Job Description
SUMMARY
The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is responsible for the safe and effective delivery of anesthesia services in accordance with physician orders, hospital policies, applicable state and federal regulations, and professional standards including those of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) and the State of Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.
The CRNA performs pre-anesthesia evaluations, develops and administers anesthesia care plans, and ensures appropriate post-anesthesia monitoring and follow-up. The CRNA is expected to maintain a physical presence within the facility as necessary to meet patient care needs and ensure continuity of care.
The CRNA is responsible for accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of all anesthesia-related care within Epic to support quality outcomes, regulatory compliance, and patient safety.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Performs pre-anesthesia assessments, including patient history, physical examination, and risk evaluation
• Develops and implements individualized anesthesia care plans in collaboration with the surgical and medical team
• Selects, administers, and manages appropriate anesthetic agents in accordance with accepted medical standards
• Monitors patients intraoperatively and responds to adverse reactions or complications, initiating appropriate interventions
• Provides post-anesthesia care, including patient evaluation in recovery and follow-up as clinically indicated
• Documents all aspects of anesthesia care, including pre-, intra-, and post-anesthesia records, within Epic in a timely and compliant manner
• Utilizes Epic to review patient history, laboratory results, medications, and diagnostic data to inform anesthesia planning
• Ensures accuracy of orders, medication administration, and clinical documentation within Epic
• Participates in quality improvement, risk management, and patient safety initiatives, including use of data and reporting tools within Epic
• Collaborates with physicians, nursing staff, and other clinical personnel regarding patient condition and anesthesia risk
• Ensures anesthesia equipment is properly maintained, clean, and compliant with infection control standards
• Assists in development, implementation, and adherence to anesthesia department policies and procedures
• Maintains compliance with all regulatory, accreditation, and hospital standards
• Provides input into departmental budgeting and resource utilization in collaboration with administration
• Participates in on-call rotation and ensures 24/7 anesthesia coverage, either directly or through arranged coverage
• Communicates departmental needs, concerns, and operational issues to leadership
• Serves on committees and interdisciplinary teams as assigned
• Maintains strict confidentiality of patient and organizational information
• Provides ongoing education and training to clinical staff, including orientation, annual competencies, and as-needed in-services related to anesthesia practices, patient safety, and equipment use
• Assists in developing and delivering competency-based education to ensure staff maintain proficiency in anesthesia-related procedures and emergency response protocols
• Provides clinical support across patient care departments as needed—including medical/surgical, infusion, and emergency services—consistent with CRNA scope of practice, licensure, and demonstrated competencies
• Performs other duties as assigned
Professional Requirements:
• Maintains current licensure, certifications, and registrations as required
• Adheres to hospital policies, procedures, and code of conduct
• Maintains professional appearance and conduct
• Completes all required continuing education and competency requirements
• Participates in and supports organizational education initiatives, including competency validation and skills assessments
• Maintains accurate, timely, and compliant documentation within Epic in accordance with hospital policy and regulatory standards
• Attends required meetings and participates in performance evaluations
• Demonstrates alignment with the mission, vision, and values of Veterans Memorial Hospital
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each
essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill,
and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience
• Graduate of an accredited nurse anesthesia program
• Minimum of two (2) years of CRNA experience preferred
• Active and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Iowa
• Licensed as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) in Iowa
• Current certification through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)
• Current DEA registration
• Iowa Controlled Substances Registration (CSR) required
Certifications
• Basic Life Support (BLS) – required
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) – required
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – preferred (or required based on scope of services)
• Additional certifications as required by facility services
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Language Skills
• Ability to effectively communicate with physicians, staff, patients, and families
• Ability to read, interpret, and document clinical information accurately
Mathematical Skills
• Ability to perform complex drug calculations and dosage adjustments
• Ability to analyze clinical and operational data
Reasoning Ability
• Strong critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills
• Ability to respond effectively in high-pressure and emergency situations
• Ability to apply clinical judgment to a variety of patient care scenarios
Other Skills and Abilities
• Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) systems, with experience in Epic preferred
• Ability to efficiently navigate, document, and extract relevant clinical data within Epic
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Commitment to patient-centered care and service excellence
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic healthcare environment
Facility: Veterans Memorial Hospital | Phone: 5635683411 | Contact: Michael Coyle