What should I know about the work of a CRNA?
Nurse Anesthetists are nurses with extensive training, qualified to administer anesthetics to clients undergoing medical, dental, and obstetrical procedures. The CRNA is a key member of the surgical team who works with the attending surgeon, dentist, or anesthesiologist. General duties of a nurse anesthetist include obtaining supplies and equipment necessary for a procedure, reviewing and interpreting pre-surgical tests to decide which anesthetic is well suited for a given patient, and making sure that blood and other necessary fluids are readily available in case of an emergency.
After administering the anesthetic, a nurse anesthetists must monitor the patient's vital signs and communicate pertinent information to the surgical team. Additional responsibilities of a CRNA include inserting an artificial airway, administering oxygen, and preventing surgical shock. In certain cases the nurse anesthetist has to explain the steps of a procedure to ensure the client's cooperation and to boost his or her confidence. The nurse anesthetist job carries a great amount of responsibility. Those interested in pursuing this specialty of nursing must be intelligent, able to function well in stressful situations, and capable of solving problems quickly. CRNAs are generally salaried, their compensation lags behind anesthesiologists, and they generally receive no overtime pay.
CRNA Salaries by State
As advanced practice nurses, CRNAs carry a heavy load of responsibility and are compensated accordingly.
| State | CRNA Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $110,000 - $166,000 |
| Alaska | $150,000 - $200,000 |
| Arizona | $125,000 - $180,000 |
| Arkansas | $120,000 - $152,000 |
| California | $150,000 - $210,000 |
| Colorado | $140,000 - $180,000 |
| Connecticut | $150,000 - $190,000 |
| Delaware | $135,000 - $195,000 |
| District of Columbia | $155,000 - $196,000 |
| Florida | $110,000 - $180,000 |
| Georgia | $110,000 - $160,000 |
| Hawaii | $154,000 - $195,000 |
| Idaho | $150,000 - $170,000 |
| Illinois | $130,000 - $190,000 |
| Indiana | $125,000 - $200,000 |
| Iowa | $135,000 - $175,000 |
| Kansas | $120,000 - $180,000 |
| Kentucky | $130,000 - $170,000 |
| Louisiana | $120,000 - $170,000 |
| Maine | $125,000 - $160,000 |
| Maryland | $140,000 - $185,000 |
| Massachusetts | $155,000 - $210,000 |
| Michigan | $138,000 - $190,000 |
| Minnesota | $140,000 - $188,000 |
| Mississippi | $115,000 - $150,000 |
| Missouri | $125,000 - $160,000 |
| Montana | $110,000 - $140,000 |
| Nebraska | $122,000 - $155,000 |
| Nevada | $130,000 - $185,000 |
| New Hampshire | $140,000 - $190,000 |
| New Jersey | $145,000 - $205,000 |
| New Mexico | $120,000 - $155,000 |
| New York | $150,000 - $210,000 |
| North Carolina | $120,000 - $177,000 |
| North Dakota | $125,000 - $165,000 |
| Ohio | $120,000 - $175,000 |
| Oklahoma | $130,000 - $170,000 |
| Oregon | $100,000 - $172,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $145,000 - $190,000 |
| Rhode Island | $145,000 - $185,000 |
| South Carolina | $145,000 - $170,000 |
| South Dakota | $110,000 - $150,000 |
| Tennessee | $110,000 - $170,000 |
| Texas | $120,000 - $210,000 |
| Utah | $125,000 - $170,000 |
| Vermont | $130,000 - $180,000 |
| Virginia | $120,000 - $200,000 |
| Washington | $145,000 - $190,000 |
| West Virginia | $122,000 - $175,000 |
| Wisconsin | $128,000 - $170,000 |
| Wyoming | $110,000 - $160,000 |