OPT Nurse Anesthetist Jobs
Nurse Anesthetist jobs on OPT require employer sponsorship for work authorization, and CRNA roles qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B visa standards. Most hiring happens through hospitals and anesthesia groups. STEM OPT extension does not apply to this field, so your 12-month clock starts on your OPT start date.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout us
Here at Baylor Scott & White Health we promote the well-being of all individuals, families, and communities. Baylor Scott and White is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas that empowers you to live well.
Our Core Values are:
- We serve faithfully by doing what's right with a joyful heart.
- We never settle by constantly striving for better.
- We are in it together by supporting one another and those we serve.
- We make an impact by taking initiative and delivering exceptional experience.
Benefits
Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include:
- Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
- 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
- Tuition Reimbursement
- PTO accrual beginning Day 1
Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level.
Job Summary
The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a licensed nurse with advanced training in anesthesia. The CRNA administers, monitors, and adjusts anesthetic doses for patients of all ages during surgery and other procedures.
Limited to select locations based on unique workplace dynamics.
Essential Functions of the Role
- Interprets physician's pre-anesthetic evaluation and lab data.
- Reviews health history, including psychosocial as well as biophysical. Reviews all current laboratory data.
- Performs pre-induction examination and inspection of body parts or organ systems related to an anesthetic plan. Reviews the proposed surgery with the patient.
- Perform a brief physical assessment of the patient, dentures, prosthetic devices, allergies, and NPO status. Verify that all prescribed safety standards have been met before anesthesia induction. Check the machine checklist, functional suction equipment, airway management equipment, proper placement of monitoring and electrosurgical electrodes, and physical positioning.
- Induces and maintains general anesthesia at safe levels. Uses techniques prescribed by the staff anesthesiologist or customary department methods.
- Selects and administers anesthetic techniques, medications, and adjunctive drugs according to accepted departmental guidelines.
- Performs intratracheal intubation and extubation protecting the patient at all times.
- Identifies and manages emergency situations according to departmental policies and procedures.
- Performs regional anesthesia using techniques prescribed by the assigned staff anesthesiologist or techniques customarily used within the department.
- Selects and administers regional anesthetic techniques, medications, and adjunctive drugs according to accepted departmental guidelines.
- Identifies and manages emergency situations according to departmental policies and procedures.
- Monitors life support functions, recording various data, and verifies equipment is working. All available noninvasive monitoring equipment will be used on patients receiving general anesthesia (i.e., BP, EKG, oximeter, pre-cardial stethoscope/esophageal stethoscope, temperature, oxygen analyzer, and SARA). All data will be recorded. BP and pulse will be recorded every 5 minutes. Other pulses will be recorded every 15 minutes. A pre-anesthetic machine checklist will be performed and documented for every procedure involving the Department of Anesthesia.
- Manage fluid, blood, and electrolyte loss and replacement within the guidelines of the Department of Anesthesia policies and procedures.
- Performs basic perioperative diagnostic testing and documents it in the anesthetic record. Closely helps and monitors life functions. In case of an adverse drug response, takes corrective action and consults the senior Staff Anesthesiologist promptly. Records all important events during the procedure, including tourniquet time and pressure, changes in the operation site, and drug injections by the surgeon. All unusual events must be clearly documented in the anesthetic record.
- Terminates anesthesia in a timely fashion, ensuring patient safety to post-anesthetic recovery room. Reverses anesthetic according to departmental guidelines.
- Protects the patient during transportation to the Recovery Room. Gives a detailed report to the assigned Recovery Room personnel. Informs the Recovery Room Anesthesiologist and assigned Staff Anesthesiologist of any complications. Follows the post-anesthetic course to recognize anesthetic-related complications. Documents post-anesthetic visits in the Progress Note form up to 24 hours post-anesthetic. This note includes the date, time, patient status information, and the visitor's signature.
Key Success Factors
- Obtains 40 CEUs every two years.
- Maintains certification and registration.
- Keeps informed of current trends and updated procedures.
- Knows about the current concepts of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Demonstrates ability to accept and initiate change.
- Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with others.
