Job Summary
The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) administers and monitors anesthesia for patients undergoing surgical, obstetric, or procedural interventions. This includes general anesthesia, neuraxial and regional anesthesia, and Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC). The CRNA provides comprehensive preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management, ensuring safe, high-quality anesthesia services in collaboration with physicians, nurses, and allied health personnel.
Key Responsibilities
- Administer and monitor anesthesia care (general, neuraxial, regional, MAC)
- Perform preoperative patient assessments and develop anesthesia care plans
- Monitor patient vital signs, airway, and physiological status during procedures
- Respond to anesthesia-related emergencies and provide advanced life support interventions
- Maintain accurate anesthesia records in compliance with regulatory and facility requirements
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives, peer review, and professional development programs
- Collaborate with surgeons, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to optimize perioperative care
- Maintain readiness to provide anesthesia services in deployed, remote, or austere environments
Required Qualifications
- Graduate of an accredited BSN program
- Completion of an approved Nurse Anesthesia course acceptable to HQ USAF/SG
- Master’s degree in Nursing Anesthesia from an accredited program
- Minimum of 36 months post-training experience delivering and monitoring all types of anesthesia
- Ability to meet CEU requirements (40 CEUs every two years, as accepted by AANA Council on Recertification)
- Strong clinical judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
- Effective communication and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to function independently in austere or resource-limited settings
Preferred Qualifications (if any)
- Experience in military or trauma-focused healthcare environments
Certifications (if any)
- Current, active, unrestricted RN license in a state.
- Current NBCRNA certification
- Basic Life Support (BLS) – AHA required
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
Education
- BSN (Required)
- Master’s degree in Nursing Anesthesia (Required)
Working Conditions
- Exposure to hazards including mechanical equipment, vehicles, electrical current, high heat, and chemicals
- May require work in environments with physical, chemical, or biological agents
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required in certain situations
Physical Requirements
- Light work: exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, or constantly
- May involve heavy lifting, stooping, climbing, prolonged standing/sitting
- Compliance with Fire and Safety Regulations and facility policies