Nurse Anesthetist

University of Rochester•Rochester, NY

14d•Onsite

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. CRNAs provide anesthesia services to patients of all ages at Strong Memorial Hospital and the Ambulatory Surgical Center at Sawgrass under the medical direction of members of the faculty of the Department of Anesthesiology of the University of Rochester Medical Center. CRNAs are an integral part of the surgical team working closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and operating room nurses and other healthcare professionals. They provide anesthesia care for ENT, Plastics, Ophthalmology, Urology, Orthopedics, GI, OB/GYN, Transplant, Cardiac, Pediatric, Dental, Thoracic, Vascular, Trauma and Burns, and General Surgery patients. In keeping with the mission and values of both the Department of Anesthesiology and Strong Memorial Hospital, all employees are responsible for care and services that reflect and demonstrate our mission and core values. HOSPITAL MISSION STATEMENT "We improve the well-being of patients and communities by delivering innovative, compassionate, patient- and family-centered health care, enriched by education, science, and technology." DEPARTMENT OF ANESTHESIOLOGY MISSION STATEMENT "The mission of the Department of Anesthesiology is to deliver through excellence in peri-operative medicine, pain management and critical care, outstanding education and innovations in research."

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or other appropriate baccalaureate degree.
At least one year of experience as a registered nurse in an acute care setting.
Graduation with a minimum of a master's degree from a nurse anesthesia program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
Pass the national certification examination within 24 months after graduation.
Current New York State Registered Nurse's License.
Maintenance of current recertification requirements of the Council on Accreditation of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
Maintains at least 40 hours of continuing education every two years.

Responsibilities

Conducts and maintains the anesthetic as evidenced by: Selects and implements appropriate anesthetic agent. Initiates and maintains patient ventilation when appropriate. Provides for protection of the patient's eyes and pressure points when appropriate. Observes and records the effects of ambient temperature on the patient when appropriate. Evaluates the adequacy of anesthetic depth. Evaluates, records, and treats any cardiovascular dysrhythmia. Evaluates, manages, and documents fluid and electrolyte status. Identifies and determines the need for blood component therapy. Effectively adjusts the anesthetic to meet requirements of patient need. Evaluates the need for drug antagonism and reversal. Recognizes and reports any abnormal patient responses.
Administers/Induces Anesthesia as evidenced by: Provides an appropriate general anesthetic (i.e. rapid sequence) Establishes and maintains patient airway with OETT, while minimizing laryngoscopy time, establishing tube placement within 30 seconds, observes and affirms tube placement (breath sounds, ETCO2 level, capnograph pattern). Establishes regional anesthesia in a safe and timely manner.
Completes and documents pre-anesthesia patient assessment according to current anesthesia standards for any person requiring any form of anesthesia or IV sedation as evidenced by: Collaborates with all members of the health care team to ascertain acuity needs of patient. Chart review, patient interview, and appropriate documentation of patient history. Physical examination of patient, including airway examination. Offers psychological support while explaining the anesthetic risk/benefit and obtaining an informed consent for all planned and potential forms of anesthesia.
Selects appropriate equipment and techniques for use in the accomplishment of goals outlined in the anesthesia care plan/management plan as evidenced by: Evaluation of the functional status of anesthesia equipment (machine, suction, laryngoscope, monitors, etc.) Assures presence and functioning of emergency equipment prior to initiation of any anesthetic technique. Calculation of drug doses; preparation and appropriate labeling of syringes. Appropriate selection of airway management equipment. Appropriate application and selection of monitoring modalities.
Supervises Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs) in the delivery of anesthesia care. Participates in education program for SRNAs.
Appropriately and effectively administers pharmacological agents. Administers drugs based on individual patient need, dosage and interaction. Follows hospital policy on controlled substances security and sign out. Evaluates patient response to pharmacological agents. Effectively treats any adverse drug reaction.
Terminates the anesthetic and emerges the patient from anesthesia. Prepares the patient for emergence. Demonstrates knowledge of extubation criteria. Extubates patient and evaluates ventilatory status. Determines patient stability prior to transport to PACU. Leaves the OR in a state of readiness prior to leaving for PACU. Transports patient safely to PACU. Gives a thorough report to the PACU nurse.
Evaluates the attainment of anesthesia care goals. Evaluates response to anesthesia care (immediate or delayed). Evaluates and documents patient status on admission to PACU. Recognizes current or possible problems/complications/side effects. Communicates evaluation findings with the pertinent members of the health care team.
Completes departmental documentation and post anesthesia rounds. Completes patient care log appropriately. Completes narcotic record appropriately. Completes and documents post-anesthesia rounds.
Assists with starting difficult intravenous lines, inserting difficult arterial lines, obtaining difficult arterial blood gases, performing emergency endotracheal intubation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation throughout the hospital. Acts as a resource for critical care management in the intensive care unit as needed.