For Hospital Administrators

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are anesthesia professionals, educated at the masters or doctoral level, who provide the full range of anesthesia and pain management services with a high degree of autonomy and professional respect. Research has shown anesthesia is equally safe whether provided by a CRNA working solo, an anesthesiologist working solo, or a CRNA working with an anesthesiologist. CRNAs are educated and trained to deliver anesthesia care regardless of whether an anesthesiologist is involved.

How can hospitals improve healthcare? 

Texas hospitals are on the front lines of improving health care in our state. CRNAs play a key role in this effort by offering these facilities high-quality, cost-effective anesthesia care. 

Why hire CRNAs? 

  • CRNAs are highly-educated Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who deliver anesthesia in the same way, for the same types of procedures, in the same settings and as safely as our anesthesiologist colleagues. 
  • The practice of anesthesia is a recognized nursing and medical specialty unified by the same standard of care. 
  • Employing highly-paid professionals (anesthesiologists) to watch over highly-paid professionals (CRNAs) poses a financial burden on hospitals with no projected upside. This model is neither productive nor affordable in today’s health care system. 
  • CRNAs are educated and trained to function independent of anesthesiologists and studies confirm that their safety and level of care equals that of anesthesiologists. 
  • Hospital administrators are seeking safe, cost-effective anesthesia services. CEOs are recognizing options outside the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT) model and are turning to the proven skills and services of CRNAs to meet the increasing patient needs as health care dollars continue to shrink. 
  • CRNAs are available to provide safe, cost-effective anesthesia services in hospitals and ASCs. 

Employers and other entities hiring CRNAs often have questions about employment of CRNAs. Learn more about the role of a nurse anesthetist. The Board of Nursing frequently receives inquiries about CRNA responsibilities, and we invite you to review their FAQs provided here