Illustration of a doctor in an exam room working on a computer

Sample nurse anesthetist job description

[Hospital X] has been serving the community for over 100 years, growing from a small community hospital to the advanced, state-of-the-art facility it is today. To continue our progress, we’re searching for a nurse anesthetist who can become a key member of our anesthesia department, which assists with approximately 15,000 medical procedures every year. The nurse anesthetist will be responsible for conducting patient assessments, administering anesthesia to ensure proper sedation and pain management, and caring for patients’ post-operation needs. The ideal candidate will have ample opportunity for growth within the department, such as directing and evaluating nurse anesthetists in the provision of care to patients.

Objectives of this role

  • Ensure that patient care meets or exceeds accepted standards
  • Provide care according to hospital mission, strategic plan, and all internal/external regulations, policies, and procedures
  • Function independently, as well as collaboratively with other medical professionals, to provide continuity of healthcare services for patients and their families
  • Demonstrate and maintain expertise in the performance of complex invasive procedures
  • Participate in optimal continuity of care, ensuring positive patient experience at every touch point

Responsibilities

  • Choose and administer anesthetic techniques, medications, and adjunctive drugs per departmental guidelines
  • Identify and coordinate emergency situations according to departmental policies and procedures
  • Induce and maintain general anesthesia at required safe levels, using techniques prescribed by the staff anesthesiologist or used customarily within the department
  • Perform basic perioperative diagnosis testing and documentation for the anesthetic record
  • Monitor life functions and adverse reactions, consulting with the anesthesiologist and taking corrective action, when necessary, in a timely fashion
  • Terminate anesthesia and ensure patient safety in post-anesthesia recovery room

Required skills and qualifications

  • Master’s of science in nursing
  • Certification by a widely recognized authority — ex: CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) from NBCRNA (National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists)
  • Current license relevant to country of employment, such as APRN (advanced practice registered nurse)
  • Excellent clinical, organizational, and communication skills
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Preferred skills and qualifications

  • Additional certification relevant to country of employment, such as American Heart Association–issued ACLS (advanced cardiovascular life support), CPR, or BLS (basic life support)
  • Ability to work at multiple locations of hospital