CRNA
JOB SUMMARY:
Provides monitored anesthesia care or administering general anesthesia under the direct supervision of a physician. Participates in monitoring the quality of anesthesia care. Reviews equipment safety. Makes recommendations to the Administrator about availability, in service of emergency procedures, appropriate testing of emergency equipment, and annual review and revision of policies and procedures.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND OBJECTIVES
1. Supports the philosophy, goals, and objectives of the Organization.
1.1. Supports, and performs according to, approved policies and procedures.
1.2. Participates as a team member in support of the total perioperative process.
1.3. Considers patient rights in performance of job duties and responsibilities.
2. Contributes to the progress and development of the approved Quality Management Program.
2.1. Supports risk management and participates in programs directed to patient and staff safety.2.2. Contributes to the quality management process; Attends and participates in Quality Management Committee Meetings.
2.3. Objectively evaluates suggestions, grievances, and processes to identify opportunities to improve performance and quality of care.
2.4. Supports efforts to achieve full staff development and to identify staffing patterns and problems.
2.5. Participates in evaluation of the quality of care rendered by the anesthesia staff.
2.5.1. Reviews and makes recommendations to Facility Formulary.
2.5.2. Participates in anesthesia Peer Review.
2.5.3 Reviews and makes recommendations for patient admission and medical clearance criteria.
2.6. Assures anesthesia carts in operating rooms are maintained; including accurate inventory,
Outdated medications replaced prior to expiration, resuscitative equipment and supplies Available and functioning properly.
3. Communicates effectively with patients, visitors, physicians, and co‑workers.
3.1. Interactions are respectful and courteous.
3.2. Communicates effectively and professionally using a translator when necessary.
3.3 Communicates the philosophy of caring and service commensurate with the Facility mission statement throughout the perioperative process.
3.4. Documents that information received from the patient is disseminated to the appropriate people or departments.
3.5 Ensures documentation of pertinent information on the patient’s medical record is complete, accurate, and timely.
3.6. Supports education of surgical assistants regarding medical H&P of surgical patients.
3.7. Reviews and makes recommendations for medical clearance criteria.
3.8. Responds positively to performance issues when approached by another team member.
4. Maintains and promotes professional competence through continuing education and other learning experiences.
4.1. Participates in committees, conferences, and quality management activities.
4.2. Researches and submits pertinent articles for review at staff meetings.
4.3. Seeks new learning experiences by accepting challenging opportunities and responsibilities.
4.4. Objectively evaluates suggestions or criticisms and attempts to improve performance or seeks further guidance, as needed.
4.5. Maintains membership in relevant professional organizations.
4.6. Attends and actively participates in Team meetings, committees, in services, workshops, seminars, and conferences according to job responsibilities and Facility requirements.
4.7. Organizes and participates in orientation and staff development programs to meet identified learning needs.
4.8. Functions according to State professional regulatory board regarding the practice of nurse anesthetists.
4.9. Maintains competency in airway management, intravenous access, and physical examinations.
4.10. Places the best interest of the Team and team responsibilities ahead of self-interest.
5. Adheres to safety policies and procedures in performing job duties and responsibilities.
5.1. Reports observed or suspected violations, hazards, and noncompliance according to Facility policy.
5.2. Observes safety measures in performance of job duties and responsibilities according to Facility Policy and Procedures to minimize the risks of fire, explosion, electrical shock, and equipment malfunction; enforces compliance with safety and security policies and procedures.
5.3. Responds to emergency situations with competence and composure.
5.4. Utilizes evidenced based anesthesia practices to optimize patient safety and outcomes.
6. Interacts appropriately with various age groups.
6.1. Accurately assesses and interprets age-specific patient data.
6.2. Accurately interprets age-specific patient responses to questions and instructions.
6.3. Involves the patient's family/significant other in decision-making about the patient's care.
6.4. Provides care appropriate to the patient's age group.
6.5. Accurately applies knowledge of growth and development.
6.6. Considers age-specific patient requirements when responding to emergency situations.
7. Provides quality pre-anesthesia care for patients.
7.1. Confirms review and documentation of patient status for compliance with admission requirements and informed consent.
7.2. Performs thorough preoperative assessment for scheduled procedure(s).
7.3. Confirms that medical clearance and diagnostic tests are performed, reviewed, and documented.
7.4. Obtains informed consent for the planned anesthesia intervention from the patient or legal guardian.
7.5 Initiates precautions to minimize the risk of infection to the patient, the CRNA, and other healthcare providers.
7.6. Assures “time-out” is completed prior to initiating intravenous sedation for surgeon to perform block anesthesia.
7.7. Assures resuscitative equipment and supplies are available and functioning properly in the preoperative holding cubicles.
8. Reviews and follows the prescribed anesthesia plan and fulfills responsibilities delegated by the supervising physician.
8.1. Performs within guidelines of specific privileges approved by the governing body.
8.2. Confers with the supervising physician and surgeon about the anesthetic to be administered and formulates a patient specific plan for anesthesia care.
8.3. Performs and documents orders and considerations specified by the surgeon.
8.4. Implements and adjusts the anesthesia care plan based on the patient’s physiological response.
8.5. Performs monitoring procedures pertinent to the anesthetic management of the patient and according to the type of anesthetic administered.
8.6. Continually assesses anesthesia care to assure its quality and contributions to positive outcomes.
8.7. Initiates primary physician consultations for urgent patient related medical problems.
9. Provides postoperative anesthesia care of the patient.
9.1. Transfers the responsibility for care of the patient and reports to the postoperative nurse in a manner that assures continuity of care and patient safety.
9.2. When necessary, performs and documents postoperative visit to check the patient's vital signs and complications related to the anesthesia care.
9.3. Provides patient specific health counseling and makes follow up recommendations.
10. Maintains knowledge of current Standards and Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiac Care (American Heart Association).
10.1. Recognizes and takes appropriate corrective action for abnormal patient responses to anesthesia, adjunctive medication, or other forms of therapy.
QUALIFICATIONS
Graduate of an American Association of Nurse Anesthetists approved nurse anesthesia program required
Current State Licensure required
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists certification required
Continuing Medical Education Units maintained as required
Experience in using current anesthesia techniques and agents required
MENTAL DEMANDS
Require constant judgment and response; occasionally in response to disasters or emergencies, actual events or drills. Require language skills adequate for high-level written and interpersonal communication in American English.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Require high-level visual and auditory acuity for timely response and patient care assessment activities. Require the ability to move quickly in response to physician and patient needs, to stand or sit for long periods, occasional overhead and low reaching and to exert force of up to 50 lbs. occasionally, up to 20 lbs. frequently and/or up to 10 lbs. constantly. All patient care activities may require the ability to exert force of up to 30 lbs. constantly, up to 40 lbs. occasionally and up to 100 lbs. rarely.
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
Category I exposure to blood borne pathogens; frequent exposure to chemical hazards; may encounter radiation hazards
