Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

Major Duties/Critical Tasks

• Maintains contact with patients, evaluates quality of anesthesia services; prepares for and meets anesthesia emergencies as they arise.
• Maintains standards of safety as they apply to anesthesia.
• Establishes procedures and techniques for the care of the post-anesthetic patient.
• Administers anesthetic agents to patients in conformance with recognized anesthesia techniques and procedure, established standards and administrative policies.
• Checks pre-procedure charts and orders, prepares anesthesia supplies and equipment to be used.
• Observes the condition of the anesthetized patient during procedures and advises the physician of significant vital sign variations; records patient’s reaction to anesthetics and procedural stimulation.
• Interviews all scheduled patients prior to procedure.
• Returns the patient to the recovery area and determines immediate post-anesthetic care. Gives report to the recovery room nurse to include: procedure performed, patient’s condition pre, intra and post procedure, type and amount of fluids administered, estimated blood loss and any special medications administered during the procedure.