Nurse Anesthetist
Class Specifications – H.35
Senior Nurse Anesthetist – 7864
Senior Nurse Anesthetist NEX – 7865
Senior Nurse Anesthetist Per Diem – 9121
Nurse Anesthetist – 9144
Nurse Anesthetist Per Diem – 9122
October 1979, Updated August 2026
Series Concept
Nurse Anesthetists administer anesthetics to patients undergoing surgical, obstetrical, and diagnostic procedures, while also performing related duties such as patient assessment, monitoring vital signs, and providing perioperative pain management as needed.
Incumbents assess the condition of patients prior to a procedure by reviewing medical records and conducting a thorough evaluation based on relevant findings. They select and prepare the necessary supplies and equipment, assemble and calibrate anesthesia machines to ensure proper functioning, and administer pre-anesthetic medications as prescribed by a physician. Incumbents plan and administer anesthetics while continuously observing, monitoring, and recording vital signs such as pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, ventilation, urine output, and other parameters. They help keep patients relaxed during procedures, maintaining a surgical anesthetic state by adjusting oxygen and gas flow or administering prescribed intravenous anesthetics. They determine the need for and administer fluids and adjunct drugs and communicate the patient’s condition to the surgeon and anesthesiologist. Incumbents are responsible for taking necessary remedial actions, such as administering oxygen to prevent asphyxiation, strangulation, or shock. They may perform critical life support functions, including endotracheal intubation and arterial line insertion. Additionally, they record the patient’s condition before, during, and after anesthesia in accordance with legal requirements, document the type of anesthetic used, and provide post-operative care in the recovery room.
Class Concepts
Senior Nurse Anesthetist
Under general supervision, incumbents in addition to performing the range of duties outlined in the Series Concept are assigned lead responsibilities over a group of three full-time-equivalent Nurse Anesthetists; or are specifically assigned the more difficult and demanding cases as recognized by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
Lead responsibilities typically include direction and training of Nurse Anesthetists and students, ordering of supplies and equipment, and participation in the assignment of duties and preparation of work schedules.
Nurse Anesthetist
Under supervision, incumbents perform operational level duties as outlined in the Series Concept. Most positions are allocated to this class.
Minimum Qualifications
Senior Nurse Anesthetist
Graduation from an accredited school of nursing and possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Registered Nurse as determined by the California Board of Registered Nursing; graduation from a school of anesthesia accredited by the Council of Accreditation of Schools of Anesthesia; certification by the Council for Certification of Nurse Anesthetists; and two years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
Nurse Anesthetist
Graduation from an accredited school of nursing and possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Registered Nurse as determined by the California Board of Registered Nursing; graduation from a school of anesthesia accredited by the Council of Accreditation of Schools of Anesthesia; certification the Council for Certification of Nurse Anesthetists; and knowledges and utilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.