The definitive source of leadership, advocacy and education for nurse anesthesiology in
California.
What is a CRNA?
In California, certified registered nurse anesthetists
(CRNAs) have practiced independently - without
physician supervision - for decades. They administer every type of anesthesia in any health care setting.
Physician anesthesiologists and CRNAs provide
anesthesia care upon the order of a surgeon. From that order, a CRNA and a physician anesthesiologist practice in the exact same way to perform all of the direct and indirect patient care services associated with the administration of anesthesia.
Countless studies find certified registered nurse anesthetists as safe and effective as physician anesthesiologists, including when practicing independently and in complex cases.
CRNAS are extensively educated, advanced practice registered nurses specializing in anesthesia care.
Minimum of 7 - 8½ yrs of education & training specific to nursing & anesthesiology before CRNAs are licensed to practice anesthesia.
By 2025, CRNAs must possess a Doctoral Degree from a COA-accredited nurse anesthesia educational program.
CRNAs must pass a National Certification Examination for entry into practice and be re-certified every 4 years.
CRNAs obtain an average of 9,369 clinical hours of training prior to becoming a CRNA.
As the demand for care grows, increasing the number of CRNAs will be key to containing costs while maintaining quality care.
Modoc
Trinity
Lassen
Colusa
Did You Know?
(CRNAs) are the sole anesthesia providers in 4 rural counties in California, and provide more than 80% of
rural anesthesia nationwide.
Trailblazers in Pain Management
Surgical or chronic pain can be managed without opioids. CRNAs are trailblazers in this form of anesthesia care.
By virtue of education and individual clinical experience and competency, a CRNA may practice chronic pain management utilizing a variety of therapeutic, physiological, pharmacological, interventional, and psychological modalities in the management and treatment of pain.
About CANA
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), or nurse anesthesiologists, have been providing anesthesia to patients in the United States for more than 150 years. CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have completed an accredited graduate level nurse anesthesia program and passed a national certifying examination; all nurse anesthesia programs now award doctoral degrees.
Qualified to administer all types of anesthetics independently, CRNAs work in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered, including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers and physician/dental offices. CRNA services include pre-anesthesia evaluation, administering the anesthetic, monitoring and interpreting the patient’s vital signs and managing the patient throughout surgery. In California, CRNAs are the sole anesthesia providers in 4 counties, and the primary provider in most rural areas, ensuring patient access to obstetrical, surgical, trauma stabilization and pain management services.
The California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (CANA) is the definitive source of leadership, advocacy and education for the CRNAs of California.