A nurse anesthetist has been a career that has interested me since my childhood. I think that nursing would fit my personality and me. Another reason for my interest in nursing is because I am concerned with the well-being of others. Many strengths that I have in school are leading others and being a detail-oriented and persistent person; however, my weaknesses are taking risks and problem solving. I am willing to go through college for at least four or more years to get the best degree and best salary possible. I would prefer to work in a hospital with a stable work environment and predictable routines.
On the basis of my interests and strengths, I believe that becoming a nurse anesthetist would be the ideal career for me. The history of nursing learned throughout generations has developed into a modern field of study. Putting patients to sleep first developed in the 1840 s with the use of ether and chloroform-soaked cloths. Before ether, the only form of saving someone’s life was alcohol or opium to kill the pain (Cosgrove 751).
During the Middle Ages, certain religious groups were especially devoted to tending the sick. These group members were taught several nursing methods of practical experience. It was the efforts of Florence Nightingale in the mid-1800 s that brought about the recognition of nursing as a technical profession. Training for nurses actually began in the nineteenth century. In 1872, the first class of privately trained nurses was graduated in the United States.
The first school of nurse anesthetists was brought about in 1909, St. Vincent Hospital, in Portland, Oregon. Today, nurse anesthetists use a combination of several modern day anesthetics to administer to the patients. The position of nurse anesthetist has many components. It has been listed in the top ten jobs available for Americans today.
This is also a great job for people who having one-on-one contact with people. A nurse anesthetist administers general or local anesthesia before and during surgery procedures. He or she stays with the patient for the entire procedure, constantly monitoring every body function and vital sign. “A lot of people see nursing as bedpans and sponge baths, but that isn’t the case anymore” (Macro 12).
Today, nurses use ventilators, help patients breathe, and administer drugs. Anesthetists are responsible for seeing that anesthesia orders for patients are performed properly. They are also independently responsible for planning post surgery nursing care for assigned patients and for insuring that it is completed. These nurses provide information about the patients family members including facts about drugs being administered, the purpose of tests being performed, or anything the patient or family will need to know once the patient leaves the hospital. It is very important to keep other medical personnel informed of the current status of the patient, since each nurse cares for several patients each day. Nursing is a career that offers a variety of settings in which to work.
People can expect to see nurse anesthetists in hospitals, doctors’ offices, dentist offices, and operating rooms. Nurses usually work in a well-lighted room and spend most of their time standing. To provide the safest and most sterile environment, nurse anesthetist must also wear gowns, gloves, and masks (“.