Professional Context For Change
In American society, many professions utilize the suffix “ologist” to denote experts in a field of study. Audiologist, epidemiologist, histologist – the list is enormous (greater than 600) and not exclusive to physicians. CRNAs are educated to be and practice as experts in the field of anesthesiology; therefore, the term “nurse anesthesiologist” is consistent, clarifying, and appropriate to describe a CRNA.
THE ASA. In recent years, the ASA has utilized and promoted the term “Physician Anesthesiologist.” It logically follows that there are other types of anesthesiologists, including “Nurse Anesthesiologists.” Although “physician anesthesiologist” is yet another attempt to raise physician anesthesia providers above nurse anesthetists professionally, their term is accurate. Additionally, ASA messaging research from 2013 has encouraged ASA members to refer to CRNAs simply as “nurses” or “anesthesia nurses.” The public associates these titles with less confidence regarding handling anesthesia and emergencies. Although these titles may be technically accurate, they do not capture the services or expertise that CRNAs offer.
DENTIST ANESTHESIOLOGISTS. “Dentist anesthesiologists” have also gained name recognition in recent years, with their own society and training programs in university settings. To describe CRNAs as “nurse anesthesiologists” accurately portrays that the anesthesia a CRNA provides is of the same class and quality, and no different than that provided by these other types of “anesthesiologists.” See more: asdahq.org
GLOBAL CONTEXT. Citing some of the same concerns as American nurse anesthetists and aligning with global norms, Ireland’s anaesthetists have changed to “anaesthesiologists” and Australia is considering the change as well. See more: “Terminology of ‘anaesthesia’ changed in line with global best practice” and “What’s in a Name?”
DOCTORATES FOR CRNAS. Mandatory doctoral degrees for entry into practice by 2025 further strengthens the argument for using the title "nurse anesthesiologist.” Currently, CRNAs practice as experts in their field, often functioning as independent providers. The mandate that all new providers graduate with a doctoral degree by 2025 demonstrates the profession’s commitment to expertise and independence, further strengthening the argument for the title “nurse anesthesiologist.”
THE AA. Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAs) utilize the term “anesthetist,” adding confusion to the alleged equality of the CRNA and the AA. AAs are often described as anesthetists. AAs have different, shorter training and required clinical experience, and therefore by design and federal law cannot function as independent providers. To use the term “anesthetist” to describe a CRNA while not simultaneously utilizing “anesthesiologist” may inappropriately indicate equality between the CRNA and AA, and inferiority of the CRNA compared to the physician anesthesiologist. Use of the term “nurse anesthesiologist” is clarifying and helps to remove this confusion. See more: anesthetist.org