Advanced Practice Nurse - Chief Nurse Anesthetist

Summary

The CRNA IV administers anesthesia in both inpatient and outpatient settings to patients of all health complexities. The aspects of practice include direct patient care, administration, and education.

Duties

Major duties and responsibilities of the position: Demonstrates leadership and advocates professionalism for staff CRNAs at the Corporal Michael J Crescenz VA Medical Center Organizes and leads monthly (more frequent when necessary) departmental CRNA meetings. Liaison between staff CRNAs and the Chief of Anesthesiology Service. Performs/completes OPPEs and FPPEs for all CRNAs (including meeting personally with each CRNA), including performing the required number (or more if necessary) of chart reviews for each CRNA per OPPE review period Performs annual Performance Appraisals for all CRNAs, including meeting personally with each CRNA. Performs additional duties as determined by the Chief of Anesthesiology Service, which may include but may not be limited to, scheduling tasks and/or departmental program oversight. Duties may be modified at will by the Chief of Anesthesiology Service for any reason the Chief of Anesthesiology Service deems necessary and/or appropriate. Responsible as the first-line CRNA supervisor to address conduct and/or performance issues. Up to 50% administrative non-clinical time, which may be somewhat variable depending on the staffing needs at any given time and may be altered by the Chief of Anesthesiology service depending on current departmental needs. Administers general and regional anesthetics or Monitored Anesthesia Care during surgical or medical procedures under the medical direction of an attending anesthesiologist. Evaluates situations and informs attending anesthesiologists of patient's condition; discusses anesthetics to be used, including techniques of administration and supportive measures necessary with approval by attending physician as required by departmental guidelines. Checks anesthesia machine and monitoring equipment, supplies, medication and anesthesia gases. Monitors and records the patient's vital signs; records all medication administered to the patient and related reactions and responses. First line supervisor and administrative responsibility for nurse anesthesia staff (i.e., performance reviews, Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations (OPPE), peer review). Administrative responsibility may extend to other healthcare professionals within the department. Exemplifies the ICARE core values of-Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Technical Skills: Following all current policies and procedures, properly sets up equipment, supplies, and medication for the administration of anesthesia. Properly disposes of (or removes) equipment, supplies, and medications at the conclusion of the case. Consistently monitors and accurately records on the anesthesia record the patient's vital signs, all medications administered to the patient- including related reaction(s) and response(s) in a legible manner. Utilizes patient principles and practices of anesthesiology. Consistently evaluates situations and informs attending anesthesiologist of patient's condition; discusses anesthetics to be used, techniques of administration, and supportive measures necessary. Under the medical direction of an anesthesiologist, and indicated by the anesthesiology daily schedule coordinator, demonstrates competence while administering general and regional anesthesia during surgical procedures as well as administering monitored anesthesia care. Effectively assists anesthesiologists in the delivery of anesthesia. Appropriately responds to codes, airway rescues, etc., when appropriate. Properly labels all medications as appropriate. Possesses the body of knowledge that allows the clinician to manage whatever environmental and system resources exist for the patient, patients' family, and staff, within or across healthcare and non-healthcare systems. Uses available tools and resources to effectively resolve patient care problems and to facilitate patient/family transitions across the continuum of care. Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of unit-based goals for improvement; links unit-based goals to organization's strategic mission. Recognizes that patients/families have insight into what can improve the experience and system of care and collectively identifies opportunities to improve services provided to patients' families at unit-level. Remains flexible and positive towards change and actively participates in change processes and/or work methods to enhance the care environment. Recognizes the impact of one's performance on system functioning. Supervisory Controls: Direct report supervisor for all nurse anesthetists within the Anesthesiology department. The individual in this role will report to the Chief of Anesthesiology. Work Schedule: Variable - Tour of Duty includes call, nights, weekends, holidays. Shifts are 24 hours, 12 hours, 10 hours and 8 hours. Requirements

U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Qualifications

Advanced Practice Nurse (Certified Nurse Anesthetist) Basic Requirements Education. A masters or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia. (Applicants pending the completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until the education requirements are met.) Nursing education must be from a school of professional nursing anesthesia accredited by Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs (COA) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Licensure and Certification. The following licensure and certification requirements are considered conditions of employment. License. All APN (CNAs) must maintain an active, current, full and unrestricted license to practice as a CNA or equivalent, in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia. Basic Certification. All APN (CNAs) must maintain full and current certification by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) or an equivalent Nurse Anesthetist certification recognized by the COA. NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and an APN (CNA) assignment that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification. The following Education, Experience and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities must be met for Advanced Practice Nurse (Certified Nurse Anesthetist) IV, Chief Educator/Leadership-Management: Education and Experience Requirement: Meets basic education requirement for an APN (CNA) AND Four years of APN (CNA) progressively responsible assignments in clinical, administrative, education and/or research related to CNA practice, one of which is specialized experience equivalent to the APN (CNA) III grade level. At this level, emphasis is placed on strategic planning and administrative responsibilities. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must have the ability to perform long and short-term planning goals for their anesthesia department. Chief APN (CNA) functions may include, but are not limited to, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Ability to assume progressive responsibility for planning organizing, directing, and evaluating section and departmental processes and programs. Ability to supervise staff, students, or ancillary personnel and to ensure proper scheduling and staffing. Skill to perform as a provider and mentor for unusually extensive and complex anesthetic cases. Knowledge to participate in a continual audit of anesthesia care and to ensure periodic performance and professional practice (focused and ongoing) evaluation requirements are met. Knowledge to represent departmental interests at interdisciplinary committee meetings, participate in departmental reviews, collaborate in problem solving and develop quality improvement initiatives. Knowledge to engage in departmental resource stewardship, evaluation of staffing, equipment, and time value management. Ability to interpret efficiency data as well as implement and evaluate cost-effective operational strategies. Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks to enhance employee investment offering opportunities for staff leadership development. Skill to collaborate and support the development of clinical and educational programs and anesthesia protocols to improve patient outcomes and improve service level performance. Ability to provide guidance and instruction in preparing others for positions of leadership and ethical practices which impact patient care. Skill to provide leadership level commitment to foster a safety lifestyle and continuous process improvement. Preferred Experience: Prior Chief Nurse Anesthetist experience Prior Management experience in the federal workforce

How You Will Be Evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. NOTE: Candidate's education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected. The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. Other Information

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.