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What Does a Perianesthesia Nurse Do?

A perianesthesia nurse provides support and care for patients as they awaken from anesthesia. They also prepare patients for surgery, monitor them while they are under anesthesia, and assist in safely transitioning them from the anesthetized state to responsiveness.

Perianesthesia nursing can take place in both inpatient and outpatient settings including ambulatory care and surgery centers and hospitals.

Education & Training Required to Become a Perianesthesia Nurse

There are no specific perianesthesia nursing degree programs. To become a certified perianesthesia nurse, you must first become a registered nurse (RN) and have a minimum of 1,800 hours of direct perianesthesia clinical experience during the two years prior to submitting an application for certification.

The American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification (ABPANC) offers two types of certifications. The Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) and Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA). Both certifications are accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS). The ABPANC offers information on both the CPAN and CAPA certifications to help you determine which exam is right for you based on your career goals.

Typical Characteristics of a Perianesthesia Nurse

Perianesthesia nurses must be patient, detail oriented, physically fit, and able to react quickly in emergency situations. Daily responsibilities often include working closely with surgeons and anesthesiologists, responding to side effects of anesthesia, assisting with pain relief, changing dressings, and managing IV tube insertion and positioning.

Patients can be of different ages and turnover is rapid, which contributes to minimal patient contact and difficulty with case follow up. Perianesthesia nursing usually requires working irregular hours, including weekends and holidays depending on the setting in which you work.

High Demand for Perianesthesia Nurses

The outlook for perianesthesia nursing is excellent. A growing and aging population and increased need for anesthesia services will drive job growth. Because technology is advancing so rapidly, more and more surgical procedures are being performed in physician offices and outpatient settings. As a result, perianesthesia nurses will see less growth in hospitals.

As of December 2009, the average salary for a perianesthesia nurse was $49,000. However, salaries can vary greatly depending on the setting, benefits offered, and experience of the nurse. Advanced degrees, such as a master of science in nursing (MSN), provide the foundation for movement to management and administrative roles.