Summary

North Florida/ South Georgia VA Healthcare System's Anesthesiology Service is seeking an experienced and dynamic Nurse Anesthetist. Ideal applicants are those who want to contribute to the achievement of quality care standards, as well as the growth and development of a VA academic hospital program. You must be an excellent communicator and team player who is adaptable to the needs of a growing medical center.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed Nurse Anesthetists in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the
Basic Requirements:
of the occupation
Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States
Education: (1) A degree in nursing from a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate state accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: (a) The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), an accrediting arm of the National League for Nursing; or (b) The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), an accrediting arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
(c) In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, and unrestricted registration and the possession of a Certificate from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing
-OR- (2) Graduate of an accredited nurse anesthesia educational program approved by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) at the time the program was completed by the applicant
Registration: Current, full, active and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States or the District of Columbia
Must maintain a current, full, active and unrestricted registration to continue employment with VA
Certification: On and after May 4, 1993, certification by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists is a requirement for employment
This requirement does not apply to non-certified nurse anesthetists employed by VA as a nurse anesthetist prior to May 4, 1993 and continuously thereafter
Any nurse anesthetist who leaves VA employment or vacates the nurse anesthetist occupation for another VA position, must meet the current requirement of certification for re-appointment as a nurse anesthetist
English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C
7402(d)
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, all applicants must meet one of the following grade requirements for a specific grade level: Entry Level (Nurse II): Experience and Education
None beyond the basic requirements
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The following list of knowledge, skills and abilities present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level Nurse Anesthetist
Entry level into nurse anesthesia practice may include but are not limited to the following: Ability to translate the principles of professional nursing practice in the care of assigned patients in order to provide appropriate care
Ability to do a pre-anesthetic patient history and physical, which includes collecting pre-operative consults and data
Ability to formulate an anesthetic plan and describe the anesthetic risks, benefits and options to the patient
Ability to administer inhalation, regional, intravenous, local, and topical anesthetics and to detect unfavorable reactions in order to continuously evaluate the patient's physical status
Ability to respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administration of emergency fluids and drugs, and using appropriate resuscitation procedures for patient care
Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession
Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care
Ability to practice nurse anesthesia with colleagues and peers utilizing a collaborative team concept of anesthesia care
Full Performance Level (Nurse III): Experience and Education
In addition to meeting the requirements for Entry Level, the CRNA has had progressively responsible experience in the administration of anesthetics as indicated in the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below
Must demonstrate the ability to participate in a program for nurse anesthesia care and demonstrate knowledge of anesthetizing locations, methods, equipment and procedures
At this level, the CRNA has experience in the administration of anesthetics that has demonstrated the nurse anesthetist's ability to participate in team programs that are technically challenging and/or complicated
Typically candidates can demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities of Full Performance Level within 2 years from entering the occupation
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Full Performance Level practice in nurse anesthesia includes but is not limited to the following: Skill in conducting and managing anesthesia for a broad range of complex surgical procedures
In addition, the CRNA must be able to adapt/modify anesthesia techniques in order to optimize patient care
Ability to complete work assignments selected to add depth and breadth to their technical knowledge and skill competence
Work assignments will vary at each facility depending on the progressive acuity required for anesthesia care
Ability to respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administration of emergency fluids and drugs, and by the use of basic or advanced cardiac life support techniques in order to perform necessary resuscitation procedures
Ability to effectively blend technology, skills, and competency for the advancement of anesthesia techniques, pharmacology, and equipment
Ability to apply new developments and theories to develop and demonstrate the ability to recognize and solve various complex anesthesia situations
Ability to recognize clinical and technical aspects of anesthesia care and has in-depth knowledge of anesthesia methods and techniques for the practice of anesthesia
Ability to perform as a mentor, preceptor, or nurse educator providing didactic and clinical instruction for graduate-level nurse anesthesia students and/or other anesthesia care providers
Ability to participate in the development of anesthesia patient care audit processes involving in depth review and analysis of anesthesia records
Ability to provide guidance and instruction in preparing others for positions of leadership and ethical practices which impact patient care
Reference: VA Handbook 5005/37, Part II, Appendix G7 NURSE ANESTHETIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD.Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity
Applicant is required to potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing
Transferring patients and objects may be required
May be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures
May occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders
Must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and able to shift priorities based on patient needs
Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment
Must be able to assist with positioning of patients
Must be physically, emotionally and mentally competent and able to perform efficiently the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to yourself or others.