roles of CRNA and Anesthesiologist?

[james07]

I just want to know whats the difference between what a CRNA do and a Anesthesiologist do when it comes to providing anesthesia to patients?

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[james07]

Also what are the hours like for an CRNA compared to that of an anesthesiologist?

 

[cbrons]

a CRNA is an advanced practice nurse, an Anesthesiologist is an MD or DO (physician). What CRNAs are allowed to do varies by state and is a source of controversy for some people

 

[Crazyday]

From what I've read, CRNA's are more autonomic and "algorithmic" type thinking. One-track mind you might say, not very dynamic when it comes to big procedures.

Anesthesiologists have very dynamic thinking and have a lot more experience/knowledge in general. They are much better at seeing problems and complications before they happen, particularly with bigger, more difficult procedures.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, or help clarify further.

 

[TheMagicCookie]

At the hospital I work in, CRNAs are supervised by an Anesthesiologist. When the patient is being put to sleep and being reversed, the MD is paged and stops by the room to make sure everything is going smoothly. CRNAs have the same drug privileges as MDs and can give medication as they see fit throughout a case. They generally do smaller, less complicated cases such as choles, hernias, resections, OB, etc. Not to say that they don't take care of ICU patients, but the complex and potentially "problem cases" are run by an anesthesiologist. Sometimes they help the MD place lines(A-line, SWAN, etc), but don't normally float them themselves. The CRNA helps with pre-op H and Ps and some pages from floors. Generally, the CRNA will work an 8 hour shift, but a few have started working 3 12 hours.

 

[kaitnarine]

Look up Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in Wikipedia; it gives a brief synopsis of CRNAs, the history, and current status. It will dispel some of the inaccurate statements above. Nurse anesthetists were providers of anesthesia for over 150 years. 👍