Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia to patients before and during surgery. They care for and monitor patients during and after the surgical procedure.

Nurse anesthetists are registered nurses trained to administer anesthesia. They work in a variety of settings including:

• Surgery rooms
• Delivery rooms
• Dentist offices
• Surgical centers

Nurse anesthetists meet with patients to obtain and review medical histories. They review the results of medical tests such as x-rays or EKGs (electrocardiograms) to obtain pertinent information about the patient's health. This helps them develop anesthesia care plans.

Prior to procedures, they prepare patients and administer the anesthesia. During procedures, they manage the breathing of patients using a variety of medical techniques and equipment. They look at pupils, skin color, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration to make sure the patient is doing well.

In some situations, an emergency may arise and nurse anesthetists must act fast. They may have to open patient airways and administer fluids and necessary drugs very quickly. They may also have to insert catheters.

After the procedure is completed, the nurse anesthetists monitor patients' recovery. They give drugs or medicines to lessen any ill effects, such as nausea.