POSITION SUMMARY:

The CRNA will administer anesthesia for all types of surgical cases, in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered, in accordance with their expertise. CRNA's will administer anesthesia in four general categories: (1) pre-anesthetic preperation and evaluation (2) anesthesia induction, maintainance and emergence, (3) post-anesthesic care and (4) perianesthetic and clinical support functions.

POSITION DUTIES:

The CRNA will: administer anesthesia for all types of surgical cases, in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered, in accordance with their expertise, state statutes or regulations, and institutional policies: administer anesthesia and anesthesia-related care in four general categories: (1) pre-anesthetic preparation and evaluation (2) anesthesia induction, maintenance and emergence (3) post-anesthesia care and (4) peri-anesthetic and clinical support functions which may include: general, MAC, regional, or local anesthesia. Selecting, obtaining and administering the anesthetic, adjuvant drugs and fluid necessary to manage the anesthetic, to maintain the patient's physiologic homoestasis and to correct abnormal responses to the anesthesia or surgery. Selecting, applying and inserting appropriate non-invasive and invasive monitioring modalities for collecting and interpreting patient physiological data. Managing a patient's airway and pulmonary status using endotracheal intubation, mechnaical ventilation, pharmacological support, respiratory therapy or extubation. Releasing or discharging patients from a post-anesthesia care area and providing post-anesthesia follow-up evaluation and care related to anesthesia side effects or complications. Ordering, initiating or modifying pain relief therapy, through the utilization of drugs, regional anesthetic techniques, or other accepted pain relief modalities, including epidural analgesia. Responding to emergency situations by providing airway management, administration of emergency fluids or drugs, or using basic or advanced cardiac life support techniques. Provide clinical support services outside of the operating room, including but not limited to radiology, endoscopy, emergency department, invasive labs.

Upon request or referral for these services, the CRNA will provide consultation and implementation of respiratory and ventilatory care, identify and manage emergency situations, including the initiation or participation in cardiopulmonary resuscitation that involves airway maintenance, ventilation, tracheal intubation, pharmacologic, cardiopulmonary support, management of blood, fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance.

Additional nurse anesthesia responsibilities which are within the expertise of the individual CRNA, as authorized by Medical Staff and stated in the policy and procedure manuals.

Non-clinical responsibilities as applicable:

Clinical and didactic teaching, supervision and evaluation of students; interdepartmental liaison, member of departmental committees; research participant. Maintains a positive demeanor, proactively helpful to patients, physicians and staff; remains flexible and alters/accepts various tasks and assignments as they arise, per the Director’s requests or designee.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

Education:

Required:

Holds a current state license as a registered nurse in the state of Louisiana and complies with any applicable state statutory and/or regulatory requirements concerning the advanced practice of nursing. Graduate from a nurse anesthesia educational program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) or its predecessor.

License/Certification:

Required:

Possess certification by the Council on Certification or recertification by the Council on Recertification or their respective predecessors; if pending initial certification, evidence of graduation from an approved nurse anesthesia educational program. Current BLS, PALS and ACLS certifications, as applicable.

Skills:

Demonstrates knowledge of principles of anesthesia practices. Must be able to operate all anesthesia equipment and to recognize equipment malfunction. Must be able to read written directions and to write legibly. Must be able to communicate effectively with students, residents, physicians, patients, visitors and hospital staff.

Physical Demands:

Heavy physical requirements: exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.