MAJOR DUTIES Serves as a Nurse Anesthetist for a broad range of surgery, including the most complex performed at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH). Participates in the review and improvement of patient care processes related to anesthesia. As an educator and anesthesia expert, provides knowledge and teaching skills to other health care professionals and paraprofessionals. The staff nurse anesthetist at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH) is a certified registered nurse anesthetist with appropriate clinical privileges approved by the BACH credential committee and granted by the Hospital Commander and considered to be a licensed independent practitioner who functions within a defined scope of practice. 1. Provides anesthesia and related services in accordance with Army and hospital regulatory, licensing and credentialing policies, and with American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) Guidelines for Nurse Anesthesia Practice and Code of Ethics. Responsible to the Chief, Anesthesia Section, for complying with current standards of anesthesia practice and care. Conducts and participates in educational programs that improve anesthesia nursing practice. Participates and assists in the implementation of the Anesthesia Performance Improvement Program. Performs duties as a Nurse Anesthetist on-call responding to surgical emergencies on a 24 hour basis. Provides 24-hour obstetrical Anesthesia Coverage on a rotating basis. 2. Provides anesthesia care that is within the scope of practice as determined by demonstrated competency, working at the fullest ability of licensure and clinical privileges approved by the medical treatment facility (MTF). Anesthetizes patients for a broad range of surgery to include but not limited to pediatric surgery; Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT); Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN); orthopedics; oral maxillofacial surgery, and Gastrointestinal (GI) procedures. Provides obstetrical analgesia and surgical anesthesia for operative deliveries and complications. Demonstrates competency in the following clinical areas: pre-anesthesia preparation; anesthesia induction, maintenance, and emergence; conscious sedation; pain management; post anesthesia care; peri-anesthetic and clinical support functions; emergency airway management, Code Blue member, Code Purple Team member (post-partum hemorrhage). 3. Assumes full responsibility for all techniques, drugs, and equipment used in the administration of anesthesia. Monitors patients' fluid loss, determines need for parenteral fluids, including plasma and blood, sets up solutions and maintains proper flow. Adjusts the administration of anesthetic agents as well as other drugs, including stimulants, to support respiratory and circulatory functions of patients. Reviews clinical chart and recommends specific type of anesthesia; general, regional, local, and IV sedation. Directly supervises and monitors the quality of anesthesia care administered by the student nurse anesthetists; assists the Chief, Anesthesia Section, in monitoring and evaluating anesthesia care provided by reserve nurse anesthetists and peers. Instructs Physician Assistant (PA), Special Forces, and Paramedic/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) students on airway management and intubation. Functions in administrative/managerial capacity by: assigns operative cases; provides anesthesia for all scheduled cases as well as daily rotating 24-hour anesthesia coverage for emergency procedures; reviews job description, competencies and scope of practice; performs user-level equipment maintenance; maintains adequate stock levels; participates in anesthesia staff meetings; participates in hospital committees; educates hospital staff; attends educational programs; maintains BCLS and ACLS. Performs other duties as assigned.