The model for Healthcare delivery in the United States has evolved from a paternalistic, volume based approach through an era of shared responsibility and now into a consumer driven value based model. To remain competitive in today’s healthcare market, hospitals and providers must strive for patient safety and satisfaction in the delivery of patient care. [...]
Chief CRNA
CRNAs work in many practice settings. Those working in an office, clinic or small hospital often work as independent providers and work in collaboration with their surgeon. CRNAs working in larger hospitals often work in an anesthesia team model and charges are made based on “supervision” by an anesthesiologist who is “immediately available”. The definition [...]
Do you ever get tired of listening to monitor alarms? Many anesthesia providers who are confident in their vigilance and their ability to “know when something is wrong” mute the alarms when they feel that they are needlessly alarming. Unfortunately, patients are injured or killed every years in anesthesia related mishaps which could have been [...]
A Chief CRNA is seeking help from others across the country. Specifically, the Chief is gathering information related to how CRNAs are compensated when taking call. Please use the reply area on this web site or contact the Chief CRNA directly at the email address listed below. Please provide the following information: Are CRNAs at [...]
We live in the age of instant access to information literally in the palm of your hand. As more and more information becomes available on smartphones, notebooks and pads, their ligitimate use by healthcare workers has increased. However, the device that delivers information can also create distractions. Lawyers know that distracted healthcare workers are more [...]
Being an effective Chief CRNA involves multitasking to meet the needs of the patient, the institution, the regulatory agencies and the needs of your staff. Staff engagement is a buzz word in corporate America. According to Wikipedia, An “engaged employee” is one who is fully involved in, and enthusiastic about their work, and thus will [...]
We have all heard the stories of the super star who played one season too many leaving the sport at the bottom of his game rather than at the top. The physical effects of aging are well documented in the literature and we are reminded of those changes every time we pre-op a geriatric patient. As [...]
On January 17th, HHS Office for Civil Rights Director Leon Rodriguez issued a press release announcing the new HIPAA rules being published by the HHS Office of Civil Rights. The 563 page document strengthen the requirements placed on providers and institutions to protect the privacy and health care information of the patient. According to Rodriguez [...]
Never events are inexcusable actions in a health care setting, the things we talk about in the lounge and just can’t believe actually happened. We wonder how somebody could have possibly made such a terrible mistake. The National Quality Forum has formulated a list of 28 never events in the hospital setting. In the Operating room, never [...]
