Interested in becoming a CRNA or want to learn more about Nurse Anesthetists? This section seeks to provide background information to healthcare professionals and will continue to grow to accommodate the wide array of needs and questions. TxANA will do our best to provide assistance but if we are unable to address a specific question, we can point you in the right direction. The role of the CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) is vital to healthcare in Texas. CRNAs are highly educated anesthesia professionals who provide the full range of anesthesia and pain management services. As advanced practice registered nurses, CRNAs have been providing anesthesia in the United States for more than 150 years, long before the CRNA credential came into existence in 1956.
CRNAs administer general, regional, and local anesthesia in addition to rendering pain management services.
General Anesthesia – The patient is completely unconscious after being given injected and/or inhaled drugs.
Regional Anesthesia – The patient remains awake, though sedated, while a portion of the body is made numb.
Local Anesthesia – Injection of a painkilling drug into a specific body part, which can be followed by intravenous drugs to keep the patient sedated.
Pain Management – Encompasses pharmacological, nonpharmacological, and other approaches to prevent, reduce, or stop pain sensations.
More information can be found here.
