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Nurse Anesthetists

Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits

Nurse anesthetists should have proven track records in administering anesthesia and monitoring the patient throughout the surgical procedure. They should be knowledgeable about follow-through protocols and strategies. Their backgrounds must include not only the required education and certification, but also training in patient assessment, experience in working as part of a health care team, and a solid history in preparing and administering specific types of anesthesia.

Since nurse anesthetists are tasked with checking the patient throughout the surgery, they must be skilled at reading output from operating room machines and monitoring body functions. They must be able to adjust the anesthetic, ensuring the patient’s comfort and safety.

Nurse anesthetists must have the ability to concentrate for long periods of time and remain focused on monitoring their patient during surgery. They must be able to analyze problems accurately and swiftly, make decisions quickly, and react appropriately. They must have the ability to remain calm during emergencies and be able to handle stressful situations. Nurse anesthetists also need to have efficient time management skills in order to work efficiently with surgeons and their operating schedules. In addition, nurse anesthetists should also possess good communication skills. Since they are with the patient prior to, during, and after surgery, they should be able to translate highly technical medical jargon for the patient and their families.

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