An Entry Level Staff CRNA is a nurse anesthetist who reports to the Chief CRNA and the Executive of Anesthesiology Care Line. The incumbent provides anesthesia services for a diverse Veteran population and a broad range of situations throughout the medical (or ambulatory surgery) center.

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. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The approving official may authorize a waiver of the requirement for ACEN or CCNE accreditation of any degree in nursing provided the college or university has regional accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education at the time of the candidate's graduation and the composite qualifications of the applicant warrant such consideration. In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. OR The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6) OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing. Graduate of an accredited nurse anesthesia education program approved by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA). (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G7) Certification by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetist is a requirement for employment. Nurse Anesthetists will maintain recertification by meeting the Council on Recertification of Nurse. Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Preferred Experience: A candidate with extensive training/experience with thoracic, cardiac (including open heart) and robotic cases, vascular, neurosurgery anesthesia and training and familiarity in regional anesthesia. Grade Determinations: The Professional Standards Board will determine the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade: 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 patient 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 response 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 patent care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancement 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 breath 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 advances 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 Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-7 Nurse Anesthetist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Straight pulling (1-2 hours); pushing (1-2 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (3 hours); standing (1 hour); repeated bending (1-2 hours); both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing (aid permitted); sitting up to 6 hours.

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 Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center 2002 Holcombe Boulevard Houston, TX 77030 US
• Name: Ann Martin
• Phone: 210-617-5300
• Email: [email protected]