- Functions as part of a health care/anesthesia team.
- Ability to work variable hours.
- Ability to share "on call" duties and be able to respond in the acceptable time frame.
Belonging Statement
We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued and supported.
QUALIFICATIONS
- EDUCATION - Bachelor's
- EXPERIENCE - Less than 1 Year of Experience
- CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION -
Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)
ACLS (ACLS): ACLS in 30 days of hire or transfer.
Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS in 30 days of hire or transfer.
About us
Here at Baylor Scott & White Health we promote the well-being of all individuals, families, and communities. Baylor Scott and White is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas that empowers you to live well.
Our Core Values are:
- We serve faithfully by doing what's right with a joyful heart.
- We never settle by constantly striving for better.
- We are in it together by supporting one another and those we serve.
- We make an impact by taking initiative and delivering exceptional experience.
Benefits
Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include:
- Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
- 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
- Tuition Reimbursement
- PTO accrual beginning Day 1
Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level.
Job Summary
The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a licensed nurse with advanced training in anesthesia. The CRNA administers, monitors, and adjusts anesthetic doses for patients of all ages during surgery and other procedures.
Limited to select locations based on unique workplace dynamics.
Essential Functions of the Role
- Interprets physician's pre-anesthetic evaluation and lab data.
- Reviews health history, including psychosocial as well as biophysical. Reviews all current laboratory data.
- Performs pre-induction examination and inspection of body parts or organ systems related to an anesthetic plan. Reviews the proposed surgery with the patient.
- Perform a brief physical assessment of the patient, dentures, prosthetic devices, allergies, and NPO status. Verify that all prescribed safety standards have been met before anesthesia induction. Check the machine checklist, functional suction equipment, airway management equipment, proper placement of monitoring and electrosurgical electrodes, and physical positioning.
- Induces and maintains general anesthesia at safe levels. Uses techniques prescribed by the staff anesthesiologist or customary department methods.
- Selects and administers anesthetic techniques, medications, and adjunctive drugs according to accepted departmental guidelines.
- Performs intratracheal intubation and extubation protecting the patient at all times.
- Identifies and manages emergency situations according to departmental policies and procedures.
- Performs regional anesthesia using techniques prescribed by the assigned staff anesthesiologist or techniques customarily used within the department.
- Selects and administers regional anesthetic techniques, medications, and adjunctive drugs according to accepted departmental guidelines.
- Identifies and manages emergency situations according to departmental policies and procedures.
- Monitors life support functions, recording various data, and verifies equipment is working. All available noninvasive monitoring equipment will be used on patients receiving general anesthesia (i.e., BP, EKG, oximeter, pre-cardial stethoscope/esophageal stethoscope, temperature, oxygen analyzer, and SARA). All data will be recorded. BP and pulse will be recorded every 5 minutes. Other pulses will be recorded every 15 minutes. A pre-anesthetic machine checklist will be performed and documented for every procedure involving the Department of Anesthesia.
- Manage fluid, blood, and electrolyte loss and replacement within the guidelines of the Department of Anesthesia policies and procedures.
- Performs basic perioperative diagnostic testing and documents it in the anesthetic record. Closely helps and monitors life functions. In case of an adverse drug response, takes corrective action and consults the senior Staff Anesthesiologist promptly. Records all important events during the procedure, including tourniquet time and pressure, changes in the operation site, and drug injections by the surgeon. All unusual events must be clearly documented in the anesthetic record.
- Terminates anesthesia in a timely fashion, ensuring patient safety to post-anesthetic recovery room. Reverses anesthetic according to departmental guidelines.
- Protects the patient during transportation to the Recovery Room. Gives a detailed report to the assigned Recovery Room personnel. Informs the Recovery Room Anesthesiologist and assigned Staff Anesthesiologist of any complications. Follows the post-anesthetic course to recognize anesthetic-related complications. Documents post-anesthetic visits in the Progress Note form up to 24 hours post-anesthetic. This note includes the date, time, patient status information, and the visitor's signature.
Key Success Factors
- Obtains 40 CEUs every two years.
- Maintains certification and registration.
