This position is for a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) located at the Montana VA Health Care System, Billings campus, within the Anesthesia and Surgical and Perioperative Care Departments. The CRNA will provide patient care and administer anesthesia according to standard, customary, and evidence-based methods and techniques. Additionally, the incumbent will participate in administrative, management, quality assurance, and all meetings, or committees as necessary or assigned.

Duties

Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Responsibilities: Duties include but are not limited to: Assessment of, consultation for, and preparation of patients for anesthesia Provision of anesthesia, including amnesia, unconsciousness, and insensibility to pain during surgical, therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures and the management of patients so affected Monitoring, maintenance and restoration of homeostasis during the perioperative period, as well as homeostasis in the critically ill, injured, or otherwise seriously ill patient Diagnosis and treatment of painful syndromes Clinical management and teaching of cardiac and pulmonary resuscitation Evaluation of respiratory function and application of respiratory therapy in all its forms Performance of invasive procedures for which s/he has been trained and granted privileges The incumbent is responsible for being self-directed in the delivery of patient care, assuring s/he works within approved clinical privileges. The incumbent must maintain current ACLS/BLS certification. Participation in the educational programs within the anesthesia section as well as other clinical staff Participation in monitoring the quality, safety, and appropriateness of patient care Demonstration of ethical conduct and serving as a positive role model to others at all levels of the organization Participation in quality assurance programs and chart reviews Performance of other duties as assigned Travel throughout MTVA may be required. The CRNA can be temporarily assigned to clinical location where coverage is needed. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure 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. 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. Education. A degree in nursing from a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate state-accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, and unrestricted registration (see basic requirement in subparagraph c below) 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. Graduate of an accredited nurse anesthesia educational program approved by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. 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. The nurse anesthetist must maintain a current, full, active and unrestricted registration to continue employment with VA. Certification. On and after May 4, 1993, certification by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists is a requirement for employment. Nurse Anesthetists will maintain recertification by meeting the Council on Recertification of Nurse Anesthetist's requirements as a condition of employment. Preferred Experience: Grade Determinations: The level that nurse anesthesia practice may be performed is based on a combination of education and experience. Beyond the minimum education requirements, grade determination upon appointment and advancement is dependent more on acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities than baseline education. As the nurse anesthetist acquires the knowledge and judgment that accrues with experience, the privilege of increased authority for patient care is expanded. Entry Level: (Nurse II) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. 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: Ability to translate the principles of professional nursing practice in the care of assigned patients in order to provide appropriate care. Ability to do a pre-anesthetic patient history and physical, which includes collecting pre-operative consults and data. Ability to formulate an anesthetic plan and describe the anesthetic risks, benefits and options to the patient. 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. Ability to respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administration of emergency fluids and drugs, and using appropriate resuscitation procedures for patient care. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. Ability to practice nurse anesthesia with colleagues and peers utilizing a collaborative team concept of anesthesia care. Full Performance Level: (Nurse III) 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Full Performance Level practice in nurse anesthesia includes but is not limited to the following: 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. 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. 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. Ability to effectively blend technology, skills, and competency for the advancement of anesthesia techniques, pharmacology, and equipment. Ability to apply new developments and theories to develop and demonstrate the ability to recognize and solve various complex anesthesia situations. Ability to practice nurse anesthesia with colleagues and peers in a team concept of anesthesia care and blend management skills with technical experience. 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. 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. Ability to participate in the development of anesthesia patient care audit processes involving in depth review and analysis of anesthesia records. 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: This position requires a full range of physical activity, including lifting and carrying, pulling, pushing, reaching at and above the shoulders, use of both hands and fingers, walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, repeated bending, and ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Adequate hearing (aid permitted), mental and emotional stability required.

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 Fort Harrison VA Medical Center 3687 Veterans Drive Fort Harrison, MT 59636 US
• Name: Mary Pierce
• Phone: 406-447-7559
• Email: [email protected]