CRNA'S ROLE IN HEALTHCARE

CRNA's Role in Healthcare



CRNA's Role in Healthcare

Introduction

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists practice nursing by providing anesthesia and anesthesia related services. They accept the responsibility conferred upon them by the state, the profession, and society. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists has adopted this Code of Ethics to guide its members in fulfilling their obligation as professionals. Each member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists has a personal responsibility to uphold and adhere to these ethical standards.

Analysis

he practice of CRNAs began in the 1800s as nurses introduced anesthesia to wounded soldiers on the battlefields of the Civil War. Today, CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) jobs and duties have come to include collaboration with surgeons, dentists and other health care professionals and provide anesthesia in rural hospitals across America. CRNAs provide anesthesia services in a variety of healthcare settings. CRNAs collaborate with other health professionals (i.e. anesthesiologists, surgeons, and dentists) to provide anesthesia services to patients. Did you know that when a nurse anesthetist gives anesthesia, the service falls under the practice of nursing, but when an anesthesiologist gives anesthesia, his/her service falls under the practice of medicine? The interesting part is that both professionals administer the anesthesia in the same manner. CRNAs can be found in all medical settings where anesthesia is delivered. Some examples are rural hospitals, surgical suites in hospitals, delivery rooms, dental offices, offices of plastic surgeons, and pain management centers. CRNAs also work with the US Military, in Public Health, and with Veterans Affairs (Knickman JR, Lipkin M Jr, Finkler SA, Thompson WG, Kiel J 1992).

CRNA Job Responsibilities

CRNAs function much like anesthesiologists (physicians who specialize in the administration of anesthesia and pain management). CRNAs are responsible for pre- and post-operative care as it relates to the delivery of anesthesia. A CRNA does a pre-op assessment of the patient, administers the anesthesia during the surgery, brings the patient back out of anesthesia, and then follows up to ensure the patient's recovery from the anesthesia. According to the AANA, during surgery, the CRNA monitors the patient's vital signs and adjusts the level of anesthesia accordingly, while coordinating with the surgical team (Ford, 1995)

There are a variety of duties and responsibilities that come with all CRNA jobs. Michigan is home to Henry Ford hospital, a leader in technology and patient-driven care provided by the best teams of nurses, including CRNAs. Beginning with evaluating patient history, interviewing and discussing the procedure and continued care and monitoring during and after and procedure, certified registered nurse anesthetists jobs and duties are some of the most vital during an operation where anesthesia is critical (Sox, 1979).

Responsibility to Patients

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) preserve human dignity, respect the moral and legal rights of health consumers, and support the safety and well being of the patient under their care. The CRNA renders quality anesthesia care regardless of the patient's race, religion, age, sex, nationality, disability, social or economic status. The CRNA protects the patient from harm and is an advocate ...