The nurse anesthetist provides anesthesia care under the Illinois State law.

The nurse anesthetist administers anesthetics to render patients insensible to pain during surgical or invasive procedures.  In doing so, the nurse anesthetist will position the patient and administer inhalation, intravenous, spinal, epidural, regional, nerve block, or local infiltration anesthetics.  The nurse anesthetist will continuously observe the patient’s conditions and periodically record vital signs.  The administration of anesthesia will be in accordance with national standards, hospital policy, and state regulation.

In addition, the nurse anesthetist must be able to provide sedation and analgesia in the Obstetrical Suite, Imaging Department, and the Emergency Department.  Also, the nurse anesthetist will provide resuscitative techniques throughout the hospital.

Education:

·       Graduate of an approved program of nurse anesthesia accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia. 

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

·       Verification of licensure as a Registered Nurse and an Advanced Practice Nurse in the State of Illinois and compliant

·       With Illinois regulatory requirements of nurse anesthesia as defined in the Nurse Practice Act.  The copy of a nursing license will not be acceptable as evidence of licensure.       

·       Recognition by the Council on Certification or NBCRNA.  Certification of Graduation from approved nurse anesthesia educational program.

·       Maintains BLS/ACLS/PALS certificates.

·       Must be insurable for malpractice insurance for the limits required and by the company approved by Passavant Area Hospital.

 
Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Working Conditions-Physical Requirements & Atmosphere:

·       Demonstrates competence in those clinical responsibilities listed on attached skill credentialing list.                                                

·       Exhibits a positive attitude in performance of the mission of the hospital and the Anesthesia Department.

·       Demonstrates the Corporate values of Passavant Area Hospital

·       Capable of:  a) lifting at least 60 pounds during patient lift, b) working extended periods of time, c) wearing personal protective barrier gloves, d)performing assigned non-clinical administrative duties, and  e) working in an environmental climate of  55°-85° Fahrenheit

Age Specific Competence Requirement:      

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the following:

·       Infant            0-12 months

·       Child             1 year-12 years

·       Adolescent  13-18 years

·       Adult            18-65 years

·       Older Adult  65 years plus

·       Requires full range of motion; manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.

·       Requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time and the ability to lift and transport patients.

·       Requires corrected hearing and vision to normal range.

·       Requires some exposure to communicable diseases or bodily fluids.

·       Ability to work under extreme pressure.

1. The nurse anesthetist participates in departmental duties coordinated by the Director of Anesthesia. These include, but are not limited to:
2. Organizing and coordinating an adequate number of personnel to staff a coordinated number of operating rooms, labor analgesia, respond for emergencies, and perform preoperative anesthesia evaluations.
3. Assuring an on-call roster is available for the department and to the hospital.
4. Assuring a steady restocking of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
5. Evaluating new equipment, medical supplies, and pharmaceuticals.
6. Verifying the QA/QI program, to include necessary insurance information in the development of monitoring of the quality and appropriateness of the anesthesia patient care.
7. Substantiating the department compliance program, including the billing/charging surveillance audit. Aids in assuring that the anesthesia meets or exceeds all hospital licensing standards.
8. Assigning providers to anesthesia cases when they are in charge of the daily schedule.
9. Gives input on selecting potential new employees.
10. Participating in the bi-monthly CEU program, by attendance or presenting at the meeting
11. Attendance at staff meeting.
12. Complies with all HIPPA requirements.
13. Serve as clinical preceptor for nurse anesthesia students.
14. Take call as assigned.
15. Performs other related work as required or requested.