APRN - Certified Nurse Anesthetist

Position Summary

The Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) reflects the mission, vision, and values of University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, adheres to the UI Health Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and other regulatory and accreditation standards. The CRNA functions as part of the multidisciplinary health team in accordance with privileges approved by the credentialing committee to provide high-quality, cost-effective advanced care to patients. The CRNA is responsible for the health outcome of an assigned patient population and consults and confers with supervising anesthesiologists in an area of clinical expertise within the CRNA''s scope of practice and licensure. The CRNA is required to have and maintain a faculty appointment to receive clinical privileges to practice at the University of Illinois Health System.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform pre-anesthetic screenings, including physical evaluations and patient interviews, and document results. Assess patients'' medical histories to predict anesthesia response.
• Develop anesthesia care plans.
• Select, order, or administer pre-anesthetic medications, anesthetics, drugs, fluids or blood products as necessary.
• Prepare prescribed solutions and administer local, intravenous, spinal, or other anesthetics following specified methods and procedures.
• Select, prepare, or use equipment, monitors, supplies, or drugs for the administration of anesthetics. Calibrate and test anesthesia equipment.
• Respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administering emergency fluids or drugs, or using basic or advanced cardiac life support techniques.
• Perform or evaluate the results of diagnostic tests such as radiographs (x-rays) and electrocardiograms (EKGs).
• Select and prescribe post-anesthesia medications or treatments to patients.
• Administer post-anesthesia medications or fluids to support patients'' cardiovascular systems.
• Monitor and evaluate patients'' post-surgical or post-anesthesia responses, taking appropriate corrective actions or requesting consultation if complications occur.
• Discharge patients to hospital floor or Surgicenter as necessary.
• Instruct nurses, residents, interns, students or other staff on topics such as anesthetic techniques, pain management and emergency responses.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.