Credentialing of certified registered nurse anesthetists.

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) have provided anesthesia services in this country since the mid-1800s. As the earliest advanced practice nurse specialists, CRNAs have been leaders in the development of educational programs, accreditation, certification, and recertification. This article will describe the history of credentialing in nurse anesthesia and the achievements in the development of a valid and highly respected credentialing mechanism. Recertification and hospital credentialing are also discussed.