Summary

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY: Lead CRNA provides anesthesia services to patients in PMLGH, PMWBH, ASF and PSC. Assists with onboarding of new CRNAs and interviews for new CRNA positions. Manages all CRNA scheduling at all locations.

Hours: Monday-Friday; mostly dayshift hours. No holiday or weekend requirement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Qualified individuals must have the ability--with or without reasonable accommodation--to perform the following duties:

CRNA Clinical Responsibilities:

• Prepares for the administration of anesthesia, giving attention to required clinical inventory, complete checkout of anesthesia delivery systems (anesthesia machine) and availability of appropriate physiological monitoring.
• Reviews Anesthesiologist-provided pre-operative evaluations and assessment of patients by chart review and interview. 
• Confirms assignment of the appropriate physical status to the patient by the Anesthesiologist. 
• Formulates an anesthesia plan and alternative plan including the discussion of relevant pathophysiology and pharmacology. 

• Administers anesthesia care (general anesthesia, I.V. sedation, and clinical surveillance of the local or regional patient) in accordance with accepted standards of anesthesia care and concern for patient safety.
• Evaluates the post-operative course of the patient to recognize complications that may have resulted from anesthesia and alerts physicians of adverse findings.
• Maintains a clinical record that accurately documents the course of the anesthetic care (physiological monitor data, blood and fluid replacement, physiological output, drugs administered, consultation and untoward events, routine events, etc.).
• Gives a comprehensive and complete report to the Nursing Staff of P.A.C.U. or Critical Care Unit, which accepts care of patient immediately following cessation of anesthetic.
• Visits the patient post-operatively, and documents the visit with a post-operative note, in accordance with Anesthesia Department policy and J.C.A.H.O. requirements.
• Assist in the practical instruction of techniques of anesthesiology to SRNAs and supportive staff.

CRNA Lead Responsibilities:

• Function in the Quality Improvement activities of the Anesthesia Department.
• Scheduling of CRNAs. Scheduling includes all workdays, call days, days off for any reason, late shifts or any other shifts that are developed to meet department needs.
• Expected to understand QGenda scheduling system and have modification authority. Utilize QGenda as a platform to communicate all anesthesia related protocols and other department information.
• Participate in the interview process for new CRNA positions.
• Assist with onboarding of new CRNAs.
• Contribute to planning goals and objectives for the department and assist in coordinating activities and programs.
• Represent Nurse Anesthesia at hospital meetings and serve as interdepartmental liaison.
• Document needs for changes in staffing/budget and make recommendations.
• Manage daily operations of the Anesthesia Department.
• Conduct regular meetings with CRNAs to discuss all topics related to the Anesthesia Department to include: daily operations, new surgical service lines and/or procedures, areas for improvement in relation to anesthesia care, equipment changes and or needs, and any other general concerns.
• Work closely with the Chief Associate CRNA to ensure that agenda is reflective of hours worked for purposes of reconciling pay, paid time off, and holiday hours.
• Participate in daily Operating Room scheduling meeting with OR management.
• Serve as a resource for the facilitator in coordinating daily assignments and managing call-outs.
• Keep the Chief and Associate Chief of Anesthesia apprised of any staffing, disciplinary, or safety issues that may arise.
• Performs duties in accordance with Penn Medicine and entity values, policies and procedures.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS - JOB DUTIES: The percentage of time spent performing secondary functions is 5%.  The following duties are considered secondary to the primary duties listed above:

• Accepts case assignments from the attending Anesthesiologist or Anesthesia Clinical Coordinator and provides appropriate clinical assistance on complex anesthetic cases which require multiple direct-care providers (Anesthesiologist/Nurse Anesthetist).
• Responds to Code Blue or Trauma Codes to offer emergency airway management.  Responds to other requests from Critical Care Units or the Cardiac Cath Lab for emergency airway management.
• Completes customary and expected administrative tasks and