Masters in Nursing Anesthesiology Nurse
The nurse anesthesia education program was introduced in the United States in 1889 by Dr. William Mayo, founder of the Mayo Clinic. The degree is probably the most challenging course of study among all the traditional specializations for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and is certainly the most lucrative. The median salary for a working nurse with a Masters in Nursing Nurse Anesthesiologist is in six figures. Because of the development of this degree and the success that nurse anesthetists have had there are fewer physicians specializing in the field today. It is also true that general anesthesia is not used with the regularity of just twenty years ago, because surgical methods for many procedures have become much less intrusive.
A nurse anesthesiologist has several jobs in any surgical procedure. The first is preparing the patient which means explaining the upcoming procedure as it relates to the application of anesthesia. At this stage the equipment for anesthetics is prepared, including the insertion of any intravenous devices required. During the surgical procedure the nurse anesthetist applies the anesthesia and monitors all vital signs to ensure that the patient is responding normally. This process usually requires a substantial amount of record keeping that includes recording the vital signs, the anesthesia that has been used as well as fluids or other medications used before, during or after surgery. The anesthetist provides records for case management in this fashion.
A Masters in Nursing Nurse Anesthesiologist degree doesn't necessarily lead to the surgery suite. Many graduates find work in outpatient surgical clinics which are common today, for many procedures that required a hospital stay ten years ago. Plastic surgeons also employ anesthetists, and their procedures are usually performed in the doctor's office on an outpatient basis. They do, however, often require general anesthetics and for a prolonged period. This graduate program can be a lengthy commitment of thirty months or more for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in nursing. There is an extensive practicum required along with the MSN curriculum and specialization. All nurse anesthetists also sit for an exam in order to obtain certification from the National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthesia (NBCRNA).
