The Chief Nurse Anesthetist will be a direct report to the Chief of Anesthesiology of the Madison VA Hospital with a dotted line matrix to the Associate Director, Patient Care Services. The incumbent executes a position responsibility that demonstrates leadership and accountability, advanced clinical knowledge/judgement, experience, and creative/innovative approaches to the management of nurse anesthetist care services that are aligned with organizational mission.

Duties

Per direction of the Chief of Anesthesiology, the Chief Nurse Anesthetist is responsible for supporting VA initiatives through leadership in the development, standardization, implementation, outcome evaluation and sustainment of key clinical and operational processes concerning critical matters concerning CRINA practice. Under the oversight of the Chief of Anesthesiology, the Chief Nurse Anesthetist is a leader among the CRNA team, an expert clinician, regularly providing care in unusually extensive or complex surgical procedures involving prolonged duration or high-risk patients, supporting practice training and competencies among the team and participating in the audit and advancement of anesthesia care. The Chief Nurse Anesthetist performs all duties of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) III as outlined in the VHA Nurse Anesthetist Qualification Standard (VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G7), administrative responsibilities and strategic planning for a minimum of three experienced CRNAs, which may consist of: Staff scheduling and assignment of duties and responsibilities among the nurse anesthetist staff relative to anesthesia care of patients to ensure adequate work coverage at all times. Participation in recruitment, interviews and selection of candidates for positions in the CRNA team or unit. Assisting in correlating a teaching program for providing anesthesia care, maintaining close relationships with residents and students who rotate through the health care facility. Participating as instructor in the facility's program of in-service education. Delivering anesthesia care as needed in the more complex anesthetic procedures and to poor-risk patients such as those in the older age group. Participating in the audit of anesthesia care, recommending changes where indicated. Assisting in or conducting approved research projects relative to anesthesia care include administration, evaluation and provision of statistical research which may promote clinical and didactic evolution and expertise in the field of anesthesia. Per the direction of the Chief of Anesthesiology, the Chief Nurse Anesthetist serves as an interdepartmental liaison, interfacing with other departments such as nursing, surgery, PACU, admissions, administration, laboratory, pharmacy, etc. to incorporate the expertise of all disciplines in a comprehensive, integrated approach to care. They provide consultation and assistance to other CRNAs in unusually difficult or complex cases, serving as a resource to other anesthesia providers within the service. This includes the provision of clinical/didactic training and continuing education and the development, implementation and evaluation of on-going update to the clinical curriculum and evaluation. The incumbent establishes efficient and effective staff orientation, implements educational strategies to meet clinical, academic and professional changes related to CRNA practice, is skilled in leamer assessment/feedback, and collaborates/participates in educational programming throughout the facility. Within applicable VHA guidelines, they may chair or co-chair graduate level research. Pursuant to the Chief of Anesthesiology's direction, the Chief Nurse Anesthetist provides programmatic recommendations for the CRNA team, forecasting requirements necessary for the long-range planning and model development for effective nurse anesthesia practice and delivery of health care services. As part of these duties, they may analyze resource utilization to influence efficiency, quality and cost effectiveness of organization operations, making recommendations and implementing decisions which reflect the distinctive and contributory role of nurse anesthesia care within the facility and the total health care system. They support program processes and preparation required for COA of Nurse Anesthesia accreditation, as indicated, and adherence to agency regulations, pertinent Joint Commission standards, medical center policies, ethical conduct and any other applicable regulations. The Chief Nurse Anesthetist actively participates in nursing, anesthesia, and interdisciplinary practice and management groups, providing guidance and direction related to nurse anesthesia practice throughout the medical center, with the academic affiliations, and at the VISN and national level. They create and promote a High Reliability Organization, driving a culture of continuous improvement grounded in an system-oriented perspective, within which program and quality of care effectiveness are evaluated. