Class Specifications - H.35
Principal Nurse Anesthetist - 9142
Senior Nurse Anesthetist - 9143
Nurse Anesthetist - 9144
October, 1979
Series Concept
Nurse Anesthetists administer anesthetics to patients undergoing surgical and obstetrical procedures and perform other related duties as required.
Incumbents typically determine the condition of patients prior to a procedure by reviewing medical records and assessing the patients' status according to pertinent findings; select and secure the necessary supplies and equipment; assemble and calibrate machines to insure proper functioning; administer pre-anesthetic medications as prescribed by a physician; plan for and administer anesthetics; observe, monitor and record such vital signs as pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, ventilation, urine output and other parameters; help in keeping patients relaxed during the procedure; maintain patients in a surgical anesthetic state, adjusting oxygen and gas flow or injecting prescribed intravenous anesthetic; determine the need for and administer fluids and adjunct drugs; keep the surgeon and responsible anesthesiologist informed of the patient's condition; take necessary remedial action, and administer oxygen to prevent asphyxiation, strangulation, or surgical shock; may perform such critical life support functions as endotracheal intubation and arterial line insertion, record patient's condition prior to, during, and following the administration of anesthetic in accordance with legal requirements; record the type of anesthetic used; and perform post-operative follow-up in the recovery room.
Classes in the Nurse Anesthetist series are distinguished from other nursing classes by the performance of a variety of advanced procedures related to the administration of anesthetics.
The series consists of three levels. Nurse Anesthetist is the operational level; Senior Nurse Anesthetist is the lead/advanced operational level; and Principal Nurse Anesthetist is the full supervisory level of the series.
Class Concepts
Principal Nurse Anesthetist
Under general direction, incumbents are regularly assigned technical and supervisory responsibility for an organizationally recognized anesthesia unit or work shift and in addition may perform advanced operational duties normally assigned to the Senior Nurse Anesthetist class.
Incumbents interview and select prospective employees; review the work of subordinate Nurse Anesthetists; conduct performance evaluations; monitor the training progress of employees and the orientation of new employees; prepare work schedules and work assignments; evaluate work load, equipment and staffing; develop curriculum involving clinical anesthesia techniques; and provide instruction to medical students, non-anesthesia residents, and paramedic trainees.
Senior Nurse Anesthetist
Under general supervision, incumbents in addition to performing the range of duties outlined in the Series Concept are assigned lead responsibilities over a group of three full-time-equivalent Nurse Anesthetists; or are specifically assigned the more difficult and demanding cases as recognized by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
Lead responsibilities typically include direction and training of Nurse Anesthetists and students, ordering of supplies and equipment, and participation in the assignment of duties and preparation of work schedules.
Nurse Anesthetist
Under supervision, incumbents perform operational level duties as outlined in the Series Concept. Most positions are allocated to this class.
Minimum Qualifications
Principal Nurse Anesthetist
Graduation from an accredited school of nursing and possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Registered Nurse as determined by the California Board of Registered Nursing; graduation from a school of anesthesia accredited by the Council of Accreditation of Schools of Anesthesia; certification by the Council for Certification of Nurse Anesthetists; and four years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
Senior Nurse Anesthetist
Graduation from an accredited school of nursing and possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Registered Nurse as determined by the California Board of Registered Nursing; graduation from a school of anesthesia accredited by the Council of Accreditation of Schools of Anesthesia; certification by the Council for Certification of Nurse Anesthetists; and two years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
Nurse Anesthetist
Graduation from an accredited school of nursing and possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Registered Nurse as determined by the California Board of Registered Nursing; graduation from a school of anesthesia accredited by the Council of Accreditation of Schools of Anesthesia; certification the Council for Certification of Nurse Anesthetists; and knowledges and utilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.