A nurse anesthetist often works directly with patients, administering anesthesia and ensuring that the patient is responding properly to that anesthesia. Many times, the nurse anesthetist works side-by-side with physicians or surgeons as they perform various procedures to improve their patients’ health. Like most other medical occupations, the job outlook for a nurse anesthetist is excellent.
How the Future Looks for Nurse Anesthetists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 711,900 additional registered nurse jobs will be added to the industry through the year 2020. The BLS lists the states with the highest levels of employment for this industry as Texas with 3,580, North Carolina with 2,090, Pennsylvania with 2,050, Tennessee with 2,020 and Virginia with 1,890 jobs. Those who seek employment with dentists’ offices and dental clinics are expected to earn the highest salaries in coming years. Conversely, nurse anesthetists who work in specialty hospitals outside of substance abuse and psychiatric care facilities will likely earn the least.
Growth in the Industry
Registered nursing jobs will grow by about 26% through the year 2020. This is much faster than the national average for other occupations. Most medical jobs will continue to grow throughout the next several years as the population grows and individuals experience increasing medical conditions that will need treatment. With physician and other health professional growth comes the demand for more assistant health care professionals such as RNs and nurse anesthetists. These professionals work beside physicians, particularly anesthesiologists, in an integral part of the patients’ treatments for various conditions.
Places of Employment for Nurse Anesthetists
For the most part, 0.84% of nurse anesthetists will work in the offices of physicians and 0.19% will work in general medical or surgical hospitals. They may also work in the offices of other healthcare practitioners, in outpatient care centers or with the state or federal government. Some of these professionals may work with dentists or in specialty hospitals. Individuals who are perfect for this job include those who have a keen eye for detail and those who enjoy working with and helping individuals.
Better Opportunities for Nurse Anesthetists
Those who would like to open up better opportunities for themselves, including competitive pay, should do what they can to earn a higher education and experience. In fact, the BLS says that in general, those with at least a Bachelor’s degree will have better job prospects than those with lower degrees. Those who are attempting to find a job within a physician’s office or an outpatient care center will experience more competition because of the regular hours, whereas those who attempt to get a job within a hospital will notice a higher number of available positions.
A nurse anesthetist will need to participate in continuing education in order to maintain their license in the state in which they live. Generally, this means a certain number of classes each year or over a period of two to three years. It may also mean completing additional testing.
