Nurse Anesthetists-MSH/QHC/ELM

Anesthesiology Nurse Practitioner

Under the supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist and in accordance with established policies and procedures, induces anesthesia in presence of an anesthesiologist and maintain anesthesiological management of patient undergoing surgical, diagnostic or therapeutic procedures and airway management or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Delivers patient care to patients of all ages.

Responsibilities include:

• Making preoperative visits to examine the patient, review medical history and review the patient's chart and selects from a limited number of standard applications, the type, dosage and combinations of anesthesia required to meet the needs of the patient, taking into consideration the patient's condition and nature of surgery to be performed. Consults with the surgeon or anesthesiologist for advice when "high risk" factors are evident in the medical history.
• Inserting intravenous needle or catheter and starts medicated fluids prior to beginning of surgery.
• Performing intratracheal intubation in the operating room by inserting the tube which carries the anesthetic gases into the patient's lungs. Places a small catheter down the tracheal tube, during surgery to suction secretions which accumulate in the patient's lungs.
• Inducing anesthesia in presence of an anesthesiologist and maintain anesthesia under the supervision of an anesthesiologist by intravenous injection, gas inhalation, or a combination of the two, making necessary adjustments to both during the surgery according to the patient's needs.
• Observing the patient during surgery for excessive loss of blood or impingement on patients' nerves or major organs and constantly monitors pulse rate, blood pressure and respiration. Regulates the flow of intravenous solutions according to variations in blood pressure and monitors intravenous blood transfusions according to the direction of a physician.
• Upon completion of surgery, discontinuing the anesthetic and increasing oxygen flow to return patient to conscious state as directed by an anesthesiologist. Checks blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration until the patient is stable enough to transfer to post anesthesia recovery.
• Performing semi-technical tasks involved in maintaining anesthesia equipment and supplies.
• Incumbents work under variety of conditions from pleasant to uncomfortable; most areas are air-conditioned; varying levels of dust and noise.
• Hazardous conditions may exist in some areas where there may be patients who exhibit unstable, violent or aggressive behavior. Incumbents may be exposed to biohazardous substances, such as blood-borne pathogens, through nature of work performed.
• Full-time workweek is forty hours; may be required to work in excess of scheduled hours during staffing shortages or to complete cases, clinical notations.

Qualifications include:

• Graduation from approved School of Nursing and completion of a course in Anesthesia of at least 18 months approved by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
• Satisfactory completion of the qualifying examination of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and recognition by the State Board of Certified Nurse Anesthetist.
• Registered Nursing as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
• Job requires three to six months' orientation to acquire familiarity with institutional/department policies and anesthesia procedures and techniques.
• High level of analytical ability required to effectively and expeditiously diagnose, monitor and deliver care to patients.
• Must have current valid NYS nursing licenses.
• Council of Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists.
• Basic MS Word, internet, and research engines.
• Excellent written and communication skills.

Non-Bargaining Unit, A07Q - Anesthesiology - QHC, Queens Hospital Center