W‑2 full-time

Full details

Working under a licensed anesthesiologist and following established hospital policies and procedures, the CRNA starts and manages anesthesia for patients undergoing surgical, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures, and provides airway management or cardiopulmonary resuscitation when needed. The role covers patients of all ages. Before surgery, the nurse anesthetist reviews the patient's history and chart, examines the patient, and chooses from a limited set of standard techniques the agents, doses, and combinations that suit the patient's condition and the planned operation, consulting the surgeon or anesthesiologist when high-risk factors appear.

Responsibilities include placing intravenous lines and starting fluids before surgery, performing intratracheal intubation in the operating room, and passing a small suction catheter down the tube during surgery to clear secretions from the lungs. Anesthesia is induced in the anesthesiologist's presence and maintained under their supervision through intravenous agents, inhaled gases, or both, with adjustments made as the case proceeds. During surgery the nurse anesthetist watches for significant blood loss or pressure on nerves or vital organs, tracks pulse, blood pressure, and breathing, adjusts intravenous flow, and monitors transfusions as ordered. At the end of the case, the anesthetic is stopped, oxygen is increased, and vital signs are checked until the patient is stable for transfer to recovery. The role also involves semi-technical upkeep of anesthesia equipment and supplies.

Candidates must be graduates of an approved school of nursing and have completed an anesthesia program of at least 18 months accredited by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. They must have passed the AANA certification examination and hold recognition from the State Board as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Current valid New York State nursing licenses are required, along with recertification through the Council on Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists. The position includes a three- to six-month orientation to learn institutional and department policies and anesthesia techniques. Strong analytical ability, basic computer skills in Microsoft Word and internet research tools, and excellent written and verbal communication are expected.

The position is listed as non-bargaining unit within the Anesthesiology department at Queens Hospital Center. The full-time schedule is forty hours per week, and additional hours may be required during staffing shortages or to finish cases and clinical documentation. Working conditions vary, with most areas air-conditioned but some dust and noise present. Some areas may involve patients who are unstable, violent, or aggressive, and staff may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens.