A CRNA, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, is an advanced practice nurse, who has typically completed four years of critical care training in additon training in anesthesia. CRNAs usually perform similar job duties as anesthesiologists working as part of the surgical team. As a CRNA, you administer local and general anesthesia, epidural, and nerve blocks. You also help patients with pain management before, during, and after their surgery. Other job duties include speaking to the patient to explain the procedure, preparing and administering the proper anesthesia, recording vital signs during the procedure, and monitoring the patient through recovery.