For this edition of A Day in the Life, we interviewed a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) to profile what these nurses do so you can decide if it’s a specialty for you.
Keesha Duncan, DNP, CRNA, is the northeast regional director of advanced practice providers at Envision Healthcare, a chief anesthetist at Hackensack University Medical Center, and she co-authored chapter (7) in “Scholarly Inquiry and the DNP Capstone” written by Cheryl Holly.
Duncan answers our questions about working as a CRNA. What follows is our interview, edited for length and clarity.
Keesha Duncan, DNP, CRNA, is the northeast regional director of advanced practice providers at Envision Healthcare, a chief anesthetist at Hackensack University Medical Center
How did you get interested in being a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)? What drew you to it? How long have you been doing it?
I worked as a cardiothoracic intensive care nurse (CTICU RN) at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York for almost six years. I soon realized I wanted to venture into advanced practice nursing.
The question at that time was, “What specialty?” I decided on anesthesia, much accredited to my mentor, Michael Greco, Ph.D., DNP, CRNA, who encouraged me to shadow a certified registered nurse anesthetist. I did, and I was utterly fascinated by the skill and dexterity displayed by the CRNA.
I quickly knew that this specialty was my calling. Therefore, I began to embark on the journey that led me to where I am today. I’ve been practicing as CRNA for close to 16 years.
Explain briefly what a CRNA does. What types of patients do you serve? What do you provide for them?
CRNAs are advanced specialized nurses trained to provide anesthesia during a procedure or surgery. Some have additional training in pain management and perform functions that treat chronic pain.
I serve the adult, pediatric, and obstetric populations in my career and am proficient in placing labor epidurals and spinal anesthesia for C-sections. Furthermore, I administer general anesthesia or moderate to deep sedation when needed and perform or participate in peripheral nerve blocks.
Did you need to get additional education for this position?
I needed additional education to transition from an ICU RN to a CRNA. I was a diploma RN, so I had to go back and obtain my BSN to apply to CRNA school while working full-time and being a single parent.
I received my MSN with a concentration in anesthesia when I graduated from CRNA school in 2007. I also graduated with my doctorate in nursing practice in 2012.
What do you like most about working as a CRNA?
When I decided to go into anesthesia, I feared losing the special time I had talking and getting to know my patients. But as a CRNA, you don’t lose that bond. The reward you feel when you care for patients during their most vulnerable and scariest times still exists.
Interested in getting a job s a CRNA? Then check out the Daily Nurse Career Center to begin building your nursing career.
- A Day in the Life: Spinal Cord/Multi Trauma Unit Nurse - April 1, 2024
- Nurse’s Side Gig: TruCare Foot Health - March 14, 2024
- A Day in the Life: Psychiatric Nurse - February 5, 2024