Nurse Anesthetist

Duties

• Perform and document pre-anesthetic evaluations of patients before surgery including requesting consultations - additional diagnostic and/or laboratory studies
• Initiate planned anesthetic techniques that may include general - regional - or monitored anesthesia care (MAC)
• Interventions include administration of fluids - medications - ventilator support - provision of homeostasis - provision of adequate pain relief and management of anesthesia and surgical side effects
• Perform and document Induction of general anesthesia and initial airway management
• Endotracheal intubation for surgical or procedural cases
• Peripheral nerve blocks
• Central neuraxial blocks
• Epidural blood patches
• Adjust anesthetic drugs and techniques utilized in the maintenance of anesthesia
• Participates on the Code Blue Team - primarily to manage the patient's airway - but also to perform other tasks which are within the CRNA privileges - as directed by the Code Team Leader
• Provides emergency airway management throughout the facility - following the ASA Difficult Airway Algorithm and department protocols - as requested
• Maintains anesthesia equipment in constant readiness and cleans equipment in accordance with hospital guidelines - SOPs - manufacturer's recommendations - and CDC guidelines
• Ensures compliance with OR/anesthesia safety regulations and procedures and infection control policies and procedures
• Conducts in-service programs for the department and other services within the medical center
• May assist or conduct approved research projects
• Acts as a preceptor for student Nurse Anesthetists

Qualifications

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care - you will operate in a model with three core elements - seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

The CRNA works with a variety of age groups to include adult and geriatric patients and is able to meet age specific needs of the patient population served.