A nurse anesthetist, or CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist), gives anesthesia to patients. She works in collaboration with anesthesiologists and surgeons to administer anesthesia delivery before. During surgery and immediate post-surgery, a nurse anesthetist monitors the health of the patient while under the effects of anesthesia. The position of a nurse anesthetist is one of the highest paying positions in the nursing field. For instance, a nurse anesthetist can earn up to $189,000 depending on years of experience, employer, skills, and geographic location, reports Payscale.com in November 2011.

In order to become a CRNA, you must hold a bachelor's degree (in science or nursing) and become a licensed registered nurse (RN) with at least a year's worth of experience with acute care history, such as working in a surgical intensive care unit or intensive care unit. Additionally, you'll need to pass the anesthesia education program and obtain certifications from National Boards of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).



Because anesthesia safety is critical to the health of a patient, CRNA candidates must go through and succeed in these rigorous prerequisites. A CRNA must always be on the top of his game, whether it's a middle of the night operation or middle of the day surgery.



Because CRNAs spend a lot of time with patients who are "out cold", patient interaction isn't a major part of a CRNA day-in and day-out job.



In 2009, the online edition of CNN Money ranked the job of a nurse anesthetist as one of the 15th top jobs.