Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) practices autonomously and collaboratively with various health providers to deliver high-quality, holistic, evidence-based anesthesia and pain care services. The CRNA cares for patients at all acuity levels across the lifespan in surgical, obstetrical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and pain management settings.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform preanesthesia assessment and evaluation, documenting results.
• Review laboratory/diagnostic studies, requesting or ordering as permitted by state law.
• Obtain informed consent for anesthesia and related services.
• Select, order, and administer preanesthetic medication or treatment.
• Develop and implement an anesthesia care plan.
• Select and use equipment, monitors, supplies, and drugs for sedation, anesthesia, and pain management services; perform safety checks as needed.
• Select and administer analgesic and anesthetic agents, adjuvant drugs, fluids for anesthesia services.
• Document peri-anesthetic care events in a time-based record.
• Manage airways, including fiberoptic intubation.
• Facilitate emergence and recovery from anesthesia by evaluating patient response and administering medications, fluids, and ventilator support.
• Initiate pharmacological or fluid support of the cardiovascular system post-anesthesia.
• Administer respiratory support for adequate ventilation and oxygenation post-anesthesia.
• Evaluate patient response to anesthesia and surgery, taking corrective action post-anesthesia.
• Provide follow-up evaluation care post-anesthesia.
• Discharge patients from the post-anesthesia care unit.
• Implement acute and chronic pain management modalities.
• Manage emergency situations, assessing, stabilizing, and determining patient disposition, including airway management and emergency medication administration.
• Insert and manage regional anesthetic techniques, peripheral, arterial, pulmonary catheter, or central venous lines and catheters.
• Provide patient and caregiver education.
• Consult with respiratory care providers and implement respiratory care when appropriate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

• The work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility with controlled temperature and moderate noise levels. Employees may be exposed to infectious diseases, materials, and radiation. Protective gear may be required in procedure rooms.
• Employees spend most of their time on their feet, may require lifting and positioning patients, and must be able to lift objects heavier than 50 pounds.
• Travels between locations primarily during business hours, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.

SUPERVISION:

• No direct supervision

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED CREDENTIALS:

• Graduate of a nurse anesthesia educational program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs or its predecessor.
• Current state licensure and compliance with applicable state statutory and regulatory requirements concerning CRNAs.
• BLS and ACLS certification.
• Certified or recertified by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.
• Insurable by an appropriate medical malpractice insurer for the limits required by this institution or state.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• 8-12 years' experience in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5 years CRNA experience preferred.
• Ability to perform clinically as a nurse anesthetist in a facility setting on a regular basis.
• Ability to operate, use, and interpret data from a variety of equipment to perform anesthesia care and necessary perioperative or operating room care.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with clinical staff and other disciplines.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population served.
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control techniques.
• Ability to maintain confidential records.
• Ability to implement and adhere to facility policies and procedures.

EO/AA EMPLOYER:

Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.