Administer anesthesia during routine procedures
- Monitor patient vitals and document responses
- Participate in team debriefings and clinical evaluations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in basic anesthesia techniques and patient monitoring
- Understanding of pharmacology and physiology
Soft skills
- Eagerness to learn and improve under supervision
- Clear, respectful communication
Educational requirements
- BSN and graduate-level anesthesia program completion
Certifications
- RN license and CRNA certification (NBCRNA)
- BLS and ACLS (required), PALS (preferred)
Preferred Qualifications
- Clinical rotations in surgical or critical care settings
- Strong academic references or residency participation
Experienced CRNA
Position Overview
An experienced CRNA independently delivers comprehensive anesthesia care across surgical specialties. This role requires confidence, clinical precision, and familiarity with complex patient populations.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate patients and develop tailored anesthesia plans
- Administer general, regional, or monitored anesthesia
- Respond to intraoperative complications and manage airway emergencies
- Oversee anesthesia-related documentation and compliance
- Collaborate with surgical and recovery teams
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of anesthesia equipment and protocols
- Independent decision-making in diverse clinical scenarios
Soft skills
- Leadership during high-pressure procedures
- Patient reassurance and clarity in communication
Educational requirements
- MSN or DNP from accredited nurse anesthesia program
Certifications
- Active CRNA (NBCRNA), ACLS/BLS/PALS
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of CRNA practice
- Experience with trauma, cardiovascular, or obstetric cases
Lead CRNA
Position Overview
The lead CRNA oversees day-to-day clinical operations of the anesthesia team, ensuring care quality, staffing coordination, and protocol adherence while still providing hands-on care.
Responsibilities
- Assign cases and manage shift schedules for CRNAs
- Mentor and train junior CRNAs and students
- Review case outcomes and update anesthesia protocols
- Liaise with OR management and department heads
- Participate in policy, compliance, and QA initiatives
Requirements
Hard skills
- Clinical leadership and staff development
- Proficiency in performance reporting and peer review
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking and team motivation
- Conflict resolution and cross-department coordination
Educational requirements
- DNP or advanced practice degree strongly preferred
Certifications
- Active CRNA certification (NBCRNA), BLS, ACLS, PALS
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of CRNA experience
- Previous leadership or educator role
Locum Tenens CRNA
Position Overview
A locum CRNA provides temporary anesthesia coverage at hospitals, clinics, or surgical centers. This flexible, high-demand role requires adaptability and quick integration into new environments.
Responsibilities
- Provide anesthesia care during short-term assignments
- Quickly adapt to facility protocols and teams
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and national standards
- Maintain detailed documentation during each placement
- Manage multiple specialties and patient populations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Multi-system fluency and fast orientation
- Ability to handle solo or autonomous anesthesia practice
Soft skills
- Flexibility and rapid onboarding capability
- Professionalism and strong interpersonal skills
Educational requirements
- Graduate degree from COA-accredited program
Certifications
- Active CRNA license; multi-state licensure often required
- BLS/ACLS/PALS required
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of CRNA experience
- Locum or travel healthcare experience
Travel CRNA
Position Overview
A travel CRNA fills critical staffing gaps nationwide on short- to mid-term contracts. Travel CRNAs must be confident in independent practice, highly mobile, and comfortable with diverse patient demographics.
Responsibilities
- Deliver anesthesia services at varied healthcare facilities
- Adhere to travel assignment protocols and expectations
- Maintain credentialing and licensure across multiple states
- Communicate effectively with unfamiliar teams and systems
- Support patient safety and satisfaction consistently
Requirements
Hard skills
- Broad experience across surgical specialties
- Efficient onboarding into EHR and anesthesia platforms
Soft skills
- Self-sufficiency and clinical adaptability
- Excellent bedside manner across settings
Educational requirements
- MSN or DNP from accredited anesthesia program
Certifications
- Active CRNA, compact or multiple state licensure
- ACLS, BLS, PALS current
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior travel healthcare experience
- Experience in rural or high-volume urban facilities