Many nursing positions are available for registered nurses (RNs) who have obtained their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) – including a career as a parianesthesia nurse. Perianesthesia Nurses are responsible for caring for patients who have recently come under anesthesia or sedation – monitoring them to ensure they do not experience any adverse reactions to the anesthetics.
What is a parianesthesia nurse?
A parianesthesia nurse is a licensed, certified RN who provides post-procedure care to patients coming out of anesthesia or sedation following a medical procedure.
What does a parianesthesia nurse do?
Parianesthesia nurses care for patients by monitoring them in the recovery or post-operation ward of the hospital following either major surgery or same-day procedures. Their responsibilities include taking and recording vitals, assisting with pain management, monitoring for adverse surgical or anesthetic reactions, and transporting patients when they are ready to leave recovery.
- Take and record patient vitals.
- Comfort patients as the anesthetics wear off
- Assist with patient pain
- Monitor for adverse reactions
- Transport patients
Where do parianesthesia nurses work?
Since parianesthesia nurses work with patients coming out of surgical procedures requiring anesthetics or sedation, their primary place of employment is in hospitals. Most of their work is performed in hospital recovery or surgical wings. However, they can work in dental offices or outpatient facilities for same-day procedures requiring sedation.
How do you become a parianesthesia nurse?
Becoming a parianesthesia nurse requires certification as an RN, plus an additional certification as a Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) through the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification (ABPANC). High school graduates can become registered nurses by enrolling in a bachelor of science in a nursing degree program and registering for and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Once registered, candidates must meet 1,800 hours of clinical experience in two years working in a parianesthesia setting to qualify for CPAN certification.
- Graduate high school
- Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN certification
- Work a minimum of 1,800 hours in two years in a parianesthesia setting
- Pass the ABPANC-CPAN certification
What is the career outlook of a parianesthesia nurse?
Parianesthesia nurses enjoy a variety of career benefits and growth opportunities following certification. Careers provide a different nursing track for those seeking additional certification as an RN. This in-demand field has a strong growth potential in salary and career positioning, with salaries ranging from $81,444 per year to $143,821 per year for senior-level nurses.
The career provides an alternative route for those seeking additional specializations or certifications as an RN. Start working toward becoming a parianesthesia nurse by obtaining a bachelor of science in nursing degree today.
