Anesthesiologist vs CRNA?

CRNA vs. Anesthesiologist

• Answer:

  CRNAs and anesthesiologists are health care professionals whose job duties involve the use of anesthesia. Because anesthesia is the central characteristic of their work, they collaborate with each other. However, one has a higher level of expertise and educational attainment than the other, and thus a supervisor-supervised relationship exists between the two professions. Roles CRNAs--an abbreviation for Certified Registered Anesthetist Nurses--are registered nurses (RNs) who specialize in administering drugs to induce anesthesia in patients. Anesthesia is the loss of sensation to eliminate, or at least reduce, pain that is associated with surgical operations. They work under the direction of anesthesiologists, namely, physicians who specialize in anesthesia. Duties The anesthesiologist usually conducts the preoperative interview to determine the patient's preexisting conditions and the appropriate dosage of anesthesia. The CRNA then administers the drugs and watches over the patient during surgery, relying on the anesthesiologist for directions in maintaining anesthesia, or adjusting its level if necessary. After surgery, the CRNA tends to the patient's postoperative needs and recovery. Work Environment CRNAs and anesthesiologists work with surgeons and other physicians who require use of anesthesia for conducting surgeries. The surgeons with whom they work include oral surgeons (those who operate on the teeth and surrounding structures) and veterinary surgeons (those who operate on animals). CRNAs and anesthesiologists can be found in a variety of places, ranging from hospitals and nursing care facilities to offices of physicians and medical centers at educational institutions. Education While regular RNs need at least an associate's degree in nursing, plus a passing score from the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse) to get a license, CRNAs additionally need a bachelor's degree in nursing and a master's degree in nurse anesthesia. A bachelor's degree can be earned within four years and a master's degree within two years. Salary and Job Outlook As of July 2010, salary.com reports that CRNAs have a median annual salary of around $154,000. The median annual salary of anesthesiologists is about twice as much, at around $339,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, which includes CRNAs and anesthesiologists among the RN and physician/surgeon populations, respectively--predicts a 22 percent growth for each profession by 2018. Such a growth rate is estimated to be much faster than that for the entire U.S. workforce.