Nurse anesthetists need to know anatomy and physiology, and they should fully understand the anesthesia drugs that are used commonly. They must be able to administer the drugs and monitor patients of all ages during surgery and throughout the recovery process. They need to understand the variety of surgical procedures available. They should be capable of responding quickly in case an anesthesia emergency develops during surgery.

Immediately after graduating from high school, I entered nursing school and earned my bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN). I worked as a licensed registered nurse for seven years before enrolling in an accredited nurse anesthetist program.