The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist functions in several dimensions: practitioner, educator, leader, researcher, and consultant.  As a knowledgeable practitioner, the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist  demonstrates positive behavior and the ability to perform ongoing clinical assessment of the patient, establishes and implements a plan of care, and evaluates the outcome of that care, utilizing the nursing process.  As an educator, the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist demonstrates behavior that includes assessing the educational needs and learning strategies of patients, families, and staff, and then plans, implements, and evaluates teaching.  As a leader, the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is responsible for motivating self and others to deliver and maintain care to the patient that best demonstrates the mission, vision, and values of the Meridian Health System through Professional excellence with personal concern.  As a researcher, the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist utilizes the research process to promote quality patient care, promote the growth of knowledge in the nurse anesthetist profession, and support evidence-based practice, and safety and quality improvement.  As a consultant, the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist facilitates the interdisciplinary approach to achieve positive patient outcomes.

Activity/ Accountability: Demonstrate the ability to systematically prepare for cases. Takes measures to maintain adequate stock of anesthetic drugs and supplies. All anesthetic and related equipment kept in good repair and functioning order.

Collaboration: Under the direction of the attending anesthesiologist; induces anesthesia, including endotracheal intubation as indicated and maintains general anesthesia at required levels. In emergency situations provides anesthesia prior to the arrival of the anesthesiologistAssumption of Duty: Demonstrates readiness for work by arriving in a timely manner. Assures appropriate anesthetic set-up (i.e. machine check, drugs, and suction) prior to each case. Selects appropriate equipment and monitors for each case.

Continuing Education: Attains required 40 hours/2 years continuing education hours in order to obtain recertification by the American Associate of Nurse Anesthetists.

Decision Making: Constantly observes the anesthetized patient for any adverse reaction, using all indicated parameters of monitoring and takes appropriate corrective action.

Documentation: Maintains an accurate, legible record of the anesthetic course including vital signs, fluids, drugs and dosage, type of anesthetic and significant events throughout surgery.

Emergency Response: In the event of cardiac arrest, trauma or any resuscitation procedure the nurse anesthetist when called will respond promptly to ventilate or assist in anyway within his/her knowledge as part of the resuscitation team.

Patient Assessment: Interviews patient and reviews the medical record prior to the induction of anesthesia with regard to completeness, pertinent laboratory data and history and physical noting, that blood is typed and cross matched.

Patient Care and Safety: Patient identification is verified and a "Time Out" is performed prior to all operative procedures. Performs an individualized plan of anesthesia care prior to every case. Appropriately selects medications and dosages and labels syringes correctly. 

Required:

1. CRNA experience of 2-3 yrs required. Nurse anesthetist will be board certified by the NBCRNA.
2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
3. New Jersey Registered Nurse (RN) license
4. Master's degree from an accredited MSN program with a CRNA program

5. New Jersey APN license

6. Current ACLS, BLS, PALS