- Keeps informed of current trends and updated procedures.
- Knows about the current concepts of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Demonstrates ability to accept and initiate change.
- Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with others.
- Functions as part of a health care/anesthesia team.
- Ability to work variable hours.
- Ability to share "on call" duties and be able to respond in the acceptable time frame.
Belonging Statement
We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued and supported.
QUALIFICATIONS
- EDUCATION - Bachelor's
- EXPERIENCE - Less than 1 Year of Experience
- CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION -
Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)
ACLS (ACLS): ACLS in 30 days of hire or transfer.
Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS in 30 days of hire or transfer.
See all 320+ OPT Nurse Anesthetist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Nurse Anesthetist
Target hospital systems with established visa programs
Large hospital networks and academic medical centers are far more likely to have immigration counsel on retainer and prior experience sponsoring CRNAs. Search for facilities that have filed H-1B visa LCAs for anesthesia roles in OFLC disclosure data.
Start your job search at least six months before OPT expires
H-1B cap registration opens in March for an October 1 start date. If your OPT expires before October, you need an employer who can bridge the gap or file cap-exempt through a qualifying nonprofit or university affiliate.
Clarify your NCLEX and state licensure status early
Employers will not begin sponsorship paperwork until you hold an active RN and CRNA license in the state where you'll practice. Confirm your licensure timeline upfront so it doesn't delay the employer's H-1B filing window.
Ask specifically about cap-exempt H-1B pathways
Teaching hospitals affiliated with universities and nonprofit research institutions can file H-1B petitions year-round without the lottery. These settings often have CRNA openings and a clearer route to maintained status during your OPT period.
Document your nursing degree's equivalency to U.S. standards
If your nursing degree is from outside the U.S., obtain a credential evaluation from a NACES-approved agency before interviews. Employers filing specialty occupation petitions need proof your degree meets the required field-specific credential standard.
Negotiate your start date around your OPT authorization window
You cannot begin work before your OPT start date, even if you have an offer. Build this into your negotiations. A start date that aligns with your EAD approval date avoids unauthorized employment and protects your future H-1B eligibility.
Nurse Anesthetist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Nurse Anesthetist jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes. Nurse Anesthetist, or CRNA, positions qualify as specialty occupations because they require at least a master's degree in nurse anesthesia from an accredited program. Your F-1 OPT EAD authorizes you to work in the field directly related to your degree, which CRNA roles satisfy. Note that this field does not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, so you have a 12-month authorization window.
Can I work as a CRNA on OPT while my employer files for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, as long as your OPT EAD is valid and your employer files the H-1B petition before your status expires. If your OPT end date falls before October 1 and the H-1B is cap-subject, your employer may need to explore a cap-exempt hospital affiliation or file a Change of Status petition to bridge the gap. Confirm the timeline with an immigration attorney early in the process.
What type of employers sponsor CRNAs on OPT and H-1B?
Academic medical centers, large regional hospital systems, and anesthesia staffing groups affiliated with nonprofits are the most common sponsors for CRNAs. Teaching hospitals connected to universities are especially valuable because they qualify as cap-exempt H-1B filers, meaning they can petition year-round without the lottery. You can browse CRNA roles at OPT-friendly employers on Migrate Mate.
Does my nurse anesthesia degree from a foreign country affect OPT eligibility?
OPT eligibility is based on your U.S. degree program, not your foreign credential. If you completed an accredited nurse anesthesia master's program at a U.S. university on an F-1 visa, you qualify for OPT regardless of your prior education abroad. However, your employer's H-1B specialty occupation petition will require a credential evaluation of your foreign degree, so obtain one from a NACES-approved evaluator before you begin the sponsorship process.
What happens to my OPT status if I change CRNA employers mid-authorization?
F-1 OPT allows you to change employers during your authorized period, but you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days, and any gap between positions cannot exceed 90 days in aggregate or USCIS may consider your status violated. Your new employer will need to restart the H-1B sponsorship process from the beginning, including filing a new LCA and I-129 petition, so factor the sponsorship timeline into your decision before accepting a new offer.