Career Spotlight: Nurse Anesthetist

A nurse anesthetist is an advanced practice nurse who administers anesthetics for surgery or other medical procedures (Wikipedia). Nurse anesthetists provide anesthetics to patients in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, podiatrists and other qualified health care professionals. As advanced practice registered nurses, they are given a high degree of autonomy and professional respect (Explore Health Careers).

Nurse anesthetists carry a heavy load of responsibility and are compensated accordingly. The average annual salary in 2015 was approximately $160,250, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The job outlook for advanced practice registered nurses is good. The BLS notes that jobs are expected to grow 31% between 2014 and 2024, much faster than the average. To become a Nurse Anesthetist, one must first become a registered nurse. Then they must apply and be accepted by an accredited nurse anesthetics program.

Meet Kenya McKinney, an Anesthetist for Washington University Department of Anesthesiology. She comes with a 23-year background in the nursing profession. Her career choice spun from her love of caring for people. "My mother worked as a medical technician. Seeing her love and commitment to serve people touched my heart and lead me on a similar path." Ms McKinney attended a technical school and obtained her LPN, graduating in 1996. Her journey continued from there!

Nurse Anesthetists earn on average $160,000 per year.

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