Job Description

AND SCOPE

The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) provides the full spectrum of anesthesia care based on the needs of the patient, the surgeon, and the capabilities of the system in which the anesthetic will be provided. The CRNA consults with the operative surgeon prior to, during, and after the anesthetic to ensure patient safety. The CRNA acts as patient advocate, and remains responsible for the patient during the entire perioperative period. The CRNA functions unrestricted, within the scope and standards of care established by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetist and, where appropriate, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, in accordance with regulations governing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in the State of Maine. The CRNA reports to the Chief Nursing Officer and the Chief of Surgery.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Formulates Anesthesia Care Plans for given patients (ASA Classification I-V);
• Selects, implements, and evaluates anesthesia management plans;
• Implements the anesthesia plan employing the full scope of anesthesia practice to include both general and regional anesthesia;
• Performs and utilizes associated procedures needed during the anesthetic management of the patient;
• Evaluates the postoperative course of the patient;
• Performs, within medically established guidelines, resuscitation of the newborn infant, child, or adult as the need arises;
• Functions as a team leader during cardiovascular and/or pulmonary emergencies;
• Provides effective care and first echelon maintenance on all anesthesia equipment; report defective equipment;
• Effectively conducts and manages anesthesia care in the obstetrical labor and delivery service;
• Demonstrates personal behavior consistent with that of a professional;
• Provides continuing education for medical, nursing, and allied healthcare staff, hospital-wide.

Sensory:

• Discriminates variations in human responses to disease using visual, auditory, tactile, and other sensory cues;
• Discriminates changes in monitoring devices and alarms using visual and auditory senses;
• Communicates clearly and effectively in English through oral and written methods in order to communicate with other health care providers and patients of all ages;
• Comprehends written and verbal communications in English.

Motor:

• Coordinates gross and fine motor movements and the senses of touch and vision to insert intravascular access, administers regional anesthetic techniques, and performs airway management;
• Demonstrates sufficient physical strength to perform airway management, move and position patients and equipment;
• Sufficient stamina to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time;
• Safely maneuver in the operating room and other anesthetizing locations;
• Responds appropriately to alarms and changes in patient conditions that require physical interventions.

Cognitive

• Uses reason, analysis, calculations, problem solving, critical thinking, self-evaluation and other learning skills to acquire knowledge, comprehend and synthesize complex concepts;
• Interprets information derived from auditory, written and other visual data to determine appropriate anesthetic management plans;
• Applies theoretical knowledge to practice to provide safe anesthetic care.

Behavioral

• Demonstrates personal and professional self-control as well as tactfulness, sensitivity, compassion, honesty, integrity, empathy, and respect;
• Works flexibly and effectively in stressful and rapidly changing situations;
• Cooperates with other members of the health care team to provide a therapeutic environment and safe patient care;
• Seeks out needed information by staying informed and involved by attending meetings, reading memos, policies, meeting minutes, newsletters, email and other appropriate information in a timely manner;
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, including observing appropriate break times and extending a scheduled shift when necessary to meet patient demands;
• Performs duties in a safe manner, in compliance with all safety policies and procedures;
• Complies with the Code of Conduct and all appropriate policies and procedures;
• Other duties, as assigned, that are relevant to the position and department.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Active unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Maine
• Active unrestricted license to practice as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in the State of Maine
• Current verification in Basic Cardiac Life Support
• Current verification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• Current verification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support
• Minimum of master of science degree in Nurse Anesthesia, doctorate preferred
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to function independently
• 10 days of call per month

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Clinical: Frequently lifts up to 35 pounds independently. Frequently pushes/pulls 100 pounds using mechanical and other assistive devices. Walks, stands, kneels, bends most of the time. Exhibits fine motor skills and manual dexterity necessary to perform the essential job functions of the position. Visual acuity correctable to 20/20. Color vision is necessary. Normal hearing acuity.

EXPOSURE RISK

Exposure Category I: Employee at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

• Maintains current knowledge of the hospital-wide Quality Improvement Program.
• Collaborates with management to improve the effectiveness of the department through the Quality Improvement plans and processes.
• Participates in the departmental and hospital-wide Quality Improvement activities as directed by the manager.

COMPLIANCE

• Adheres to the federal, state, and local statutes and regulations.
• Adheres to the Compliance Program policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Adheres to all Privacy and Security policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Communicates any concern related to compliance issues to manager of department or Compliance Officer.
• Communicates any concern related to confidentiality issues to the Privacy Officer.

*DECH is an equal opportunity employer.