A Nurse Anesthetist specializes in administering anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery or other medical procedures, and provides anesthesia-related care. Performs work that requires higher qualifications than an anesthesia technician. Works in a hospital, directly under a physician, surgeon or anesthesiologist.
The APN IV Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CNA) Chief is a CRNA with broad education,diverse clinical experience,and strong collaborative skills. As the first-line supervisor,they oversee nurse anesthesia staff and practice to the full extent of their training and certification. Responsibilities align with state licensure and VAMC bylaws and include advanced clinical care, consultation, staff supervision, workflow coordination,quality and safety oversight,and leadership in anesthesia operations.
Qualifications:
Advanced Practice Nurse (Certified Nurse Anesthetist) Basic Requirements Education. A masters or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia. (Applicants pending the completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until the education requirements are met.) Nursing education must be from a school of professional nursing anesthesia accredited by Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs ( COA ) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Licensure and Certification . The following licensure and certification requirements are considered conditions of employment. License. All APN (CNAs) must maintain an active, current, full and unrestricted license to practice as a CNA or equivalent, in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia. Basic Certification. All APN (CNAs) must maintain full and current certification by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists ( NBCRNA ) or an equivalent Nurse Anesthetist certification recognized by the
COA. NOTE
Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and an APN (CNA) assignment that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification. The following Education, Experience, and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities must be met for Advanced Practice Nurse (Certified Nurse Anesthetist - Chief Educator / Leadership-Management)
IV:
Education and Experience Requirement. Meets basic education requirement for an APN (CNA) AND Four years of APN (CNA) progressively responsible assignments in clinical, administrative, education and/or research related to CNA practice, one of which is specialized experience equivalent to the APN (CNA) III grade level. At this level, emphasis is placed on strategic planning and administrative responsibilities. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Must have the ability to perform long and short-term planning goals for their anesthesia department. Chief APN (CNA) functions may include, but are not limited to, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Ability to assume progressive responsibility for planning organizing, directing, and evaluating section and departmental processes and programs. Ability to supervise staff, students, or ancillary personnel and to ensure proper scheduling and staffing. Skill to perform as a provider and mentor for unusually extensive and complex anesthetic cases. Knowledge to participate in a continual audit of anesthesia care and to ensure periodic performance and professional practice (focused and ongoing) evaluation requirements are met. Knowledge to represent departmental interests at interdisciplinary committee meetings, participate in departmental reviews, collaborate in problem solving and develop quality improvement initiatives. Knowledge to engage in departmental resource stewardship, evaluation of staffing, equipment, and time value management. Ability to interpret efficiency data as well as implement and evaluate cost-effective operational strategies. Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks to enhance employee investment offering opportunities for staff leadership development. Skill to collaborate and support the development of clinical and educational programs and anesthesia protocols to improve patient outcomes and improve service level performance.
Physical Requirements:
Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight pulling and pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking and standing up to 8 hours; repeated bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; hearing aid permitted.
