Each January, healthcare communities across the United States come together to celebrate National CRNA Week, an annual tribute to Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), one of the most vital professions in modern medicine. For over 150 years, nurse anesthetists have safely administered anesthesia and provided patient care across the US.
In 2026, National CRNA Week runs from January 18 to January 24, providing an opportunity to recognize the skill, dedication, and impact of CRNAs — professionals who play a critical role in patient care across a wide range of clinical settings.
What is a CRNA?
CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in anesthesia care. CRNAs are highly trained clinicians who administer end-to-end anesthesia care to patients undergoing surgery and procedures. They monitor vital signs, manage patient comfort and safety, and stay with the patient during the operative period. CRNAs work in a variety of settings, from hospitals and surgical centers to ambulatory care clinics and dental offices.
CRNAs are trusted patient advocates who prepare patients for anesthesia, monitor their physiological responses during surgery, and ensure smooth recovery afterward. Their role demands both deep clinical expertise and strong interpersonal skills, as they often guide patients through vulnerable and high-stress moments.
The significance of National CRNA Week
The roots of CRNA practice stretch back more than 150 years, to the American Civil War, when nurses began administering anesthesia in battlefield conditions. Over time, this practice evolved into a formal specialty, and in 1956, the CRNA credential was officially established.
National CRNA Week celebrates the remarkable contributions of these professionals and raises public awareness about their role in healthcare delivery. The week highlights not only the skill and compassion CRNAs bring to their work but also their significant impact on healthcare access. While CRNAs are needed nationwide, they are especially essential in rural and underserved communities where CRNAs are often the primary anesthesia provider.
CRNAs by the numbers
Understanding the scope and importance of the CRNA profession becomes even clearer through the facts:
- Over 75,000 CRNAs and students in nurse anesthesiology programs practice across the United States.
- CRNAs administer more than 50 million anesthetics annually, making them an essential part of surgical and procedural care.
- CRNAs represent a significant portion of anesthesia providers in the U.S., especially in rural counties; in many rural hospitals, CRNAs deliver over 80% of anesthesia services.
- CRNAs generally require 7–8 years of education and clinical training, including critical care experience before entering advanced anesthesia programs.
- Women comprise a majority of CRNAs, accounting for nearly 60% of the workforce.
Three CRNA career benefits
For nurses and healthcare professionals considering advanced practice roles, becoming a CRNA offers a unique blend of clinical challenge, professional respect, and personal fulfillment. Becoming a CRNA has distinct benefits from several standpoints:
1. High Demand and Strong Job Outlook
The need for anesthesia professionals is continuing to grow nationwide. According to labor projections, employment of nurse anesthetists is expected to grow by about 35% by 2034, significantly outpacing the average rate of occupational growth. This surge reflects the expansion of surgical services, an aging population, and recognition of CRNAs’ vital role in healthcare delivery.
2. Excellent Compensation
CRNA is a high-paying role in medicine and the profession consistently ranks among the highest-paid nursing professionals. Median salaries can range broadly depending on experience, facility and location, but typical figures exceed $180,000 per year, and top earners can make well over $250,000 annually. Compensation reflects the advanced clinical expertise required and the critical nature of the work. Many CRNA operate as independent contractors (1099/self-employed) and must file their own taxes.
3. Autonomy and job flexibility
State laws and healthcare models increasingly allow CRNAs to practice with full autonomy or in collaborative arrangements with physician anesthesiologists. This flexibility empowers CRNAs to shape their practice environments and deliver care in both urban and rural settings. As for scheduling, many 1099 CRNAs work locum tenens or short-term contracts at facilities, allowing them to choose when and where they work.
Finding CRNA roles with StaffDNA
Finding the right healthcare position, whether it’s working in a major medical center or serving rural populations, becomes much more manageable with easy-to-use job search technology. StaffDNA delivers a better way to search, apply, and get hired for CRNA roles. You can easily browse thousands of job listings in real time across specialties and locations, including CRNA opportunities. The platform also supports advanced practice providers with thousands of locum tenens and permanent job opportunities, enabling CRNAs to explore flexible, high-paying roles nationwide.
The StaffDNA app is a comprehensive healthcare job marketplace designed for busy professionals. Whether you’re seeking permanent positions, locum tenens, or flexible schedules, StaffDNA offers a digital platform where you can:
- View clear job details and pay information without registering, giving you full transparency into potential roles.
- Calculate pay based on the benefits needed using a built-in benefits calculator.
- Customize your job search by setting preferences that match your skills, location desires, and career goals.
- Apply directly in the app to streamline what can otherwise be a time-consuming process.
Honoring CRNAs and looking ahead
It’s clear that CRNAs are indispensable in medicine. From administering millions of anesthetics to improving access in remote communities, CRNAs leave an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape. For those inspired to join this profession, or CRNAs that are looking for new roles, StaffDNA offers the self-service technology, where you can search for the right high-paying CRNA role whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you!
From all of us at StaffDNA, Happy National CRNA Week! We thank you for the important work you do every day in medicine and for helping patients face their procedures with confidence and care.
