Contributions of South Korean Registered Nurses in Anesthesia Practice

Michong Kong Rayborn, DNP, CRNA; Gyeseon Jeong, PhD,CRNA; Hwanseok Choi, PhD; SatAnanda Hayden, PhD, MSN, RN

Michong Kong Rayborn, DNP, CRNA University of Southern Mississippi
Gyeseon Jeong, PhD,CRNA Chosun College of Nursing Kwang Ju, South Korea
Hwanseok Choi, PhD University of Southern Mississippi
SatAnanda Hayden, PhD, MSN, RN Forrest General Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) were recognized by law as legitimate anesthesia providers in Korea 44 years ago. Since 2005, CRNAs have been educated at the graduate level and certified by national examination. In recent years, the number of graduate educational programs has decreased and the number of practicing CRNAs has declined correspondingly. To meet the shortfall, hospitals train registered nurses to perform anesthesia. This study examined registered nurses in anesthesia (RNAs) and CRNAs in anesthesia care in South Korea.

Materials and Methods: A confidential survey was administered to a sample of 308 nurses in anesthesia practice. The chi-square independent test and independent two-sample t-test for continuous variables were used for comparison.

Results: While all were involved in anesthesia, RNAs were more likely to work under supervision. Almost 34% of the participants planned to leave anesthesia practice within the next 5 years, and nearly 20% of participants indicated that they planned to retire within 5 years.

Discussion: RNAs are an integral part of anesthesia services in Korea, although they are not certified and lack clear scope of practice. The authors recommend a pathway for RNAs to obtain advanced degrees and certification as anesthesia providers.

Author Biographies

Michong Kong Rayborn, DNP, CRNA, University of Southern Mississippi

Assistant Professor, University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Gyeseon Jeong, PhD,CRNA, Chosun College of Nursing Kwang Ju, South Korea

Associate Professor, Chosun College of Nursing

Kwang Ju, South Korea

Hwanseok Choi, PhD, University of Southern Mississippi

Assistant Professor, University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

SatAnanda Hayden, PhD, MSN, RN, Forrest General Hospital

Director of Clinical Information Systems Forrest General Hospital

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

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