Introduction There are several specialties in the field of nursing that you can delve into. Registered nurses who decide to further their education can choose to practice professions in many different specialties. Some examples include becoming a nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse educator, forensic nurse, or forensic nurse consultant. Nurse anesthetists are professionals who administer anesthesia to patients safely. To become one, there are specific training requirements, certifications and different skills that you need to obtain. Job Description Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who administer anesthetics to patients in a clinical setting, for a variety of surgeries or procedures. CRNAs often work in collaboration with anesthesiologists, surgeons, dentists and other qualified healthcare professionals. They may work in many different locations, including the traditional hospital setting, the offices of dentists, podiatrists, plastic surgeons, pain management specialists, and military healthcare facilities (“Certified Registered Nurse,” 2014). They are responsible for administering different types of anesthetics and monitoring the patient before, during and after the procedure. The CRNA will always begin by evaluating the patient's medical history and treatment plan. They will then administer the necessary medications to use on the patient during the procedure. The nurse anesthetist must carefully monitor the patient's vital signs to ensure that he or she receives the correct amount of medication. You may need to make changes to delivery, speed, or dosage at this time. Once the procedure is complete, the nurse anesthetist will continue...... middle of paper ......k in a surgical environment, such as an operating room. They may also work in ambulatory surgery centers or doctor's offices (Santiago, 2014). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nurse anesthetists is expected to increase 31% from 2012 to 2022 (“Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse,” 2014). Job opportunities for advanced practice nurses in general are expected to be in high demand. The most recent data is from May 2012, where the average annual salary for nurse anesthetists in the United States was $96,460 (“Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse,” 2014). Conclusion Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice nurses who have a great deal of autonomy and responsibility that comes with their profession. Through advanced training, ongoing recertification, and precision clinical skills, you can become a successful nurse anesthetist.