The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) administers intravenous, inhalation, and other anesthetics to patients undergoing invasive and surgical procedures. The CRNA monitors patient’s vital signs in a manner consistent with current standards, maintains anesthesia equipment to insure proper functioning, and maintains records of each anesthetic administered.
Requirements
- Administers sedation, intravenous, inhalation and regional anesthetic for surgical and invasive procedures
- Maintains knowledge of anesthetic medications as necessary relating to patient’s condition during surgery and invasive procedures
- Monitors vital signs, observes for significant physical changes, and keeps the surgeon, other appropriate providers and the surgical team informed of the patient’s condition
- Prepares prescribed solutions for intravenous and/or arterial administration
- Administers pre-operative medications prescribed by the physician if not already given
- Assesses fluid needs of patients and administers fluids accordingly as well as administers and monitors blood and blood product transfusions
- Assists with positioning the patient on the operating room bed according to established procedure for type of operation to be performed and assists in moving patient from the OR, PAA/PACU, and/or department providing the next phase of care
- Maintains a pre- and post-operative clinical report on the patient’s condition, by maintaining an anesthetic record for each patient
- Documents patient’s medications, consciousness, respiratory status, circulation, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and activity status
- Records condition of the patient prior to, during and following administration of anesthetic
- Maintains equipment necessary for use during anesthesia
- Assembles and tests devices to ensure proper functioning
- Disassembles after use and cleans work area
- Requisitions necessary repairs or adjustments to equipment
- Reports malfunctioning equipment promptly and removes from the patient care area to maintain a safe environment
- Assists in maintaining an adequate stock of anesthetics, supplies, and accessories
- Works collaboratively with pharmacy personnel to assure adequate stock of needed anesthetics
- Practices safe site surgery techniques including but not limited to time out standard work and stops the line when safety issues or concerns with patient care occur
- Keeps current on ASA guidelines, theory, research, medication and legal issues related to patient care services
- Conforms to the Nurse Practice Act
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Income Protection
- Retirement Planning
- Work/Life Balance
- Education & Development
- Employee Discounts
