Responsibilities
1. Performs an appropriate pre-anesthesia examination and a thorough assessment of the patient.
2. Develops a plan of care based on assessment, interpretation, anticipated procedure and essential equipment.
3. Coordinates with appropriate health care providers. Administers anesthetic agents and adjunctive therapeutics.
4. Monitors physiological responses and takes corrective action to maintain or stabilize the patient's condition.
5. Provides resuscitative care.
6. Records pertinent information on the patient's records. Documents in the medical record all care or contact with the patient.
7. Terminates anesthesia.
8. Provides patients with post-anesthesia care.
9. Works independently and in collaboration with the physicians. Seeks and obtains input from physicians regarding questions and issues pertaining to the treatment and/or care of patients as needed.
10. Maintains confidentiality of patient information.
11. Personally, reviews and signs off on all lab and diagnostic studies ordered.
12. Acts as a role model and in selected situations precepts clinical staff and other advanced practice health care professionals.
13. Exhibits awareness of managed care and health plan requirements in respect to correct coding for reimbursement.
14. Participates in the team approach to GI health care as adapted by this practice that includes some overlap of medical, nursing, and business aspects.
15. Maintains continuing education requirements necessary for licensure and certifications. Maintains membership in appropriate professional organizations.
16. Performs other duties personally identified as needing to be done or as assigned.
Qualifications
Nurse anesthetists are required to have a Bachelor's of Science degree in nursing or other appropriate undergraduate degree and a master's degree from one of the more than 100 graduate schools of nurse anesthesia. In addition, nurse anesthetists must hold a current license as a registered nurse and Advanced Practice RN.