All in a Day's Work: Dennis Bless, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Dennis Bless, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, talks about his job.

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Last update: October 7, 2009 - 1:30 PM

Q: What's a typical workday like for you?

I participate in up to 15 procedures a day in any of 30 locations, including same-day surgery, obstetrics and medical imaging. I stay with each patient through the entire procedure. My focus is patient safety. I do safety checks on the anesthesia equipment and prepare the anesthetic agents in the operating room. Next, I review each patient's chart, consent for surgery, medical history, lab work and diagnostic results. I then discuss the surgery, allergies, anesthetic history and anesthetic options with the patient. Also I transport the patient to the operating room, attach the monitors and anesthetize the patient. As the surgery is finishing, I decrease the level of anesthesia and wake the patient. Finally, the patient is transported to the recovery room and when safe to do so, care is transferred to the recovery nurse.

Q: How does your role fit into the bigger healthcare picture?

Without nurse anesthetists, much of the surgery performed in the U.S. would come to a halt, particularly in rural and medically underserved areas. Patients want access to healthcare in their local communities.

Q: Who do you interact with during the course of the day?

I interact with the anesthesiologist, the surgeon, circulating nurse, surgical technologist and other support staff.

Q: Why did you become a nurse anesthetist?

Following a career in agricultural business, my sister suggested nursing anesthesia. This meant a bachelor's degree in nursing, obtaining critical care nursing experience and a master's degree in nurse anesthesia (a minimum of seven years).

Q: What do you like about your work?

I like the responsibility of taking care of patients at a vulnerable time in their lives. I am part of a major event in the patient's life and consider it a privilege to guide them safely through the surgery.

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