IntroductionThere are a variety of different specialties within the field of nursing that one can get into. Registered nurses who decide to continue their education can choose to pursue professions in many different specialties. Some examples include becoming a nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse educator, forensic nurse, or legal nurse consultant. Nurse anesthetists are professionals who administer anesthesia to patients safely. To become one, there are specific training requirements, certifications, and different skills that one must acquire. Job Description Certified Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who administer anesthetics to patients in a clinical setting, for a variety of surgeries or procedures. . CRNAs often work in collaboration with anesthesiologists, surgeons, dentists and other qualified healthcare professionals. They can work in many different locations, including traditional hospital settings, offices of dentists, podiatrists, plastic surgeons, pain management specialists, and military health care facilities (“Certified Registered Nurse”). », 2014). They are responsible for administering different types of anesthetics as well as monitoring the patient before, during and after the procedure. The CRNA will always begin by evaluating the patient's medical history and treatment plan. Then, they will administer the necessary medications to use on the patient during the procedure. The nurse anesthetist must closely monitor the patient's vital signs to ensure they are receiving the correct amount of medication. They may need to make adjustments to delivery, speed, or dosage at that time. Once the procedure is completed, the nurse anesthetist will continue...... middle of paper ......k in a surgical environment, such as an operating room. They may also work in outpatient surgery centers or medical offices (Santiago, 2014). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nurse anesthetists is expected to grow by 31% between 2012 and 2022 (“Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse,” 2014). Job opportunities for advanced practice registered nurses in general are expected to be in high demand. The most recent data is from May 2012, in which the median annual salary for nurse anesthetists in the United States was $96,460 (“Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse,” 2014). ConclusionNurse anesthetists are advanced practice nurses who have a great deal of autonomy and responsibility. that come with their profession. Through advanced training, continued recertification, and precision clinical skills, one can become a successful nurse anesthetist..