The field of anesthesiology is an extremely important one, and has an integral role in a patient’s overall care. An anesthesiologist works with a doctor or surgeon to ensure the patient is comfortable and their vital signs are functioning. The field of anesthesiology requires a college degree, and those working in the field must provide proper pain management, airway and heart rate management, and even post operative care. It is an essential role in helping to make sure patients going through surgery are comfortable and well cared for.

> Job Description of Anesthesiologist

Perhaps the most common job of an anesthesiologist is to administer pain management medication to the patient. In most cases this means giving the patient the necessary medicine to help them feel no pain while undergoing surgery. They also monitor the patient’s vital signs, and make sure they are stable while the surgeon performs the needed operation. The job is very important and doctors depend on the anesthesiologist to assist them.

• Job Description – A detailed description of what the job itself entails.
• Duties – This page describes the various duties, character traits required, and more.

> Job Description of Nurse Anesthetist

A nurse anesthetist has an important job, and their participation in the patient healing process is extremely important. Most nurse anesthetists will make pre-operative patient assessments that help the doctor determine the patient’s general state before performing surgery. They also administer anesthetics, which help the patient feel no pain during operation. Nurses check to ensure the proper levels of anesthesia are maintained, and deal with a wide variety of patient situations.

• Job Duties and Description – More detail about what a nurse anesthetist does.
• Nurse Anesthetist Information – This site has a wide array of information about nursing anesthetist jobs, salary, and more.

> Training Required To Be An Anesthesiologist

The background and training to be an anesthesiologist is quite intensive. Four years of schooling in order to obtain a Bachelor’s degree is just the first step. Four more years of graduate/medical school is required, as well as anywhere from two to eight years of residency. A solid understanding of chemistry, biology, anatomy, and physics are the building blocks as well as knowledge about various medications is required.

• Programs & Requirements – Information about important programs and requirements needed to be an anesthesiologist.
• Training Programs – Find out what material is covered and what kind of experience is required.

> Career Outlook For Anesthesiologists

The current job outlook for anesthesiologists is good. Jobs in this field are expected to grow about twenty-two percent over the next ten years. Because of the aging population, the need for this particular position is quite strong. In addition, rural or poorer areas of the country are also constantly in need of healthcare workers. There are many different specialty niches in which doctors need an anesthesiologist.

• Career Outlook – This site contains job outlook and salary information, as well as an in-depth description of the job.
• Job Information – More on what the position requires and entails as well as the job outlook.

> Types of Anesthesia

There are several different types of anesthesia, all designed to block pain to the nervous system so patients can undergo various surgical procedures. There are three basic types of anesthesia: local, general, and regional. Local anesthesia involves administering the medication to one particular area of the body only. Patients are usually awake for these procedures. Regional anesthesia involves injecting medication around a specific area of the body, such as the spinal cord. General anesthesia means the patient is unconscious and feels nothing while undergoing surgery.

• Types of Anesthesia – Discusses in detail the different methods of anesthesia.
• More Information – Some more information about the different types of anesthesia.

> Side Effects of Anesthesia

In most cases, anesthesia is considered safe but there are some cases where it can be dangerous or have some adverse side effects. Certain people may have allergic reactions to the medication. Heart patients and the elderly should be carefully monitored. Too much anesthesia can cause toxicity and can be fatal. People who smoke or drink heavily and those who use illegal drugs are at higher risk for complications. Most patients will just feel groggy and sleepy until the anesthesia wears off.

• Side Effects – This page has a guide for different aspects of the side effects of anesthesia.
• Info. for Patients – Some general information about anesthesia for patients.
• Preparation – Important website with information about how to prepare for anesthesia as well as side effects.

> History of Anesthesia

The use of anesthesia can be traced as far back as the Inca Indians. Natural methods such as herbs and even drilling holes into patients’ heads were originally used. Over time, physicians discovered new ways to administer pain management, even implementing the use of cocaine to help numb a patient. By the late 1800s, anesthesia had become common practice among physicians. New medications and technologies are constantly being developed to help ensure patients feel no pain while undergoing surgery.

• The History of Anesthesia – An informative historical perspective on anesthesia.
• Developments – Discusses the history as well as new developments in the anesthetic process.