What does a typical day look like for a CRNA or anesthesiologist? The answer to that question can vary wildly depending on the location and setting where an anesthesia provider practices. The schedule for a provider in a large hospital in Chicago will be different from one in a small surgery center in West Texas, for example.
But one thing remains true regardless of other factors: Anesthesia providers do much more than simply administer anesthesia. They wear many different hats and channel their expertise into multiple areas of patient care. Here are some of the common day-to-day responsibilities for anesthesia providers, before, during, and after anesthesia.
Evaluating Patient Risks
An anesthesia provider performs a thorough preoperative evaluation to determine potential risks during a procedure. They assess a patient’s current health status and medical history, including medications, allergies, pre-existing conditions, prior operations, comorbidities, and family history. Open communication is extremely important in this phase, and the provider’s job is also to address any questions or concerns the patient has.
Creating an Anesthesia Plan
Using information from the preoperative evaluation, an anesthesia provider develops an anesthesia care plan specific to a patient’s needs. They identify the type of anesthesia to use and prepare the space, equipment, and medications in advance of the procedure. A provider closely monitors a patient before, during, and after surgery.
Administering Anesthesia
During surgery, an anesthesia provider stays with the patient to maintain their safety and comfort throughout the entire procedure. They administer anesthesia, meticulously recording the type and amount provided, and modifying it as necessary. They continuously monitor the patient’s pain and vital signs, including respiratory status, heart rate, and blood pressure. A provider is responsible for analyzing changes in a patient’s condition and communicating with the rest of the surgical team if they need to respond to a situation.
Providing Post-Operative Care
Anesthesia care doesn’t end immediately after a procedure. An anesthesia provider continues to monitor a patient’s pain, vital signs, and side effects as anesthesia wears off following surgery. After general anesthesia, for instance, a provider may continue to evaluate a patient’s breathing and heart rate in a recovery room, while keeping an eye on side effects like nausea, vomiting, or chills.
Once the patient is awake and ready to be discharged, an anesthesia provider communicates with them about their recovery, outlining information about their post-op diet, medication plan, and activity schedule. They also share details about warning signs to look out for and when they should schedule their follow-up appointment.
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