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This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more 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: Nurse Anesthetists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook, Part II, Chapter 2, Section D, and Paragraph 5a. 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. Registration: 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: One year minimum experience as a registered nurse (RN) in an acute care setting 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/37, Part II, Appendix G7, August 24, 2010. Physical Requirements: This position requires Heavy Lifting, 45 pounds heavy carrying, 45 pounds straight pulling (4 hours); pushing (4 hours); use of fingers; both hands required; walking & standing 8-12 hours; repeated bending 8 hours; both legs required. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. ["The Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care Center is currently seeking a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to join our Surgery Service team. Working together, we provide outstanding health care to our Veterans. Duties include but not limited to: Performs pre-anesthesia evaluations, prepares anesthesia plan, delivers all forms of anesthesia and follows up on all general anesthesia cases. Provides emergency airway and resuscitation management throughout the facility. Assists with quality assurance activities facility wide and specific to the Surgery department and conducts routine maintenance and cleaning of anesthesia equipment. Translates the principles of professional nurse anesthesia practice into appropriate patient care. Performs the pre-anesthetic patient history and physical, including the collection of preoperative consults and data, from which an appropriate anesthetic plan is formulated. Administers inhalation, regional, intravenous, local and topical anesthetics and continuously evaluates the patient's physical status and responses to anesthesia. Consistently monitors and accurately records on the anesthesia record. Performs post-anesthetic management of patients in order to optimize the recovery from anesthesia and minimize pain. Provides patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession, while working effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. Appropriately responds to all codes and airway rescues. Practices with colleagues and peers utilizing a collaborative team concept of anesthesia care while demonstrating effective communication skills and professional behaviors that promote cooperation and interdisciplinary teamwork. Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, call may be required\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Contact Barbara Ruicker, barbara.ruicker@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]