CRNA | ssch

SOUTH SUNFLOWER COUNTY HOSPITAL

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Department: Anesthesia

Reports To: Chief Anesthetist

Summary:

Administers local, inhalation, and other anesthetics to induce total or partial loss of sensation or consciousness to patients during surgery, deliveries, or other medical and dental procedures. Is proficient in administering anesthetic agents to all age groups, from newborn to geriatric patients. Must possess the expertise and knowledge of equipment, drugs, fluid administration, and anesthetic agents to safely provide anesthesia for all age groups from newborn to geriatric.

Performs the following duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Sets up room for anesthesia, checks anesthesia machine and equipment to ensure it is in good working order before beginning anesthesia.
Performs a pre-anesthesia equipment and supply check to ensure all equipment is functioning properly and availability of supplies prior to induction of anesthesia.
Prepares prescribed solutions and administers local, intravenous, spinal, or other anesthetics.
Administers surgical anesthesia under the direction of the surgeon and maintains the safety of the patient.
Begins anesthesia promptly when directed to do so by the surgeon, who must be present in the OR suite.
Intubates patients as indicated and maintains patent airway as procedure necessitates.
Monitors ventilator parameters, including FIO2, TV, MV, End Tidal CO2, Pulse oximetry, BP, EKG, and temperature.
Fits mask to patient's face, turns dials and sets gauges of equipment to regulate the flow of oxygen and gases to administer anesthetic by inhalation method.
Initiates remedial measures to prevent surgical shock or other adverse conditions.
Informs physician of patient's condition during anesthesia.
Makes a pre-operative visit, assessment, and evaluation of the appropriateness of anesthesia planned for each patient.
Discusses the risks and benefits of anesthesia types along with the potential loss of blood to all surgical patients.
Assigns an ASA Classification for each patient.
Acquaints patients with anesthesia procedures to alleviate apprehensions.
Gives special consideration to patient's age-related needs during the processes of treatment, assessment, and patient care.
Communicates effectively with patients with regard to the individual patient as appropriate for age.
Checks surgery schedule for number and types of cases posted prior to seeing pre-op patients.
Checks the patient's record for lab work, physical examination, H&P, EKG, and signed consent upon the patient's arrival to the OR.
Mixes and prepares solutions as needed for use during the day according to the number and types of cases posted.
Participates in hospital-wide PI activities.
Maintains and cleans all non-disposable equipment and determines any servicing needs of the equipment after each use.
Ensures proper positioning of the patient while under anesthesia as to padding, support, etc.
Terminates anesthesia at the proper level and time based on observations of surgery progress.
Accompanies patient to the Recovery Room and follows up on observations of the patient's progress.
Assigns a PARR score of 8-10 prior to discharging the patient from the Recovery Room.
Maintains accurate anesthesia record with vital signs charted every 5 minutes while the patient is under his care.
Makes post-operative visit after complete recovery from anesthesia to determine the patient's attitudes and feelings concerning the anesthesia experience.
Reviews events of recovery and records any eventful happenings after the patient is fully reactive.

Additional Duties:

Checks quantity of supplies available and requisitions them as needed
Assist other CRNA when needed or as requested, for PRN relief, and as indicated.
Observes all OR activities to ensure that proper sterile techniques are practiced.
Adheres to hospital policies and regulations with regard to all safety precautions concerning handling of gases and follows recommended precautions for a hazardous area where anesthetic agents are in use.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions.
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Able to read and interpret written information.
Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values.
Strategic Thinking - Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses.
Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains the reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in a timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Graduation from an accredited nursing program with a degree as a Registered Nurse

Graduation from accredited nurse anesthetist program

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Current valid Registered Nurse's License from the Mississippi Board of Nursing
Current Certification from the Mississippi Board of Nursing to practice nurse anesthesia
Current National Certification from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

Other Qualifications

Must be able to take call for Anesthesia after hours and on weekends and holidays as scheduled.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

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

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Any other duties as assigned by Chief Anesthetist or Administration.