Introduction
Nursing professionals’ roles are changing as these healthcare professionals obtain higher education that leads to their empowerment. Clearly, it is crucial for nurses to understand the scope of their competencies as this enables them to provide high-quality services and interact with other healthcare professionals (Martin, 2014). It is possible to carry out an interview with a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to identify the degree to which the practitioner is aware of his/her competencies as well as the benefits of this awareness.
Description of the NONPF Core Competencies
First, it is necessary to consider the core competencies of the CRNA as identified by the NONPF. It is necessary to note that contemporary CRNAs operate within the scope of ANPs’ roles. It has been acknowledged that ANPs have a degree and certain working experience, make an assessment of the patient’s healthcare needs, make autonomous decisions within the boundaries of their authority, screen patients for various risk factors, work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals as well as provide leadership.
These characteristic features of the ANP are typical of the CRNA. In terms of scientific foundation competencies, CRNAs should have around three years of nursing experience before they can obtain the degree (master’s or doctoral) (Wickenhagen, 2015). Of course, these professionals are also required to have the necessary certification. Clearly, CRNAs should also integrate their knowledge and experience to develop new approaches and improve the quality of services provided.
As for practice inquiry competencies, these professionals provide a wide range of healthcare services including local, general or regional anesthesia services. Apart from that, CRNAs talk with patients before and after sedation. They also focus on the vital functions of the patient during sedation. Obviously, CRNAs apply their knowledge as well as investigative skills to achieve the highest health outcomes.
In terms of leadership and quality competencies, these professionals can be consultants collaborating with such healthcare professionals as Doctors of Dental Surgery, MDs and APRNs (Wickenhagen, 2015). Importantly, there is a debate on providing CRNAs with prescription authority.
Description of the Interview with the APN
It is necessary to note that interview is an effective strategy to elicit qualitative data on core competencies of the ANP. It enables the researcher to identify particular tasks completed by a CRNA as well as attitudes towards this or that process. The CRNA interviewed (Joanna) works in a 243-bed hospital. The population of the healthcare facility is rather diverse in terms of age, gender and ethnicity. It is noteworthy that the staff of the hospital is less diverse (especially when it comes to ethnicity).
This healthcare professional has always followed the principles of ANP. She has a master’s degree as well as quite extensive experience in her field. Her competence and experience have made her a leader ANP in her ward. Joanna completes the average tasks of the CRNA mentioned above. She is also a leader in the team of nurses working on the development of more efficient collaboration between nurses and other healthcare professionals.
The CRNA continues her self-development as she often takes part in various meetings, conferences and training programs. It is noteworthy that Joanna has developed proper relationships with other health care professionals, which is very important for her efficient work. She is also an attentive and caring nurse and this enables her to meet patients’ needs and expectations.
Clearly, the interviewee can provide helpful insights into the peculiarities of CRNAs’ practice. It is possible to consider the challenges these professionals face and the methods they use to overcome issues.
Analysis of the Discussed APN Competencies
Nursing Practice
The CRNA notes that she is satisfied with her job even though she can sometimes feel fatigued. She stresses that she also feels she is really able to help patients and contribute to the development of the field. Joanna states that one of the challenging aspects of her work is documenting and reporting. She carefully documents the drugs administered as well as the vital signs of the patients and any complications that occur during the surgery. Joanna completes corresponding reports. She has developed her own way to complete the report and she has addressed her colleagues including management asking to include certain changes to the form of the report. It is noteworthy that the interviewee stresses the importance of her education. She states that there have been certain gaps and she had to learn a lot at her workplace, as the curriculum did not include certain things. However, the master’s program made her ‘prepared to self-develop and learn through research and inquiry’. Joanna has also become more confident and she has also provided certain training (to other nurses) on efficient ways to complete reports.
Perry (2005) states that for many nursing professionals this aspect of their work is the most challenging and this is where nurses make most errors. These can be insignificant mistakes or they can lead to quite considerable negative effects. Hence, it is very important and beneficial for nursing professionals to acquire skills that will enable them to avoid any mistakes at this stage. Joanna has achieved certain results as many of her colleagues told her that the techniques she used (and shared) were very helpful. Now, Joanna as well as her colleagues are able to complete reports more efficiently. Of course, this reduces workload especially when it comes to novice nurses.
Diversity
Another important aspect of Joanna’s work, as reported by Joanna, is her relationship with patients. For instance, before and after sedation, the patient is especially vulnerable and the CRNA has to help the patient overcome fears, come to his/her senses, calm down and so on. Joanna states that the issues of diversity arise ‘all the time’. She notes that sometimes it becomes difficult to provide this kind of care to patients as they can have different views and opinions on various things. Joanna believes that it is important for the healthcare professionals of their hospital to obtain training on diversity especially when it comes to ethnic diversity. She is trying to learn more about different ethnic groups (focusing on those who often appear among the hospital’s population). However, the interviewee feels that her ‘attempts are not enough and she has addressed management to launch a training program on diversity. Remarkably, Joanna states that some novice nurses have issues when addressing the needs of patients pertaining to different age groups (this is especially true when it comes to the elderly). Joanna often consults other nursing professionals in dealing with different patients.
Collaboration with Other Healthcare Professionals
Finally, the CRNA interviewed also stresses that it is essential to collaborate with other healthcare professionals effectively. Joanna notes that CRNAs often have ‘more respect and collaboration’ on the part of other healthcare professionals. She adds that other nursing professionals may have more problems in this sphere. However, CRNAs can and should develop efficient collaboration with other healthcare professionals. This collaboration results in the provision of high-quality services and patients’ satisfaction. Martin (2014) states that nursing professionals face various challenges when collaborating with other healthcare professionals. Some nurses report about conflicts that occur. Of course, these issues can be addressed through extensive and comprehensive training. Joanna believes such training can also benefit all healthcare facilities (including the one she works in).
Education
As has been mentioned above, Joanna stresses the importance of higher education for the CRNA. She states that her master’s program was an ‘eye-opening’ experience. She states that she has always known that lifelong learning is essential and she was ready to self-develop, but she acquired specific skills during her education. Joanna claims that she has become ‘more empowered’ and confident. This also resulted in her becoming a leader in the group of nurses working on particular improvement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to note that the interviewee unveiled certain challenges CRNAs face as well as shared her methods to address the issues arising. It is possible to identify four major areas the interviewee finds most relevant. These are documentation and reporting, diversity and relationships with patients, collaboration with other healthcare professionals as well as education and training. It is clear that CRNAs are acquiring more responsibilities and authority. This is consistent with ANP as nursing professionals are becoming more empowered (for instance, there is a debate on providing prescription authority to them). CRNAs are also ready to become active participants in the process of the development of the system. They become leaders who share their experiences and who create the need for change. They are also ready to implement the change. It is noteworthy that the interviewee pays special attention to education and it is clear that a master’s degree has become beneficial for her. The interview provides quite important insights into the practice of the CRNA. These healthcare professionals face certain issues that have to be addressed in terms of theory and practice. Educators should also focus on the gaps in the curriculum to make novice nurses more prepared for ANP practice.
Reference List
Martin, D.G. (2014). The evolving roles in anesthesiology and the team-based model. UBCMJ, 6(1), 21-23.
Perry, T.R. (2005). The certified registered nurse anesthetist: Occupational responsibilities, perceived stressors, coping strategies, and work relationships. AANA Journal, 73(5), 351-356.
Wickenhagen, S. (2015). APRN role focus: Spotlight on certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA). Sentinel, 34(1), 15.