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Perform and document a preanesthetic evaluation of the patient before surgery including requesting consultations, additional diagnostic and/or laboratory studies
Initiation of the planned anesthetic technique 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.
Induction of general anesthesia and initial airway management.
Endotracheal intubation for surgical or procedural cases.
Placement of endobronchial tubes or blockers for procedures requiring one lung ventilation or lung isolation.
Peripheral nerve blocks.
Central neuraxial blocks.
Epidural blood patches.
Adjustment of anesthetic drugs and techniques utilized in the maintenance of anesthesia.
Sedation for field blocks or MAC as discussed in the anesthetic care plan
Manages emergence from anesthesia
Provide anesthetic for: electroconvulsive therapy not requiring intubation; routine eye surgery not requiring general anesthesia; elective cardioversions; ICD checks.
Participates on the Code Blue Team, primarily to manage the patient's airway, but also to perform other tasks which they are qualified to perform, as directed by the Code Team Leader.
Emergency airway management throughout the facility, following the ASA Difficult Airway Algorithm and department protocols, as requested.
Administer sedation or local anesthesia to facilitate urgent/emergent endotracheal intubation.
Placement of intravenous lines throughout the facility, as requested.
Management of epidural catheters for post-op pain relief within a protocol guideline
Placement of arterial lines as requested
Participation in staff meetings, mortality and morbidity conferences and other committees as assigned by the Chief Anesthesiologist.
Maintains anesthesia equipment in constant readiness and cleans equipment in accordance with hospital guidelines, SOPs, manufacturer's recommendations and CDC guidelines.
Prepares drugs properly for use in anesthesia administration
Ensures that OR/anesthesia safety regulations and procedures and infection control policies and procedures are observed.
Complies with Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals
Fully complies with medical center Correct Site/Universal Protocol requirements, including pausing activities during pre-operative time-out
Complies with VA and Joint Commission documentation requirements
Labels specimens according to medical center policy.
Participates in continuous improvement activities
Participates in outcomes evaluation and recommendations for practice improvements
Conducts in-service programs for the department and other services within the medical center
May assist or conduct approved research projects.
Participates in on call
Other duties as assigned within scope of practice/licensure.
The CRNA functions autonomously within their approved privileges and in Collaboration with physicians/providers, peers and other members of the health care team to develop, implement, and coordinate a system of patient care delivery that effects achievement of quality of care, patient satisfaction, positive outcomes, appropriate utilizations of resources, and cost effective services

Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases
Work Schedule: Intermittent 7:00AM - 3:30PM, Monday through Friday with evening, weekend, and holiday work as needed
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate State-accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. OR The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6) OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing.
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia.

Preferred Experience: none beyond the basic requirments

GRADE REQUIREMENTS
a. General
(2) Grades. The level that nurse anesthesia practice may be performed is based on a combination of education and experience. Beyond the minimum education requirements, grade determination upon appointment and advancement is dependent more on acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities than baseline education. As the nurse anesthetist acquires the knowledge and judgment that accrues with experience, the privilege of increased authority for patient care is expanded.
(3) Research. At any grade, nurse anesthetists may assist in or conduct approved research projects relative to anesthesia care that enhances their knowledge and skills in the profession.
b. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a nurse anesthetist is credited according to therelationship to a full work week. For example, a nurse anesthetist employed 20 hours per week on a half-time basis would receive 1 full-time work week credit for 2 weeks of such service.
c. Grade Determination. In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the followingqualification criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:
(1) Entry Level: (Nurse II)
(a) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. The following list of knowledge, skills and abilities present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level Nurse Anesthetist. Entry level into nurse anesthesia practice may include but are not limited to the following:
1. Ability to translate the principles of professional nursing practice in the care of assigned patients in order to provide appropriate care.
2. Ability to do a pre-anesthetic patient history and physical, which includes collecting pre-operative consults and data.
3. Ability to formulate an anesthetic plan and describe the anesthetic risks, benefits and options to the patient.
4. Ability to administer inhalation, regional, intravenous, local, and topical anesthetics and to detect unfavorable reactions in order to continuously evaluate the patient's physical status.
5. Ability to respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administration of emergency fluids and drugs, and using appropriate resuscitation procedures for patient care.
6. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession.
7. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care.
8. Ability to practice nurse anesthesia with colleagues and peers utilizing a collaborative team concept of anesthesia care.
(2) Full Performance Level: (Nurse III)
(a) Experience and Education. In addition to meeting the requirements for Entry Level, the CRNA has had progressively responsible experience in the administration of anesthetics as indicated in the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below. These individuals must demonstrate the ability to participate in a program for nurse anesthesia care and demonstrate knowledge of anesthetizing locations, methods, equipment and procedures. At this level, the CRNA has experience in the administration of anesthetics that has demonstrated the nurse anesthetist's ability to participate in team programs that aretechnically challenging and/or complicated. Typically candidates can demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities of Full Performance Level within 2 years from entering the occupation.
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Full Performance Level practice in nurse anesthesia includes but is not limited to the following:
1. Skill in conducting and managing anesthesia for a broad range of complex surgical procedures.In addition, the CRNA must be able to adapt/modify anesthesia techniques in order to optimize patientcare.
2. Ability to complete work assignments selected to add depth and breadth to their technical knowledge and skill competence. Work assignments will vary at each facility depending on the progressive acuity required for anesthesia care.
3. Ability to respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administration of emergency fluids and drugs, and by the use of basic or advanced cardiac life support techniques in order to perform necessary resuscitation procedures.
4. Ability to effectively blend technology, skills, and competency for the advancement of anesthesia techniques, pharmacology, and equipment.
5. Ability to apply new developments and theories to develop and demonstrate the ability to recognize and solve various complex anesthesia situations.
6. Ability to practice nurse anesthesia with colleagues and peers in a team concept of anesthesia care and blend management skills with technical experience.
7. Ability to recognize clinical and technical aspects of anesthesia care and has in-depth knowledge of anesthesia methods and techniques for the practice of anesthesia.

Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-7 Nurse Anesthetist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds), light carrying, use of fingers, both hands required, walking and standing (less than 2 hours), both legs required, 20/20 vision with corrected lenses, both eyes required, depth perception, hearing without aid.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE: Candidate's education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered by a Nurse Professional Standards Board in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected. The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.

Experience as an RN will be evaluated to determine if the experience is of an acceptable level of quality with regard to the following four dimensions of nursing: Practice, Professional Development, Collaboration and Scientific Inquiry. Each dimension of practice has criteria that demonstrate essential core competencies for VHA Nursing Personnel.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.