Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Position Title: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Reports To: System Medical Director and CEO

FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Brady, Texas

Position Summary

The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensed in the State of Texas and nationally certified to deliver anesthesia care. CRNAs provide anesthesia services independently or in collaboration with physicians, as authorized by the Texas Board of Nursing and in accordance with facility bylaws, protocols, and Texas Medical Board delegation requirements. The CRNA ensures safe, effective, and compassionate anesthesia care for patients across surgical, obstetrical, trauma, and procedural settings.

Key Responsibilities

Anesthesia Care Delivery

• Conduct comprehensive pre-anesthesia evaluations, reviewing patient medical history, medications, allergies, and diagnostic studies.
• Develop, implement, and adjust anesthesia plans consistent with patient needs, procedure type, and physician collaboration requirements.
• Administer general, regional, local, and monitored anesthesia care (MAC).
• Manage patient airway, ventilation, cardiovascular, and fluid status during anesthesia.
• Provide post-anesthesia care, including pain management, recovery monitoring, and intervention for complications.

Patient Safety & Compliance

• Obtain and document informed consent for anesthesia in accordance with Texas statutes and facility policy.
• Ensure compliance with Texas Board of Nursing (BON) standards, Texas Medical Board (TMB) rules, and facility policies regarding physician delegation and supervision requirements.
• Recognize and respond to anesthesia-related emergencies, including airway compromise, cardiovascular instability, and resuscitation needs.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in patient records and anesthesia logs as required by Texas law.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work independently or under physician delegation as defined by Texas law and facility policy.
• Collaborate with anesthesiologists, surgeons, obstetricians, proceduralists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Educate patients and families about anesthesia risks, procedures, and recovery expectations.
• Serve as a clinical resource for nursing staff, residents, and students.

Professional Standards & Development

• Maintain current knowledge of Texas Nurse Practice Act, BON and TMB regulations, and federal standards affecting CRNA practice.
• Participate in quality improvement programs, peer review, and patient safety initiatives.
• Maintain professional certification through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
• Engage in continuing education as required by Texas BON and NBCRNA recertification standards.

Qualifications

Education & Licensure

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nurse Anesthesia from an accredited program.
• Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in Texas.
• Current recognition as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with authorization to practice as a CRNA in Texas.
• Current certification by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
• Active Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a CRNA preferred (facility may accept new graduates with strong clinical training).
• Broad exposure to anesthesia care across multiple specialties (e.g., general surgery, obstetrics, orthopedics, pediatrics, trauma, cardiovascular) preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of anesthesia pharmacology, physiology, and pathophysiology.
• Ability to work independently within Texas scope-of-practice guidelines.
• Excellent critical thinking, clinical judgment, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to patient safety, ethical standards, and continuous professional growth.

Working Conditions

• Practice settings may include hospital operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, labor and delivery units, emergency/trauma departments, and procedural areas.
• May involve variable shifts, on-call rotations, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Frequent exposure to high-stress, emergency, and life-threatening situations.
• Requires standing for long periods, patient positioning, and rapid response to critical events.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and position patients and equipment.
• Manual dexterity and vision sufficient to manage complex anesthesia procedures.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies.