Sabtu, 09 Agustus 2014

Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs Create Medical Career Opportunities

By Tanisha Berg


Each year more than 34 million people undergo surgical procedures requiring anesthesia. The skills of a surgeon can determine whether or not an operation is successful, but without a trained anesthesiologist modern surgery would be impossible. Certified nurse anesthetist programs prepare people for a career not only in surgical and obstetrical centers, but also in fields such as podiatry, dentistry and cosmetic surgery.

There are two groups today responsible for administering anesthesia. Anesthesiologists are doctors who have completed medical training and residency, in addition to three years in an associated program. Certified nurse anesthetists performing an identical job function are trained in advanced nursing practices, have worked in acute care for at least one year, and completed all educational requirements, including a related graduate degree.

The responsibility they assume cannot be taken lightly. Nurses not only observe surgical candidates closely prior to scheduled surgery, but also bring them safely back to normal consciousness after an operation. They prepare the appropriate anesthetics prior to surgery, closely monitory physical functions while it is ongoing, and adjust crucial levels as required. They also talk to patients, explaining what will happen, and what to expect.

There is an expectation of high competency levels, and the required higher education is commensurate. Those intent on pursuing this career successfully graduate high school, and then continue their education with a four year Bachelor of Science in health-related fields as preparation for obtaining a registered nursing license. Additional requirements include an accredited graduate degree in an associated anesthesia program.

Those programs not only include advanced training in biochemistry, physics, and anatomy, but also in advanced studies in physiology and pathophysiology, as well as pharmacology as it relates to anesthesia. Practical experience and training in a university or community medical center is also required prior to taking and passing a recognized certification program that meets all modern medical standards and practices.

The importance of this specialized field cannot be overemphasized. While doctors were once the sole administrators of anesthetics during surgery, anesthetists today are primarily responsible for this job in most rural areas, and in many urban centers. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) have helped develop and promote these skills during the past century.

With increased responsibility comes greater reward in the form of salary, which is often in the six-figure category. High demand makes this a growing career path in medical care. Although the cost of the required training and formal education is high, it is still lower than the cost of producing a doctor who performs the same function. This has an impact on overall expenses, an important consideration in an era of cost-cutting.

Those considering pursuing this career path should enjoy communicating with and helping people, as well as working with technical devices and needles. The hours are long and demanding, and there is little room for error. While some individuals work in tandem with a physician anesthesiologist, in many locations they are the sole administrator, making the job they do vital for a successful outcome.




About the Author:



Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar