September 10, 2026 As an RN or APRN considering a career as a CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist, it is crucial to understand the standards that guide nurse anesthesiology practice. The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology has established comprehensive standards to support high-quality, safe anesthesia care with a focus on patient safety. This guide will help you familiarize yourself with these standards and prepare for your future role as a CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist. Patient-Centered Care As a CRNA, you’ll be expected to: Respect patient autonomy, dignity, and privacy Support patient needs and safety Obtain informed consent for anesthesia care Communicate effectively with patients and their family/caregivers Key skills to develop: Strong interpersonal communication and patient advocacy Comprehensive Patient Assessment As a CRNA, you’ll be expected to: Perform a thorough preanesthesia evaluation Conduct an anesthesia-focused physical assessment Formulate a patient-specific anesthesia care plan Key skills to develop: Advanced health assessment, pharmacology, physiology, and critical thinking Documentation and Communication As a CRNA, you’ll be expected to: Maintain accurate, timely, and complete anesthesia care records Communicate effectively with the healthcare team Transfer care appropriately, ensuring continuity Key skill to develop: Clear and concise medical documentation and communication Equipment Proficiency As a CRNA, you’ll be expected to: Conduct appropriate equipment checks Verify equipment function before each anesthetic Operate equipment safely to minimize risks Key skill to develop: Technical proficiency with anesthesia equipment Patient Management and Monitoring As a CRNA, you’ll be expected to: Implement and modify anesthesia care plans as needed Continuously assess patient response to anesthesia Collaborate with the intraoperative team to safely position patients Monitor oxygenation, ventilation, cardiovascular status, temperature, and neuromuscular status as appropriate. Key skills to develop: Vigilance and independent decision-making Technology and Clinical Decision-Making As a CRNA, you’ll be expected to: Maintain independent clinical judgment when using technology to support care Appropriately integrate new technologies and decision-support tools into anesthesia care Evaluate technology with patient safety and evidence-based care in mind Key skill to develop: Independent judgment and ability to critically assess and evaluate evolving healthcare technologies Safety and Infection Control As a CRNA, you’ll be expected to: Adhere to infection prevention and control policies Participate in a culture of safety Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams Key skill to develop: Strict adherence to safety protocols and teamwork Professional Development and Well-being As a CRNA, you’ll be expected to: Participate in ongoing quality improvement processes Maintain physical and mental wellness Engage in lifelong learning and skill development Key skills to develop: Self-awareness and commitment to lifelong learning Becoming a CRNA requires a strong skillset to serve as the foundation for these standards. As you progress in your nursing career, focus on developing the key skills mentioned above. Remember, these standards are the minimum expectations – exceptional CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists often go above and beyond to provide safe, equitable, and efficient patient care. See Standards or Nurse Anesthesia Practice for more information. #RN-APRN Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Share Print