Advanced Practice Nurse - Chief Nurse Anesthetist

Department of Veterans Affairs

The CRNA IV administers anesthesia in both inpatient and outpatient settings to patients of all health complexities. The aspects of practice include direct patient care, administration, and education.

• Major duties and responsibilities of the position: Demonstrates leadership and advocates professionalism for staff CRNAs at the Corporal Michael J Crescenz VA Medical Center Organizes and leads monthly (more frequent when necessary) departmental CRNA meetings. Liaison between staff CRNAs and the Chief of Anesthesiology Service. Performs/completes OPPEs and FPPEs for all CRNAs (including meeting personally with each CRNA), including performing the required number (or more if necessary) of chart reviews for each CRNA per OPPE review period Performs annual Performance Appraisals for all CRNAs, including meeting personally with each CRNA. Performs additional duties as determined by the Chief of Anesthesiology Service, which may include but may not be limited to, scheduling tasks and/or departmental program oversight. Duties may be modified at will by the Chief of Anesthesiology Service for any reason the Chief of Anesthesiology Service deems necessary and/or appropriate. Responsible as the first-line CRNA supervisor to address conduct and/or performance issues. Up to 50% administrative non-clinical time, which may be somewhat variable depending on the staffing needs at any given time and may be altered by the Chief of Anesthesiology service depending on current departmental needs. Administers general and regional anesthetics or Monitored Anesthesia Care during surgical or medical procedures under the medical direction of an attending anesthesiologist. Evaluates situations and informs attending anesthesiologists of patient's condition; discusses anesthetics to be used, including techniques of administration and supportive measures necessary with approval by attending physician as required by departmental guidelines. Checks anesthesia machine and monitoring equipment, supplies, medication and anesthesia gases. Monitors and records the patient's vital signs; records all medication administered to the patient and related reactions and responses. First line supervisor and administrative responsibility for nurse anesthesia staff (i.e., performance reviews, Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations (OPPE), peer review). Administrative responsibility may extend to other healthcare professionals within the department. Exemplifies the ICARE core values of-Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Technical Skills: Following all current policies and procedures, properly sets up equipment, supplies, and medication for the administration of anesthesia. Properly disposes of (or removes) equipment, supplies, and medications at the conclusion of the case. Consistently monitors and accurately records on the anesthesia record the patient's vital signs, all medications administered to the patient- including related reaction(s) and response(s) in a legible manner. Utilizes patient principles and practices of anesthesiology. Consistently evaluates situations and informs attending anesthesiologist of patient's condition; discusses anesthetics to be used, techniques of administration, and supportive measures necessary. Under the medical direction of an anesthesiologist, and indicated by the anesthesiology daily schedule coordinator, demonstrates competence while administering general and regional anesthesia during surgical procedures as well as administering monitored anesthesia care. Effectively assists anesthesiologists in the delivery of anesthesia. Appropriately responds to codes, airway rescues, etc., when appropriate. Properly labels all medications as appropriate. Possesses the body of knowledge that allows the clinician to manage whatever environmental and system resources exist for the patient, patients' family, and staff, within or across healthcare and non-healthcare systems. Uses available tools and resources to effectively resolve patient care problems and to facilitate patient/family transitions across the continuum of care. Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of unit-based goals for improvement; links unit-based goals to organization's strategic mission. Recognizes that patients/families have insight into what can improve the experience and system of care and collectively identifies opportunities to improve services provided to patients' families at unit-level. Remains flexible and positive towards change and actively participates in change processes and/or work methods to enhance the care environment. Recognizes the impact of one's performance on system functioning. Supervisory Controls: Direct report supervisor for all nurse anesthetists within the Anesthesiology department. The individual in this role will report to the Chief of Anesthesiology. Work Schedule: Variable - Tour of Duty includes call, nights, weekends, holidays. Shifts are 24 hours, 12 hours, 10 hours and 8 hours.

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