Comparing CRNAs to Other APRNs

All APRNs are registered nurses who have earned a graduate degree that certifies them to practice advanced and specialized care. There are four classes of APRNs: certified nurse midwife (CNM), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), certified nurse practitioner (CNP), and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Though all APRNs undergo extensive training to achieve their advanced degree, each type obtains a different skillset, with CRNAs focused on anesthesia care.

Prospective CRNAs must complete a master’s degree from a certified nurse anesthesia educational program and complete courses that focus on pharmacology, physiology, professional practices, and pain management. Comparatively, RNs must complete a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) to become a CNP and are recommended to do so to practice as a CNS. In most cases, both the CNS and CNP will subspecialize in a specific population, such as gerontology or pediatrics. Similarly, the CNM provider will obtain an MSN and then pass the midwifery exam offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board.¹ According to the Nurse Journal, CRNAs are the highest-paid APRNs, with an average annual take-home salary of $195,610, while CNMs earn $112,830 a year on average. The highest-paid CNP is a psychiatric CNP who earns $113,100 annually on average, whereas family and pediatric CNPs earn up to $98,000 annually on average.  Finally, the CNS provider can make up to $133,000 per year.²

With a highly attractive income potential and the ability to gain advanced skills, many RNs are motivated to earn a CRNA certification to meet the growing demand for anesthesia providers. In contrast to other APRNs, CRNAs are specially trained to provide anesthesia to patients in settings such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, and doctors’ offices. They also monitor vital signs throughout anesthesia, assist patients with recovery and side effects, and conduct post-procedure evaluations. The level of independence that CRNAs have varies according to state regulations, with some able to independently lead anesthesia care, while others require physician supervision.

In addition to their role in treating and diagnosing patients within their area of expertise, a CNS provider has a key role in education. CNS providers are often involved in educational programs to improve nurse performance, patient outcomes, and bedside nursing. This process involves the mentorship of nursing students and new nurse staff. They will also oversee evidence-based research and counsel patients and families when they act as resident experts on medically complex cases.^3,6

CNPs provide comprehensive care in their area of expertise. Their roles can include performing physical examinations, ordering prescriptions and procedures, ordering and interpreting laboratory and diagnostic results, and providing family planning services, prenatal care, health risk assessment, psychological counseling, healthcare service coordination, and/or health education.⁴

Finally, CNMs support patients in all areas of menarche, pregnancy, birth, and menopause. As providers, they can perform physical examinations independently, order prescriptions, and expedite patient therapy by admitting, managing, and discharging patients. They can interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests, order medical devices and equipment, and provide home health services.⁵

References

1. “NP vs. RN vs. CRNA (& More).” Adaptive Medical Partners, 23 May 2022, adaptivemedicalpartners.com/np-vs-rn-vs-crna-more/. Accessed 14 May 2024.
2. “Nurse Practitioner vs Clinical Nurse Specialist.” NurseJournal, 4 Dec. 2021, nursejournal.org/resources/np-vs-cns/.
3. “Medicare and CRNA Education – ProQuest.” Www.proquest.com, www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/medicare-crna-education/docview/222116607/se-
4. AANP. “The Path to Becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP).” American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2020, www.aanp.org/news-feed/explore-the-variety-of-career-paths-for-nurse-practitioners.
5. “Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse – ProQuest.” Www.proquest.com, www.proquest.com/reports/nurse-anesthetists-midwives-practitioners/docview/2396587784/se-2. Accessed 14 May 2024.
6. “The Role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist in the – ProQuest.” Www.proquest.com, www.proquest.com/trade-journals/role-clinical-nurse-specialist-acute-care-setting/docview/3032757053/se-2. Accessed 14 May 2024.