There are currently more than 56,000 certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in the United States. But you want to be careful answering this question! This is an extremely hot-button topic in anesthesia, and virtually all anesthesia providers have very strong opinions on this subject. Some providers don't believe the profession should exist and that nurse anesthetists are a danger to patient care. Others believe they serve an important role. Stay politically correct and acknowledge your limitations in that you do not have sufficient knowledge and experience in anesthesia to make a fully informed judgement yet.