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The Future of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Practice in America: Fading Into the Sunset or Breaking of a New Dawn?Michong Rayborn, DNP, CRNAGyeseon Jeong, PhD, CRNASatAnanda Hayden, PhD, MSN, RNSungu Park, MPHThe purpose of this study is to describe the practice of nurse anesthesia in the American Democracy and to identify trends, policy, and other factors that affect Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) as a profession. The authors conducted a descriptive study using a cross-sectional online survey of members of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. The data were collected between July 1 and September 15, 2015. A total of 267 surveys were analyzed. Descrip-tive and nonparametric analysis of data was used to determine differences in practice and job satisfaction related to level of preparation. There were statistically significant differences in work satisfaction between CRNAs and anesthesia registered nurses (ARNs) andstatistically significant differences in components of practice between CRNA and ARN respondents. The practices of CRNAs and ARNs in South Korea demon-strate important differences that are likely the result of different levels of education, clinical training, and autonomy. The authors also note that the current CRNA workforce is aging, and many CRNAs plan to retire within the next 10 years. Because only one university produces 10 or fewer CRNAs annually, the profession will experience major attrition in the future.Keywords: Anesthesia registered nurse (ARN), Certi-fied Registered Nurse Anesthetist, CRNA, job satisfac-tion, nurse anesthesia practice.In the Republic of Korea (South Korea) today, nurses may enter the practice of nurse anesthesia by either of 2 separate pathways. The first is via a degree-producing, university-based educational program. These programs are designed to train advanced practice nurses as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). Since 2005 CRNAs have obtained graduate degrees along with a certification in nurse anesthesia practice. The second path is for registered nurses who complete a hospital-based anesthesia training program. These programs do not confer advanced anesthesia degrees and do not require national certification. Further-more, training is provided in specific practice settings by the physicians with whom these nurses will work. As a result, content and quality of training may vary between institutions and physicians.