Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at Comprehensive Health Services

REQUIRED CERTIFICATION, QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE:

• University Degree in Medicine and Surgery,
• Postgraduate specialization in Anaesthesia; Nationally certified to practice as aa anaesthetist;
• Minimum of 3 year’s post specialization experience in the practice of Anaesthesia;
• Fluency in English Language

Note: CHS will provide institutional malpractice insurance as well as individual malpractice policies for Nurse Anesthetists, Physicians and other primary care providers.

Required Skills

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

• To include getting supplies and equipment ready for procedures, studying and interpreting pre-surgical tests to determine how the anesthetic will affect the patient, and assuring that an adequate blood supply is on hand in case of an emergency.
• Select and prescribe post-anesthesia medications or treatments to patients.
• Administer post-anesthesia medications or fluids to support patients' cardiovascular systems.
• Evaluate patients' post-surgical or post-anesthesia responses, taking appropriate corrective actions or requesting consultation if complications occur.
• Perform pre-anesthetic screenings, including physical evaluations and patient interviews, and document results.
• Select, order, or administer pre-anesthetic medications.
• Discharge patients from post-anesthesia care.
• Perform or evaluate the results of diagnostic tests such as radiographs (x-rays) and electrocardiograms (EKGs).
• Manage patients' airway or pulmonary status using techniques such as endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, pharmacological support, respiratory therapy, and extubation.
• Monitor patients' responses, including skin color, pupil dilation, pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, ventilation, or urine output, using invasive and noninvasive techniques.
• Prepare prescribed solutions and administer local, intravenous, spinal, or other anesthetics following specified methods and procedures.
• Respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administering emergency fluids or drugs, or using basic or advanced cardiac life support techniques.
• Select, order, or administer anesthetics, adjuvant drugs, accessory drugs, fluids or blood products as necessary.
• Assess patients' medical histories to predict anesthesia response.
• Develop anesthesia care plans.
• Obtain informed consent from patients for anesthesia procedures.
• Select, prepare, or use equipment, monitors, supplies, or drugs for the administration of anesthetics.
• Calibrate, test, disassemble, and clean anesthesia equipment.
• Insert arterial catheters or perform arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood samples.
• Insert peripheral or central intravenous catheters.
• Instruct other staff on topics such as anesthetic techniques, pain management and emergency responses.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in nursing.
• Request anesthesia equipment repairs, adjustments, or safety tests.
• Assists with the managing of day to day activities and prioritizing tasks.
• Operates personal computer to access e-mail, electronic calendars, and other basic office support software.
• Complies with all applicable CHS standards and guidelines.
• Health Care Providers (HCPs) will document care delivered and follow up care required.
• Attends and participates in a variety of meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have a current passport.
• Must sign a CHS Foreign Service Agreement (FSA) and is bound to the terms and conditions of the FSA.
• Will be proficient in the ability to speak, write and communicate in English. Ability to speak French is desirable.
• Work hours are based on an 84 hr. work week; typically seven (7), 12 hour days but other variations may apply.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be confirmed by a medical examination to be “medically and dentally fit” in accordance CHS Medical Readiness Guidelines and Policies and/or as dictated by the Client.
• No conditions that would prevent the wear of personal protective equipment; including protective mask, ballistic helmet, body armor and chemical/biological protective garments or conditions that would prevent the capability of donning, lifting or carrying of up to 70 lbs. of referenced gear while running to a bunker or protected area in the face of perceived or imminent danger.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment; travel in Somalia is required by surface or air.