Professional Attributes of the Nurse Anesthetist Practice Considerations
Introduction
Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) begin their anesthesia careers as registered nurses entering nurse anesthesia education programs and transition into various practice roles as clinicians, educators, researchers and administrators over a career.1 Nurse anesthetists continue to improve professionally through self-assessment and peer-review of clinical and nonclinical skills to effectively transition to new practice roles and evolve in their careers.
Professional Attributes of the Nurse Anesthetist provides a framework of non-clinical attributes for the nurse anesthetist to reference to support successful transitions. These non-clinical attributes are relevant for all roles and settings when working with patients, colleagues and teams.
Professional Attributes
Professional attributes are the non-clinical knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgments that are fundamental for success.1,2 In addition to formal nurse anesthesia education and practice experience, these professional attributes serve as the foundation for ongoing professional development, personal satisfaction and career engagement CRNAs and student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) are devoted to professional excellence and acquire additional skills and attributes specific to their area of interest.
I. Collaborative3-8
The nurse anesthetist works with others to develop shared solutions.
Attributes:
• Articulates thoughts and ideas clearly
• Regulates emotions
• Shows respect for other team member’s positions and ideas
• Implements innovative problem solving strategies
II. Culturally Competent9-19
The nurse anesthetist respectfully interacts with others, regardless of their culture, to achieve a shared vision
Attributes:
• Recognizes and values diversity, equity and inclusion
• Self-aware of one’s own implicit bias
• Embraces cultural humility as a life-long process
• Accommodates literacy needs and linguistic barriers of patients
• Incorporates educational training on cultural competency into practice
III. Evidence Based Practice20-23
The nurse anesthetist evaluates and integrates scientific research, expert opinion, patient preferences and other metrics to improve processes and outcomes.
Attributes:
• Exhibits intellectual curiosity
• Searches for relevant information, evaluates, ranks and synthesizes best evidence
• Integrates scientific evidence with practice experience to improve processes and outcomes
IV. Leader4,24-32
The nurse anesthetist creates and articulates clear direction and vision to engage others to accomplish shared goals.
Attributes
• Mentors and empowers diverse individuals and teams
• Demonstrates transparency, engagement and adaptability
• Assesses own and team performance for quality assurance and improvement activities
V. Professionally Engaged8,25,26,33-35
The nurse anesthetist advances and advocates for the nurse anesthesia specialty.
Attributes
• Represents and advances the mission, vision and values of the nurse anesthesia profession
• Engages in lifelong learning through continuing education and professional development to enhance clinical knowledge, skills, abilities and judgment
• Consistently maintains professional boundaries in all actions and communications
• Conducts professional interactions that are sincere to avoid any form of deception
• Fulfills agreed upon professional or contractual obligations and responsibilities
VI. Situationally Aware8,36,37
The nurse anesthetist uses knowledge, experience and perception to identify critical elements to make a decision.
Attributes
• Applies critical thought, experiences and best evidence to each unique situation
• Seeks additional resources as necessary to inform decision-making prior to taking action
• Manages emotions
• Demonstrates accountability for decisions
VII. Teacher1,38-41
The nurse anesthetist fosters an environment that encourages successful learning and understanding of information for patients and others.
Attributes:
• Assesses learning styles and preferences of the learner
• Communicates knowledge and assess learner’s understanding
• Evaluates learning to provide feedback
VIII. Well42-54
The nurse anesthetist makes lifestyle choices that promote the positive and healthy balance of personal and professional environments.
Attributes:
• Engages in physical, mental and emotional self-care to prevent burnout and maintain wellbeing
• Demonstrates adaptability, resilience and stress management
• Seeks appropriate help or support to maintain mental and physical health
• Develops and uses appropriate coping skills
** For live and confidential support related to drug/alcohol concerns please call the AANA Helpline at (800) 654-5167
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Adopted by AANA Board of Directors September 2016
Revised by AANA Board of Directors April 2023.
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