CRNA Jobs: Overview
A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) that is certified to administer anesthesia to patients, as well as provide patient care before, during, and after surgery. CRNA jobs are expected to grow by 9% over the next decade — much faster than the average for all other occupations.
If you're looking to pursue CRNA careers, you’ve come to the right place. Start your CRNA job search right now on Credenza.
Education and Skills for a CRNA job
To become a CRNA, you’ll start by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and working one to three years in critical care to gain clinical experience. The next step is to earn a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) or a DNAP (Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice) by completing an accredited CRNA school program.
Finally, you must pass the national certification examination administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Most states also require you to hold an APRN license. (Note that a CRNA’s scope of practice and level of professional autonomy are determined by the state in which they practice.)
In total, it takes around 7 to 10 years to complete your training and begin working as a CRNA. Learn more details about how to become a nurse anesthetist.
CRNA Resume and Cover Letter
One way to impress employers hiring for certified registered nurse anesthetist jobs is with a strong resume and cover letter. Try aligning your skills with the ones you see mentioned in the CRNA job description. For example, if you see “proficient in epidurals and spinal” written toward the top of a list of candidate requirements, be sure to include that same phrase in your CRNA resume. Then elaborate on your experience in epidurals and spinal in your cover letter.
Not sure what else to put in your cover letter when you’re applying to CRNA jobs? Check out our sample nurse anesthetist cover letter for inspiration.
Interviewing for Nurse Anesthetist Jobs
No matter where you’re at in your career, it benefits you to review some common nurse anesthetist interview questions prior to meeting with a potential employer. To better demonstrate your skills and training, practice a few answers that include some stories from your career history.
Interviewing for nurse anesthetist jobs also gives you a chance to ask a hiring manager about aspects of a job and/or facility that are important to you. The answers you receive can help you decide whether or not a job might be a good fit.
Ways of Working
As a nurse anesthetist, you have options for how and where you’d like to work. Choose from full-time, part-time, contract, and per diem CRNA positions. Additionally, you can pursue work in physicians’ offices, general medical and surgical hospitals, outpatient care centers, or other settings.
Salary for a Nurse Anesthetist Job
The average salary for CRNA careers is $248,320 per year. Your salary can differ depending on your education level, years of professional experience, the state in which you practice, and the facility itself. The states with the highest average CRNA salary include:
To find out what CRNA jobs’ salary expectations are in your area, take a look at the latest open roles on Credenza.
Begin a CRNA Job Search on Credenza Today
There are great CRNA jobs available right now. Find out how we can match you with the best nursing jobs that meet your criteria. Get started today.
