Chief CRNA

The Chief CRNA is responsible for fostering a clear and inspiring vision for the anesthesia department, promoting a healthy group culture, ensuring appropriate anesthesia coverage to meet hospital staffing needs, and serving as a representative of the practice in interactions with hospital administration and medical staff.

The Chief CRNA reports directly to the Director of Anesthesia Services for all operational aspects of the practice. Additionally, the Chief CRNA is responsible for monitoring the clinical quality of care provided by the practice and must report any concerns or issues to the Director of Anesthesia Services.

The Chief CRNA’s duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Strategic Leadership

• Collaborates with CRNAs and organizational leadership to define and promote a mission and vision for the anesthesia program.
• Assists the Director of Anesthesia Services in creating and periodically updating a strategic or business plan for the anesthesia program.

2. Performance Standards and Quality Improvement

• Partners with hospital and medical staff to identify performance goals and standards.
• Monitors performance metrics and implements action plans to improve outcomes as needed.

3. Recruitment and Onboarding

• Assists in the development and implementation of a CRNA recruitment plan.
• Participates in recruitment activities, including networking events, interviews, and facility tours for CRNA candidates.
• Maintains ongoing engagement with CRNA candidates throughout the recruitment process via calls and emails.

4. Mentorship and Development

• Oversees orientation and provides mentorship for new CRNAs to ensure smooth integration into the practice.

5. Group Culture and Communication

• Cultivates a positive group culture by promoting engagement, ownership, and effective communication.
• Facilitates group problem-solving and decision-making processes to align interests among CRNAs and stakeholders.

6. Medical Records Oversight

• Ensures timely and accurate completion of medical records by CRNAs.

7. Policy and Protocol Development

• Assists in developing policies, clinical protocols, forms, reports, and other documentation required by the hospital as the program grows.

8. Operational and Cost Optimization

• Identifies opportunities to enhance the cost, quality, and efficiency of care, including standardizing practices and improving processes.

9. Committee Participation

• Represents the anesthesia program in hospital and medical staff committees, such as:

• Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee
• Recruitment Committee
• Quality Board (quarterly meetings)
• Quality Cabinet/Steering Team
• Volume Committee (as needed)

10. Scheduling Management

• Develops and administers a fair and equitable work schedule for CRNAs, ensuring timely communication of schedules and adjustments.

11. Conflict Resolution

• Serves as the primary contact for resolving problems or conflicts related to the anesthesia program, in conjunction with the Director of Anesthesia Services.

12. Collaboration

• Works collaboratively with CRNAs, medical staff, and hospital staff to foster positive relationships and avoid disruptive behavior.

13. Clinical Duties

• Provides clinical anesthesia care as a member of the CRNA team on a regular basis, balancing clinical and administrative responsibilities as outlined in the CRNA job description and contract.

The Chief CRNA must meet the following qualifications:

1. Meets all qualifications outlined in the CRNA job description and contract.
2. Willing to perform all CRNA duties, including regional anesthesia and board runner responsibilities.
3. Has at least five years of experience as a staff CRNA.
4. Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills.
5. Possesses strong interpersonal and leadership skills to motivate others, facilitate teamwork, and manage ambiguity, conflict, and confrontation effectively.
6. Exhibits self-awareness and self-management skills to handle personal stress and engage in self-reflection and improvement.