Job Summary:

Under general supervision and in collaboration with a physician, the CRNA will fulfill responsibilities according to educational preparation, clinical expertise and established standards, protocols and practices of advanced practice nurses. Responsibilities include the administration of anesthetics and adjunctive medications to render patients insensible to pain; monitoring patient's condition while under anesthesia; initiation of corrective actions using professional judgment; and functioning as a team member to perform preoperative reassessment, preoperative assessment, anesthetic management and post-anesthesia care of the patient. Responsibilities also include leadership and educational functions.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Establishes preoperative rapport with patients and patients' families; provides clear/concise explanations to patients' questions and/or concerns, using tact and sensitivity in all interactions. Informs patient of the anesthetic options and associated risk and benefits.

2. Develops, in collaboration with a physician, a comprehensive and individualized anesthetic care plan based on complete review of patient history, planned procedure and the physical status of the patient. Requests or orders additional tests as indicated. Reassesses patient condition and proposed anesthetic plan immediately prior to surgery.

3. Assesses and documents the integrity of all equipment and necessary supplies prior to the initiation of anesthesia.

4. Determines the need for invasive and non-invasive techniques/procedures and monitoring equipment. Selects, applies and/or inserts the necessary equipment, catheters and/or monitors to deliver continuous and safe patient care.

5. Implements the anesthetic plan and technique as developed which includes the administration of intravenous, inhalation, Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC), local and/or regional anesthetic agents and/or adjunctive medications to produce and maintain general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, sedation, analgesia and/or hypnosis.

6. Uses quantitative/qualitative methods to calculate fluid/blood loss during surgery. Administers intravenous fluids, blood and/or blood products based on above criteria and including sound judgment and in accordance with specific patient rights and preference.

7. Provides continuous monitoring according to established guidelines and documentation of significant events occurring during induction of, maintenance of and emergence from anesthesia; evaluates and interprets patient's responses and various test results via the use of a variety of monitoring modalities such as precordial or esophageal stethoscope, temperature monitor, gas analyzer, pulse oximetry, capnography, electrocardiography, blood pressure, spirometry, blood gases, central venous pressure and pulmonary artery pressure. Adjusts the anesthetic care plan according to direct patient observation and/or information from various monitoring methods.

8. Transports patients to the recovery area, conducts assessment and provides summary report of the patient's condition to the recovery room personnel for continuum of care; assesses and treats adverse reactions to anesthesia in postoperative area.

9. Uses established criteria to evaluate and discharge patients from recovery room according to established departmental guidelines. Provides a summary of post anesthetic condition following surgery including reference to anesthesia-related complications

10. Provides professional support and resuscitative care, including tracheal intubation on an emergency/urgent basis throughout the hospital and adjacent facilities

11. Demonstrates skill in the use of a variety of anesthetic equipment including trouble-shooting and basic maintenance. Follows appropriate procedure to identify, label and report defective equipment.

12. Develops and demonstrates ongoing professional growth and development; serves as an expert and/or consultant for other personnel in the system.

13. Actively participates with physicians as a team member to manage patients with acute and/or chronic pain.

14. Demonstrates active involvement in required educational experiences and assignments (e.g., supervising, mentoring and evaluating students and other health care personnel.

15. Maintains a working knowledge of the DMC and department policies, procedures, goals and objectives. Actively participates in departmental quality assurance, committees and continuous improvement programs.

16. Conducts research independently and/or in collaboration with students or other disciplines. Uses research data and continuous quality improvement processes to make recommendations for changes in clinical practice that will result in improvement of patient outcomes and system changes

17. Integrates clinical and management skills with fiscal responsibility.

18. Provides leadership for committees/task forces to address departmental, regional and system concerns.

19. Functions in a collaborative manner to precept and mentor individuals involved in patient care.

20. Demonstrates active involvement in community activities and those activities that are congruent with the mission of the organization.

21. In addition to the general responsibilities, CRNA's may seek application for affiliation to the academic program with responsibilities for didactic education for students/residents associated with certified anesthesia programs.

Qualifications:

1. Graduate from an accredited school of nursing.

2. Graduate from an accredited school of anesthesia.

3. National CRNA certification and/or re-certification.

4. Michigan license to practice as a registered nurse.

5. Michigan Specialty Certification in Anesthesia.

6. Current member of American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

7. Masters degree in anesthesia or other related area, preferred.

Facility Description:

The Detroit Medical Center (DMC) is a nationally recognized health care system that serves patients and families throughout Michigan and beyond. A premier healthcare resource, our mission is to help people live happier, healthier lives. The hospitals of the Detroit Medical Center are the Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Receiving Hospital, Harper University Hospital, Hutzel Women's Hospital, the DMC Heart Hospital, Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan and Sinai-Grace Hospital.

DMC's 150-year legacy of medical excellence and service provides patients and families world-class care in cardiovascular health, women's services, neurosciences, stroke treatment, orthopedics, pediatrics, rehabilitation, organ transplant and other general and specialty services.
DMC is a key partner in Detroit's resurgence, which continues to draw national and international attention. A dedicated corporate citizen with strong community ties, DMC is one of the largest and most diverse employers in Southeast Michigan.