Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Under general supervision of staff anesthesiologist, this position provides professional anesthesia services in all hospital areas. Assists with anesthesia related medical situations such as airway maintenance and pulmonary ventilation.

Qualifications

Certification by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA); current registered nurse licensure in the state of Utah; and demonstrated human relation and effective communication skills required.

The CRNA certification is granted after successful completion of an AANA approved curriculum of coursework; 24 months of concurrent practicum experience or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); and passing scores on a national exam administered by AANA. Bi-annual rectification is contingent on continuing professional practice plus 40 hours of continuing education units.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated vaccination requirements, or be approved for an exemption, prior to the first day of work. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Performs preoperative evaluation by assessing staff notes, progress notes, lab work, and patient histories to determine the most appropriate anesthetic management. The CRNA may order additional analyses, consultations, lab work, and peri-anesthetic medications as warranted.
2. Monitors functioning of all equipment and induces general and/or regional anesthesia by using anesthesia procedures and methods.
3. Manages the anesthetic procedure by monitoring appropriate physical, physiochemical, and biochemical indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, EKG, blood loss, patient position, pulmonary compliance, arterial blood bases, etc.
4. Adjusts anesthesia procedures as required; informs other medical personnel of all necessary developments.
5. Oversees recovery from anesthesia by observing the appropriate indicators in surgery as well as the post-anesthesia recovery room; performs post-operative evaluation.
6. Makes appropriate entries in staff notes, on anesthesia records, and in the patients’ charts.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Often: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids), hazards (includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals).

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking, walking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), standing.

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.