The Nurse Anesthetist is responsible for assessing, preparing, and monitoring patients before, during, and after anesthesia, and ensuring their safety and comfort.
The Nurse Anesthetist also participates in the management of anesthesia equipment, supplies, and drugs, and contributes to the quality improvement and evaluation of anesthesia services.
The Nurse Anesthetist works under the supervision of a Physician Anesthesiologist or a senior health staff member, and collaborates with other health professionals, such as surgeons, nurses, and technicians.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Perform pre-anesthesia assessment and evaluation of patients and obtain informed consent for anesthesia.
Develop and implement an anesthesia plan, based on the patient's condition, the procedure, and the available resources.
Administer general, regional, or local anesthesia, using various techniques and agents, such as intravenous, inhalational, spinal, or nerve block.
Monitor and manage the patient's vital signs, level of consciousness, and pain, and adjust the anesthesia accordingly.
Anticipate and manage any anesthesia-related complications or emergencies, such as hypotension, hypoxia, bleeding, or allergic reactions.
Provide post-anesthesia care and recovery and ensure the patient's smooth transition to the ward or the intensive care unit.
Document and report all anesthesia-related activities, outcomes, and incidents, and maintain accurate and complete records.
Maintain the anesthesia equipment, supplies, and drugs, and ensure their proper storage, usage, and disposal.
Follow infection prevention and control measures and adhere to standard precautions and the waste management protocols.
Perform duties of Sterilization Nurse in case assigned by the Supervisor, including sterilization and cleaning of medical equipment, instruments and supplies. He/she must also retrieve contaminated supplies and deliver sterile supplies, maintain inventory, and prepare sterile instrument trays for surgeries, examinations, and procedures.
Participate in the quality improvement and evaluation of anesthesia services and provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Perform other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed in this document are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and not necessarily all inclusive.
Job Requirements
Typically, Bachelor's Degree in nursing or equivalent from a recognized institution.
Postgraduate Diploma or certificate in nurse anesthesia or equivalent from a recognized institution.
Valid license or registration to practice as a Nurse Anesthetist.
At least three years of relevant experience as a Nurse Anesthetist in a hospital setting, preferably in a low-resource or humanitarian context.
Proficient in the use of anesthesia equipment, supplies, and drugs, and familiar with the different anesthesia techniques and agents.
Able to perform pre-anesthesia assessment, anesthesia administration, and post-anesthesia care independently and safely.
Able to manage anesthesia-related complications or emergencies effectively and efficiently.
Able to work under pressure and in challenging conditions, and to cope with stress and uncertainty.