Nurse Anesthetist Job Description

To understand the nurse anesthetist job description, one must first understand what anesthesia does, and when it is used, and why it is needed. The medical practice of anesthesiology is defined as, “the practice of administering anesthesia to a patient”. The definition of anesthesia is, “without sensation.” Surgeons use anesthesia to put a patient into a state in which they experience no sensation, also commonly known as “putting them to sleep” or “putting a patient under.” Anesthesia is brought about by the use of a variety of drugs that both relax a patient, and also suspend sensation to the body. Those who practice the medicine of anesthesia are known as anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists, educated upon the nurse anesthetist programs.

Nurse anesthetist job description is a long list of tasks

Nurse anesthetists control the anesthesia used in surgeries through the delivery of intravenous medications, as well as gaseous drugs. Typically a gas is used to sedate a patient, and then intravenous drugs are used to keep a patient in that suspended state throughout their surgery or treatment. But the nurse anesthetist’s job doesn’t begin or end there. Nurse anesthetists are often the people the patient interacts with the most before and after surgery. Their job is to prepare the patient for the surgery but sharing information, securing intravenous access, answering questions a patient may have about “being out” and maintaining their airway and monitoring their vital signs during surgery.

Weight of important responsibilities from the nurse anesthetist job description

Often the relationship looks like this; the nurse anesthetist will introduce themselves to the patient, and begin the process of intravenous access. Once the IV line is in place, a sedative is usually given to help reduce the anxiety a patient may be feeling. The nurse anesthetist will then discuss what will happen in the operating or treatment room, and what their role is. They will ask the patient about any allergies they may have, as well as prior reactions to anesthesia. They will also examine the patient’s oral airway to determine size for the placement of an endotracheal tube, that will allow the nurse anesthetist to control the patients breathing while they are asleep. Once the patient is wheeled in to the operating/treatment room, the nurse anesthetist will connect the patient to monitors, and then introduce a gas through a mask to the patient. Once the patient has gone to sleep, the nurse will then administer a cocktail of intravenous anesthesia that will keep the patient asleep. At this point, the nurse anesthetists job is to monitor the vital signs of the patient, for this is how they will know the efficacy of the anesthesia and whether or not more or less is needed.

Foundations of nurse anesthetist job description are undeniable

Once the patient’s surgery is complete, the CRNA will take over awakening the patient, and monitoring their vitals until they are considered stable. They will be responsible for making certain the airway is still intact and functional, and that there are no residual problems due to the anesthesia. At this time, the nurse anesthetist turns over the care of the patient to the nursing staff, and makes notes in the patients chart regarding their care. Those who are nurse managers will review patient charts of other nurse anesthetists, and monitor continuity of care for all patients in their charge – as given by and in line with the nurse anesthetist job description.