CRNA- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Primary Responsibility

The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is responsible for providing safe, high-quality anesthesia services for patients undergoing outpatient interventional pain management procedures. This position supports efficient clinical operations while maintaining compliance with all applicable federal, state, accreditation, and organizational standards.

Scope of Responsibility

The CRNA functions as an advanced practice registered nurse providing anesthesia services within the scope of state law, organizational policies, credentialing requirements, and collaborative practice agreements where applicable. This position provides anesthesia care exclusively in an outpatient interventional pain procedure center.

The role includes:

• Independent assessment, planning, administration, and management of anesthesia care within the CRNA's scope of practice.
• Management of patients receiving Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) and intravenous sedation for minimally invasive pain procedures.
• Recognition and management of anesthesia-related complications and emergencies.
• Collaboration with physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff to promote patient safety and operational efficiency.
• Participation in quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and patient safety initiatives.

This position does not routinely include:

• General anesthesia requiring endotracheal intubation (except in emergency airway management situations)
• Inpatient hospital care
• Trauma services
• Obstetrical anesthesia
• Overnight call or on-call responsibilities

Job Responsibilities

Clinical Care

• Perform comprehensive pre-anesthesia evaluations, including review of medical history, medications, allergies, laboratory results, and anesthesia risk factors.
• Determine patient suitability for office-based anesthesia services.
• Develop individualized anesthesia care plans based on patient condition and procedural requirements.
• Obtain and document informed anesthesia consent as required.
• Administer Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) and intravenous sedation safely and effectively.
• Continuously monitor physiologic status throughout the procedure using appropriate monitoring equipment.
• Maintain airway patency and provide airway management when clinically indicated.
• Administer fluids and medications necessary for safe anesthesia management.
• Recognize and manage anesthesia-related complications and medical emergencies.

Post-Anesthesia Care

• Perform post-anesthesia evaluations.
• Monitor recovery from anesthesia and sedation.
• Assess readiness for discharge utilizing established clinical criteria.
• Provide patient education regarding post-anesthesia recovery and discharge instructions.

Documentation

• Accurately document all aspects of anesthesia care in the electronic medical record.
• Complete anesthesia records in accordance with regulatory, payer, and organizational requirements.
• Maintain accurate medication and controlled substance documentation.

Quality and Safety

• Adhere to evidence-based anesthesia practices and patient safety standards.
• Participate in quality assurance, peer review, and performance improvement activities.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, CMS, state regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Ensure proper maintenance, inspection, and readiness of anesthesia equipment and emergency supplies.
• Participate in emergency preparedness activities, including mock codes and resuscitation training.

Collaboration

• Work closely with physicians, nursing staff, and clinical personnel to optimize patient care and procedural efficiency.
• Communicate effectively regarding patient status, procedural changes, and clinical concerns.
• Foster a collaborative and professional work environment focused on exceptional patient care.

Knowledge & Education

Required Certifications and Licensure

• Graduate of an accredited Nurse Anesthesia educational program.
• Current certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure/approval in the State of operation.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Ability to maintain all required certifications, licenses, and continuing education necessary to practice anesthesia in the State of operation.

Experience

Required:

• Demonstrated competency in the administration of Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) and intravenous sedation.
• Previous experience in ambulatory surgery centers, office-based anesthesia, or interventional pain management settings.
• Experience caring for adult patients undergoing minimally invasive procedures.
• Experience with electronic medical record documentation.
• Experience participating in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

Preferred:

• Experience in interventional pain procedures to include but not limited to Kyphoplasty, sacroiliac joint fusion, minimally invasive lumbar decompression, radio frequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulator trials and implants.

Special Skills

• Excellent clinical judgment and sound decision-making skills.
• Strong patient assessment and critical thinking abilities.
• Advanced airway management and emergency response skills.
• Ability to recognize and respond rapidly to changes in patient condition.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with patients, physicians, and staff.
• Ability to remain calm and effective during emergency situations.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced procedural environment.
• Commitment to patient-centered care, safety, professionalism, and continuous quality improvement.
• Proficiency with electronic medical record systems and anesthesia documentation.
• Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Work Environment Requirements

This position is performed in an outpatient interventional pain procedure center. Work involves prolonged standing, frequent patient interaction, operation of anesthesia equipment and physiologic monitoring devices, and occasional lifting or repositioning of patients. The CRNA may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, sharps, anesthetic agents, and other clinical hazards and is expected to follow all established safety and infection control protocols.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift or assist with lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to administer anesthesia and perform airway interventions.
• Visual and auditory acuity necessary to monitor patient status and respond to alarms.
• Ability to respond quickly during medical emergencies.