Final answer:
CRNA is an acronym for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, a highly trained nurse who provides anesthesia services. To become a CRNA, one must achieve advanced education and certification after becoming a registered nurse. They work in diverse healthcare settings, including surgery, pain management, and emergency care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term CRNA stands for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. A CRNA is a licensed professional nurse who has completed graduate-level education and has been certified to provide anesthesia care for patients before, during, and after surgical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and obstetrical procedures. They are also trained to manage pain care and emergency services, such as airway management.
As advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), CRNAs work with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, podiatrists, and other qualified healthcare professionals. To become a CRNA, one must first have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a similar degree, then pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse (RN), and finally complete a master's or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia and pass the National Certification Examination (NCE).