| FACTS ABOUT ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES IN NORTH CAROLINA |
| “Advanced Practice Registered Nurse”(APRN) is an umbrella title for RNs who are Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Certified Nurse Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialists or Nurse Practitioners. Completion of an advanced formal education program is required for recognition to practice in any of these categories. The specific scopes of practice and requirements for recognition to practice in North Carolina for each APRN category are defined in Administrative Rules, which may be obtained from the North Carolina Board of Nursing. |
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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Education: Completion of Masters of Science Degree in Nursing or another appropriate Master’s degree program. Mandatory national certification examination; continuing education and recertification required.
What they do: In this oldest of the advanced nursing specialties, CRNAs conduct pre-operative assessment, administer anesthesia, and manage post-anesthesia recovery. CRNAs administer more than 65% of anesthesia given annually, and are sole anesthesia providers in 85% of rural hospitals. CRNAs collaborate with physicians and/or anesthesiologists in almost every setting in which anesthesia is given-operating rooms, doctor’s offices, ambulatory surgical settings. This collaboration is also done with dentists or podiatrists.
Employment options: CRNAs in North Carolina are salaried or self-employed; their services are reimbursable by most insurance.
Who regulates: Board of Nursing.