Description
At VA, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) are Advanced Practice Nurses who safely provide anesthesia care to surgical and trauma patients. They administer anesthetics and provide care for operations and or procedures - from open heart surgery to pain management programs. CRNAs provide anesthetics to patients in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, podiatrists, and other qualified health care professionals. As Advanced Practice nurses, they are given a high degree of autonomy and professional respect.

Requirements
For a position within the VA health care system, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist applicants must posses a bachelor's degree from a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate State accrediting agency and a graduate degree from a school of anesthesia approved by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. CRNAs also must hold certification by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists. A current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia is required.