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday Day Shift Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Discloser Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Must be a US Citizen. Must be proficient in spoken and written English. Nurse Anesthetists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook, Part II, Chapter 2, Section D, and Paragraph 5a. Must have a degree in nursing from a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration and the possession of a Certificate from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. Must be a graduate of an accredited nurse anesthesia educational program approved by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) at the time the program was completed. Must possess a current, full, active and unrestricted license as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States or the District of Columbia. The nurse anesthetist must maintain a current, full and unrestricted registration to continue employment with VA. Must be certified by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists and must maintain recertification by meeting the Council on Recertification of Nurse Anesthetist's requirements as a condition of employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Grade Determinations: Entry Level (Nurse II) (a) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. The following list of knowledge, skills and abilities present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level Nurse Anesthetist. Entry level into nurse anesthesia practice may include but are not limited to the following: 1. Ability to translate the principles of professional nursing practice in the care of assigned patients in order to provide appropriate care. 2. Ability to do a pre-anesthetic patient history and physical, which includes collecting pre-operative consults and data. 3. Ability to formulate an anesthetic plan and describe the anesthetic risks, benefits and options to the patient. 4. Ability to administer inhalation, regional, intravenous, local, and topical anesthetics and to detect unfavorable reactions in order to continuously evaluate the patient's physical status. 5. Ability to respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administration of emergency fluids and drugs, and using appropriate resuscitation procedures for patient care. 6. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession. 7. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. 8. Ability to practice nurse anesthesia with colleagues and peers utilizing a collaborative team concept of anesthesia care. Full Performance Level: (Nurse III) (a) Experience and Education. In addition to meeting the requirements for Entry Level, the CRNA has had progressively responsible experience in the administration of anesthetics as indicated in the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below. These individuals must demonstrate the ability to participate in a program for nurse anesthesia care and demonstrate knowledge of anesthetizing locations, methods, equipment and procedures. At this level, the CRNA has experience in the administration of anesthetics that has demonstrated the nurse anesthetist's ability to participate in team programs that are technically challenging and/or complicated. Typically candidates can demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities of Full Performance Level within 2 years from entering the occupation. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Full Performance Level practice in nurse anesthesia includes but is not limited to the following: 1. Skill in conducting and managing anesthesia for a broad range of complex surgical procedures. In addition, the CRNA must be able to adapt/modify anesthesia techniques in order to optimize patient care. 2. Ability to complete work assignments selected to add depth and breadth to their technical knowledge and skill competence. Work assignments will vary at each facility depending on the progressive acuity required for anesthesia care. 3. Ability to respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administration of emergency fluids and drugs, and by the use of basic or advanced cardiac life support techniques in order to perform necessary resuscitation procedures. 4. Ability to effectively blend technology, skills, and competency for the advancement of anesthesia techniques, pharmacology, and equipment. 5. Ability to apply new developments and theories to develop and demonstrate the ability to recognize and solve various complex anesthesia situations. 6. Ability to practice nurse anesthesia with colleagues and peers in a team concept of anesthesia care and blend management skills with technical experience. 7. Ability to recognize clinical and technical aspects of anesthesia care and has in-depth knowledge of anesthesia methods and techniques for the practice of anesthesia. 8. Ability to perform as a mentor, preceptor, or nurse educator providing didactic and clinical instruction for graduate-level nurse anesthesia students and/or other anesthesia care providers. 9. Ability to participate in the development of anesthesia patient care audit processes involving in depth review and analysis of anesthesia records. 10. Ability to provide guidance and instruction in preparing others for positions of leadership and ethical practices which impact patient care. Reference: VA Handbook 5005/37, Part II, Appendix G7 NURSE ANESTHETIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: The CRNA has to be able to carry an 8-10 pound code blue box within the entire facility in order to respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administration of emergency fluids and drugs, and using basic or advanced cardiac life support techniques. The CRNA will be required to take call.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address William S Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital 2500 Overlook Terrace Madison, WI 53705 US
• Name: John Wade
• Phone: (646) 884-2038
• Email: [email protected]