DEPARTMENT: Anesthesiology

SCHEDULE: On-call, Regular; 00hrs/week; Varied Shift

EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Graduate of an accredited registered nursing program. Graduate of an accredited school of anesthesia and eligible to take the certification examination given by the Council. on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists. Current California RN License. Must obtain nurse anesthetist certification for the state of California within 90 days of employment. BLS required. ACLS preferred.

POSITION SUMMARY: Selects and administers intravenous, spinal and other anesthetics prior to and during surgical or medical procedures as a member of the anesthesia care team and in accordance with Kaiser Permanente policies and procedures. Monitors patient reactions and vital signs during and after anesthesia and takes remedial action when warranted. Submits postoperative report on patient condition, and maintains records of anesthetics administered. Performs procedures outside of the OR, in accordance with KP policies and procedures, established competency, and MD order.

QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrated understanding of all regulatory requirements and legal consequences of anesthesia care. Proven ability to exercise professional prerogatives based on sound clinical judgment. Demonstrate a track record for following the precautionary and preventive measures in giving patient care. Demonstrated ability to work in teams and have proven effective communications and listening skills. Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in interpersonal relations, customer service, adaptability and change Management.

DUTIES: Conducts and/or reviews anesthetic evaluation of patients prior to surgical proceedings, deliveries or other pertinent medical procedures in hospital setting. Consults with anesthesiologists and/or surgeons. Reviews patients charts, including permits, pre-operative medications, lab work, and any other significant variations, such as hearing aids, dentures, contact lenses, or other prostheses. Conducts pre-anesthesia evaluations according to KP's policies and procedures as well as the department policy. Develops the care regimen of assigned patients, reviews the care regimen with the supervising physician, and gains concurrence. Implements the anesthesia plan.

Evaluates patients to identify apparent difficulties with airway control, etc. Ensures that all pre-anesthesia evaluations are documented thoroughly according to policies and standards. Explains tests, procedures and disease processes to patients and their families as indicated; explains the major anesthetic risks to patients as requested and documents that the risks are explained to patients.

Starts IV solution, administers selected anesthetic, choice of anesthetic consistent with patient safety, surgical need, possible post operative complications, and patients history and conditions. Develops, implements and evaluates according to department policy, the care regimen of assigned patients and manages the patient care based on pre-anesthesia evaluation.

Participates with post anesthesia care unit personnel in a patient safety oriented interface when patients are transferred from the surgery suite. Monitors patient's vital signs, such as blood pressure and observes any significant physical changes; informs anesthesiologist and/or surgeon of patient's condition and takes any necessary remedial action such as infant resuscitation when necessary.

Prepares and administers drugs as indicated for anesthesia requirements. Keeps current accurate and complete record of procedures performed and patient's conditions immediately prior to the administration of anesthesia according to established standards. Performs procedures done outside of OR, such as intubation, arterial line placement etc, in accordance with policies and procedures, competencies, and physician order. Charts details of procedures done on progress notes.

Kaiser Permanente conducts compensation reviews of positions on a routine basis. At any time, Kaiser Permanente reserves the right to re-evaluate and change job descriptions, or to change such positions from salaried to hourly pay status. Such changes are generally implemented only after notice is given to affected employees.

Consistently supports compliance and the Principles of Responsibility (KP's code of conduct) by maintaining confidentiality, protecting the assets of the organization, acting with ethics and integrity, reporting non-compliance, and adhering to applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, accreditation and licensure requirements, and KP policies and procedures.

In addition to defined technical requirements, accountable for consistently demonstrating service behaviors and principles defined by the Kaiser Permanente Service Quality Credo, the KP Mission as well as specific departmental/organizational initiatives. Also accountable for consistently demonstrating the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary to provide superior and culturally sensitive service to each other, to our members, and to purchasers, contracted providers and vendors.

Kaiser Pernanente is an AA/EEO Employer