Description

JOB SUMMARY:

A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who practices both autonomously and in collaboration with a variety of health providers on the interprofessional team to deliver high-quality, holistic, evidenced-based anesthesia and pain care services. The CRNA cares for patients at all acuity levels across the lifespan in a variety of settings for procedures including, but not limited to, surgical, obstetrical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and pain management.

Job Specific:

Clinical Responsibilities

1. Perform and document the pre-anesthesia assessment and evaluation of the patient.

2. Review, request, and order (as permitted by state law) laboratory/diagnostic studies.

3. Obtain informed consent for anesthesia and related services.

4. Select, obtain, order, and administer preanesthetic medication or treatment.

5. Develop and implement an anesthesia care plan.

6. Select, obtain, prepare, and use equipment, invasive and non-invasive monitors, supplies, and drugs for the administration of sedation, anesthesia, and pain management services; perform safety checks as needed.

7. Select, order, obtain, and administer analgesic and anesthetic agents, adjuvant drugs, accessory drugs, fluids, or blood products necessary to provide anesthesia services for surgery and obstetrics.

8. Perform all aspects of airway management, including fiberoptic intubation.

9. Facilitate emergence and recovery from anesthesia by evaluating patient response, and selecting, ordering, and administering medications, fluids, and ventilator support to maintain patient stability during transfer.

10. Initiate and administer post-anesthesia pharmacological or fluid support of the cardiovascular system.

11. Initiate and administer respiratory support to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation in the post-anesthesia period.

12. Evaluate the patient's response to anesthesia and surgery; take appropriate corrective action during the post-anesthesia period.

13. Provide post-anesthesia follow-up evaluation and care.

14. Discharge the patient from the post-anesthesia care unit.

15. Implement acute and chronic pain management modalities.

16. 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.

17. Place and manage regional anesthetic techniques, as delineated by his or her clinical privileges or granted special privileges.

Non-Clinical Responsibilities:

1. Quality assessment and quality assurance

2. Didactic and clinical education of students and staff.

3. Appointment to facility committees and related activities.

4. Interdepartmental liaison responsibilities.

5. Clinical or administrative oversight of other departments (e.g., respiratory therapy, PACU).

Patient Safety:

1. Supports patient safety when performing job functions and through participation in facility, department, or unit patient safety initiatives.

2. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.

3. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.

4. Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

5. Participate in patient education and counseling based on health needs.

6. Maintains compliance with medical records documentation

Professional Development:

1. Participates in required educational programs.

2. Participates in departmental and team meetings.

3. Seeks ongoing professional educational growth.

Hospital:

1. Adheres to organization-wide and other applicable policies and procedures.
2. Day-to-day performance complies with the hospital's Service Excellence Behavioral Expectations.
3. Performs within the prescribed limits of the hospital's Ethics, Compliance and Confidentiality Program guidelines.
4. Performs within professional Scope of Practice at all times.

Other Duties As Assigned:

• Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Required: Graduate of a nurse anesthesia educational program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs or its predecessor.

EXPERIENCE

Preferred: At least 2 years of independent practice experience

SPECIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:
• Ability to operate, use, and interpret data from a wide variety of equipment to perform anesthesia care as well as necessary perioperative or operating room care to support the safety and wellbeing of the patient while they are under the direct care of the CRNA
• Effective verbal and written communication to effectively collaborate with various clinical staff and other disciplines.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate care to the patient population(s) served.
• Stability to perform under stressful conditions of surgery and childbirth. Steps in the procedures must be performed rapidly and efficiently, under the constant pressure of responsibility.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control techniques.
• Ability to maintain confidential records.

LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION

Required:
• Holds current active state licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Texas and complies with any applicable state statutory and regulatory requirements concerning CRNAs.
• Is currently certified or recertified by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.
• Holds active BLS, ACLS, and NRP (offered on site)
• Insurable by an appropriate medical malpractice insurer for the limits required by this institution or state.

BENEFIT OFFERINGS

Health

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• STD, LTD Disability
• Supplemental Life, AD&D
• Flexible Spending (FSA)
• Employer paid life insurance and short term disability

Retirement/Investment

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation

Well-Being Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• Sick leave, Bereavement leave, Jury Duty/Witness Service
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Hospital-paid & administered annual immunizations
• HealthPlex (gym) membership discount
• YMCA partnership discount for childcare
• Employee Assistance Programs

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