CRNAs are not limited to only administering certain anesthetics, but are able to administer any type of anesthetic agent. They are responsible for administering the appropriate anesthesia before and after surgical procedures, or management of pain control. CRNAs practice alongside of physicians and anesthesiologist. CRNAS are not limited to practicing in hospitals setting; they have a choice of working for independently licensed medical practices such as, dentists' offices and ambulatory surgical centers. CRNAs are the sole providers of anesthesia in approximately two thirds of all rural hospitals in the United States, enabling these healthcare facilities to offer obstetrical, surgical and trauma stabilization …show more content…
CRNAs practice has been around approximately 150 years in the United States. Nurses were the first healthcare professionals to administer anesthesia in the United States. The nurse’s work with anesthetic agents soon became the first specialty in nursing practice which is known as Nurse Anesthetist. The foundation for anesthesia practice among nurses was established during the Civil War (1861-1865). Catherine S. Lawrence was the first American nurse to administer anesthesia to soldiers in the Civil War, however, was not recognized as a nurse anesthetist. Sister Mary Bernard was the first to get recognition as a nurse anesthetist. Barnard practiced her work at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania in