ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE-CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETIST - TRAUMA ANESTHESIA

This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Cook County and the SEIU Union. Pursuant to the agreement, Cook County will exhaust internal eligible applicants prior to considering external applicants.

About the Role

The APN-Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, in collaboration with an anesthesiologist, is responsible for the administration of anesthetic agents and adjuvants to patients undergoing a wide variety of surgical and obstetrical procedures across Cook County Health (CCH), including John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital and Provident Hospital. The role includes making preoperative rounds to evaluate patient preparation for anesthesia and surgery, as well as postoperative visits to monitor recovery from anesthesia.

In collaboration with an attending anesthesiologist, the incumbent evaluates patient preparation, suggests a primary and alternative anesthetic management plan, explains risks and benefits to patients and families, and obtains informed consent.

Responsibilities

• Administer all anesthetic agents and adjuvants to patients undergoing surgical, obstetrical, and other diagnostic procedures.
• Administer oxygen, anesthetic gases, intravenous anesthetics, analgesics, regional anesthesia, intravenous solutions, blood, and blood products.
• Manage airway and support vital functions, including induction, intubation, and maintenance of anesthesia.
• Support patient ventilation manually or via mechanical ventilator and monitor physiologic responses using electrocardiography, pulse oximetry, capnography, blood gas, and electrolyte measurements.
• Continuously monitor and interpret patient vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, invasive monitoring) and bodily functions (temperature, urinary output).
• Maintain accurate records of anesthetics, medications, and fluids used during anesthesia.
• Provide professional observation and support until the patient regains control of vital functions.
• Recognize undesirable responses and take corrective action, including consulting an anesthesiologist for abnormal responses to anesthesia, medications, or surgery.
• Attend clinical conferences, including weekly Morbidity & Mortality Conferences and Anesthesiology Grand Rounds.
• Participate in anesthesia meetings sponsored by local, state, and national associations (e.g., American Association of Nurse Anesthetists).
• Attend required educational programs (e.g., hospital fire and safety training) and departmental staff meetings.
• Stay current with anesthesia trends and practices and participate in departmental Quality Assurance (QA) projects, morbidity & mortality reports, and presentations.
• Instruct, supervise, evaluate, and guide rotating student nurse anesthetists from the Rush University Nurse Anesthesia program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Currently licensed as a Registered Professional Nurse in the State of Illinois.
• Currently licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the State of Illinois.
• Master’s Degree from an accredited nurse anesthesia program or eligibility to complete a Master’s Degree at an accredited program two weeks prior to starting employment. (Original transcript or letter from program director required at interview.)
• State of Illinois Advanced Practice License and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) certificate required by the first day of employment or ability to obtain both two weeks prior to starting.
• Progressive experience and advanced knowledge in a specialized area of clinical nursing.
• Active CPR card or ability to obtain within two weeks of starting. (Proof required at interview if already obtained.)
• Active Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification or ability to obtain within two weeks of starting. (Proof required at interview if already obtained.)
• Active Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification or ability to obtain within two weeks of starting. (Proof required at interview if already obtained.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Current experience and applied knowledge of anesthetic agents, anesthesia machines, instruments, and monitoring equipment.
• Practical experience providing all types of anesthesia (monitored anesthesia care, regional, general).
• Knowledge of anesthesia and related pharmacology to provide general, local, monitored anesthesia care, and regional anesthesia.
• Ability to work any shift.

Pay

Salary range: $103,818 – $120,355. Salary is commensurate with years of experience documented at the time of application. Experience not disclosed or documented will not be considered for initial step placement.

Schedule

Shift: 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM (rotating).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Basic term life insurance.
• Pension plan.
• Deferred compensation program.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Veteran Preference

Preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 6 months. To qualify:

• Identify as a Veteran on the employment application.
• Attach a copy of DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application. (Latest document required if multiple exist.)
• Coast Guard Veterans must submit a certified copy of military separation from the Department of Transportation (pre-9/11) or Department of Homeland Security (post-9/11).
• Discharge papers must list an Honorable Discharge Status; other statuses are not acceptable.
• A valid State ID or Driver’s License identifying the holder as a Veteran may also be submitted.
• Original discharge papers or applicable ID must be provided at the time of interview.