Books, nursing association Web sites, and information interviews with nurses will help you to learn more about nursing careers. Ask your career services offices for help with setting up an information interview with a nurse anesthetist, and be sure to prepare a list of question to bring to the interview. Suggested interview questions include: What made you want to become a nurse anesthetist? What do you like most and least about your job? How did you train for this field? What are some key skills for success? What advice would you give to young people about preparing for the field and being successful on the job?

You can also learn more about nurse anesthetists by visiting the Become a CRNA page of the AANA Web site (https://www.aana.com/about-us/about-crnas/become-a-crna).

Consider volunteering at a hospital, doctors’ office, outpatient care center, or other medical facility to learn how the health-care system works and obtain introductory experience before you head to college.

Participate in summer exploration programs in nursing for high school students that are offered by the National AHEC Organization, National Student Leadership Conference, University of Washington, University of Arizona at Tucson, Dartmouth University, Georgetown University, and other providers.

The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists notes that more than 58 million anesthetic procedures are carried out annually in U.S. medical facilities, and the majority of these are administered by nurse anesthetists. In some states, nurse anesthetists are the only anesthesia providers in nearly 100 percent of the rural hospitals.

Nurse anesthetists are clearly important members of health care teams across the country. Prior to surgery, a nurse anesthetist takes the patients history, evaluates his or her anesthesia needs, and forms a plan for the best possible management of the case (often in consultation with an anesthesiologist). The nurse anesthetist also explains the planned procedures to the patient and answers questions the patient might have. Prior to the operation, the nurse anesthetist administers an intravenous (IV) sedative to relax the patient. Then the nurse anesthetist administers a combination of drugs to establish and maintain the patient in a controlled state of unconsciousness, insensibility to pain, and muscular relaxation. Some general anesthetics are administered by inhalation through a mask and tube, and others are administered intravenously. Because the muscular relaxants prevent patients from breathing on their own, the nurse anesthetist has to provide artificial respiration through a tube inserted into the windpipe.

Throughout the surgery, the nurse anesthetist monitors the patients vital signs by watching the video and digital displays. The nurse anesthetist is also responsible for maintaining the patients blood, water, and salt levels as well as continually readjusting the flow of anesthetics and other medications to ensure optimal results. After surgery, nurse anesthetists monitor the patients return to consciousness and watch for complications. The nurse anesthetists must be skilled in the use of airways, ventilators, IVs, blood- and fluid-replacement techniques, and postoperative pain management.