Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

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Summary:

A CRNA is a registered nurse and advanced practice nurse who works in collaboration with anesthesiologists, surgeons and other physicians and medical professionals to deliver anesthesia for medical and surgical procedures.

A certified registered nurse anesthetist cares for a patient before, during and after a medical procedure or surgery by performing a patient assessment, preparing the patient for anesthesia, administering and maintaining the anesthesia to ensure proper sedation and pain management, overseeing patient recovery from anesthesia and caring for the patient''s immediate post-operative needs.

Responsibilities:

1. Pre-anesthesia Preparation - The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist ensures appropriate pre-operative anesthesia care plan will be provided.1.1 Determines that relevant laboratory data tests have been completed.1.2 Verifies patient identification.1.3 Establishes a personal rapport with the patient to diminish stress often associated with surgical interventions.1.4 Verifies that an anesthetic preoperative evaluation has been completed.1.5 Perform pre-anesthetic screenings, including physical evaluations and patient interviews, and document results.1.6 Assess patients'' medical histories and interprets laboratory data and special studies to predict anesthesia response and collaborates with the attending anesthesiologist to develop an anesthesia care plan.1.7 Selects, orders, and/or administers pre-anesthetic medications as needed.2. Anesthethetic Management - To plan for safe intraoperative anesthesia management.2.1 Completes a thorough anesthesia apparatus safety test, including the anesthesia machine and all monitoring equipment which will be used during the delivery of a given anesthetic. Documents the anesthesia record accordingly.2.2 Under the medical direction of an Attending Anesthesiologist, performs and documents the specifics of anesthesia care during the course of a given anesthetic to include, but not limited to, monitoring, drug administration, therapeutic interventions, fluid intake and elimination, anesthetic techniques and other relevant anesthetic procedures.2.3 Continuously observes and asses ventilation, oxygenation, and circulation and, when appropriate, body temperature and neuromuscular function.2.4 Collaborates with appropriate surgical/anesthesia care team members as necessary.2.5 Maintains appropriate anesthetic and treatment modalities during the course of anesthesia leading to satisfactory patient outcomes.2.6 Demonstrates clinical expertise in implementing the anesthesia care plan within the scope of practice in accordance with the Department of Anesthesiology policy.2.7 Demonstrates a willingness to care for a broad cross section of patients.2.8 Ensures proper, timely and accurate documentation in the electronic medical record.2.9 Respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administering emergency fluids or drugs, or using basic or advanced cardiac life support techniques.

____3. Provides Post-anesthesia Care to ensure safe recovery of the patient.3.1 Safely transports patient from operating room to post anesthesia care unit, surgical intensive care unit, or other predetermined area.3.2 Provides a thorough report of the patient''s psychological and physical condition and perianesthetic course. Communicates any anticipated problems to the post anesthetic healthcare provider.3.3 Provides post anesthesia follow up and evaluation of patient''s response to anesthesia. Takes appropriate corrective actions and requests consultation when indicated.3.4 Assess patient''s post anesthetic condition and makes recommendations to PACU personnel regarding fluid management, respiratory and cardiovascular support, pain management, or consultation with other medical personnel.3.5 Provides documentation on morbidity and mortality.4. Personal and Professional Development- Attendance and participation in departmental (both hospital and university) meetings as well as professional organizations will ensure the continual professional growth of the CRNA.4.1 Meets requirements of 100 continuing education units every four years as required by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Class A credits (assessed CE''s 60 credits every four years and Class B (professional development 40 credits every four years).4.2 Demonstrates an interest in learning current anesthesia techniques and integrates new information in the provision of anesthesia.4.3 Provides documentation on morbidity and mortality.4.4 Maintains patient confidentiality and generally supports a dignified and humane patient care environment.4.5 Completes all hospital mandatory training in a timely manner.4.6 Provides and maintains current copies of all mandatory licenses in their personal files located within perioperative services.4.7 Maintains all Immunizations and PPD requirements determined by hospital policy.4.8 Consistently demonstrates high reliability organizational behaviors through reporting safety events as well as near misses.4.9 Reads current literature, talks with colleagues, and participates in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in nurse anesthesia practice.4.10 Attends at least 75% of CRNA departmental staff meetings to remain current with department initiates and changes.

Other information:

EDUCATION:

Graduate of a Nurse Anesthesia Educational Program accredited by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetistists Council on accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs. Current State of Connecticut Nursing License, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure in the State of Connecticut.

EXPERIENCE:

New graduates accepted.

Graduate from a nurse anesthesia educational program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Program.

Employed as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

LICENSURE:

AANA Certification, State of CT RN and APRN License, ACLS

SPECIAL_SKILLS:

CRNA''s must have sharp concentration and focus, along with the ability to stay calm under stressful conditions.

CRNAs must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with surgeons and the surgical support team, as well as with patients and their families. A calm and reassuring manner is one way to inspire trust in patients, who may be apprehensive about surgery, as well as the surgical team.

Anesthetic patient management must be immediate and responsive. Flexibility and adaptability are required.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

The ultimate responsibility for patient care is the responsibility of the provider. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist are independently licensed health professionals, and accountable for their practice.

COMPLEXITY:

The ability to solve complex problems is typically a valued skill for CRNAs, as are critical-thinking and the ability to react quickly when a patient''s condition changes. Considerable independent judgment to be exercised, within practice parameters.

PHYSICAL_DEMAND:

Scope of Supervision: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist practice according to their expertise, and institutional policy. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists work medically directed by an attending anesthesiologist.