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The Veterans Administration Illiana Health Care System (VAIHCS) in Danville, IL is seeking a full-time Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to join its team. This is a growth opportunity, as the facility is looking to expand its surgical services. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive has been approved. 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: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit for qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part.) English Language Proficiency. Nurse Anesthetists must be proficient in spoken and written English. in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part Education: (1) 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: (a) The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), an accrediting arm of the National League for Nursing. Additional information may be obtained from the NLNAC Web site; or (b) The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), an accrediting arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The CCNE accredits bachelor's and master's degree programs. Additional information may be obtained from the CCNE Web site. (c) 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. (2) 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. The AANA has compiled current listings of approved training institutions, which are published annually in the December issue of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Journal. The American Hospital Association in their "Guide to the Health Care Field" also publishes listings of approved training institutions annually in August. Registration. (1) Condition of Employment. 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. The appointing official may waive this requirement if the nurse anesthetist is to serve in a country other than the United States and has registration in that country (e.g. Philippines). Certification. (1) On and after May 4, 1993, certification by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists is a requirement for employment. This requirement does not apply to non-certified nurse anesthetists employed by VA as a nurse anesthetist prior to May 4, 1993 and continuously thereafter. Any nurse anesthetist who leaves VA employment or vacates the nurse anesthetist occupation for another VA position, must meet the current requirement of certification for re-appointment as a nurse anesthetist. The CCNA and the Council on Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists have designated the AANA's web site as a display agent for their information.(2) Nurse Anesthetists will maintain recertification by meeting the Council on Recertification of Nurse Anesthetist's requirements as a condition of employment. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. 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:1. Ability to translate the principles of professional nursing practice in the care of assigned patients in order to provide appropriate care.2. Ability to do a pre-anesthetic patient history and physical, which includes collecting pre-operative consults and data.3. Ability to formulate an anesthetic plan and describe the anesthetic risks, benefits and options to the patient.4. 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.5. Ability to respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administration of emergency fluids and drugs, and using appropriate resuscitation procedures for patient care.6. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession.7. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care.8. 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:1. 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.2. Ability to complete work assignments selected to add depth and breadth to their technical knowledge & skill competence. Work assignments will vary at each facility depending on the progressive acuity required for anesthesia care.3. 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.4. Ability to effectively blend technology, skills, and competency for the advancement of anesthesia techniques, pharmacology, and equipment.5. Ability to apply new developments & theories to develop and demonstrate the ability to recognize and solve various complex anesthesia situations.6. Ability to practice nurse anesthesia with colleagues & peers in a team concept of anesthesia care & blend management skills with technical experience. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005/37, Part II, Appendix G-7 Nurse Anesthetist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Requires lifting 15-44 pounds; pushing (approx. 2 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers & both hands; walking & standing from 3-5 hours and kneeling. Ability for rapid mental & muscular coordination simultaneously. Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4. Far visions correctable in one eye to 20/20 & to 20/40 in the other. Must have depth perception & ability to distinguish basic colors & shades of colors. Hearing aid is permitted. ["VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards The CRNA will function under the supervision and general direction of the anesthesiologist or the operating room surgeon to safely provide anesthesia to surgical patients for a variety of operations and/or procedures. The CRNA will perform pre-anesthesia patient evaluations/histories, prepares anesthesia plans, delivers all forms of anesthesia, and follows up on anesthesia cases. VAIHCS is a small-scale facility that provides basic ambulatory surgical services for Veterans in our region and functions much like a surgical center. Case mix consists of providing general anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care for basic procedures within general surgery, urology, podiatry, ophthalmology, and endoscopy. The anesthesia team currently consists of four CRNAs and the facility is actively recruiting to add a board-certified anesthesiologist as well. No ICU coverage responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: Performs the pre-anesthetic patient evaluations and history and physicals, including the collection of preoperative consults and data, and formulates appropriate anesthetic plans. Ensures the anesthetic risks, benefits, and options are described to the patient. Administers inhalation, regional, intravenous, local and topical anesthetics and continuously evaluates the patient's physical status and responses to anesthesia. Performs post-anesthetic management of patients in order to optimize the recovery from anesthesia and minimize pain. Ensures accurate and timely medical record documentation. Appropriately responds to all codes and airway rescues. Provides emergency airway and resuscitation management throughout the facility. 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. Assists with quality assurance activities facility wide and specific to the Specialty Service and conducts routine maintenance and cleaning of anesthesia equipment. Participates in committees, peer review process, and other administrative responsibilities as assigned by the Chief of Specialty Service, the Medical Director of Specialty Medicine/Surgery, or designee. Facility Information: VAIHCS provides primary and secondary healthcare services to Veterans residing in Central Illinois and West Central Indiana. Inpatient services are available in acute and sub-acute internal medicine, surgery, and psychiatry. Community Living Centers provide a skilled care environment with special focus on rehabilitation, dementia and Alzheimer's care, geri-psychiatric care, palliative care, and extended care. The VA boasts a comprehensive compensation and benefits package (Paid Time-Off, Professional/Personal Insurance Coverages, 401K, CME, and Retirement, etc.). Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm or 7:30am to 4:00pm. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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