Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Description

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES: United Digestive's Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) practices both autonomously and in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team to deliver high-quality, holistic, evidence-based anesthesia services. The CRNAs main responsibilities are evaluating patients prior to their endoscopy procedure, administering anesthesia including monitoring patients during and post procedure. CRNAs will work under the direction of the endoscopist and work collaboratively with the Anesthesia Medical Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Clinical responsibility of the CRNA is delineated by his or her clinical privileges and may include:

• Perform pre-screening evaluation (pre-calls) prior to day of procedure by telephone and chart review.
• Perform and document the pre-anesthesia evaluation of the patient.
• Obtain informed consent for anesthesia and related services.
• Manage pre-anesthetic medications and/or treatment.
• Develop and implement an anesthesia care plan.
• Select, obtain, prepare, and use equipment, standard monitors, supplies, and drugs for the administration of sedation and anesthesia; perform safety checks as needed.
• Select, order, obtain, and administer analgesic and anesthetic agents, adjuvant drugs, accessory drugs, or fluids necessary to provide anesthesia services.
• Perform all aspects of airway management.
• Facilitate recovery from anesthesia by evaluating patient response, and selecting, ordering, and administering medications or fluids to maintain patient stability during transfer.
• Initiate and administer post-anesthesia pharmacological or fluid support of the cardiovascular system.
• Initiate and administer respiratory support to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation in the post-anesthesia period.
• Evaluate the patients response to anesthesia and endoscopy; take appropriate corrective action during the post-anesthesia period.
• Provide post-anesthesia evaluation and care.
• Manage emergency situations by assessing, stabilizing, and determining disposition of patients, including providing airway management, administration of emergency drugs and fluids, and using basic and advanced cardiac life support techniques.
• Support patient safety when performing job functions and through participation in company safety and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
  • Take action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
  • o Report adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
  • o Identify possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicate the same to those in charge.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Holds current active state licensure as a registered nurse and complies with any applicable state statutory and regulatory requirements concerning CRNAs.
• Graduate of a nurse anesthesia educational program accredited by the Council on Accreditation's of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs or its predecessor.
• Is currently certified or recertified by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.
• Three to five years anesthesia experience strongly preferred, prior endoscopy experience a plus; must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and with general use of an EMR system, ProVation MultiCare Giver experience preferred.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
CRNA must have:

• Ability to perform clinically as a nurse anesthetist in the endoscopy setting
• Ability to operate, use, and interpret data from a wide variety of equipment to perform anesthesia care
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to patient population
• Excellent verbal and written communication skill are required to effectively collaborate with various clinical staff and other disciplines
• Ability to interact with team members, patients, physicians, and visitors with courtesy and respect
• Ability to implement and adhere to company policies and procedures

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

• Participates in required educational programs and net learning.
• Participates in departmental meetings.
• Seeks ongoing professional educational growth.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
Ability to work under stress. Moderate periods of sitting and computer use. Good visual acuity. Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl. Ability to reach, grasp, use fine finger movement and feel sensation to discern temperature, texture, size, and shape. Requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time, lifting and carrying of items weighing up to 25 pounds. Travel as business needs dictate.