In the late 1800s, surgeons sought a solution to reduce the high morbidity and mortality associated with operative procedures. They tapped nurses as professionals who could administer anesthesia while providing patients with their undivided attention. As a result, nurses became the first professional group to provide anesthesia care. Nurse anesthesia was also the first clinical nursing specialty, although the credential, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) did not emerge until 1956. In 1986, CRNAs again made history when congressional law made them the first nursing specialty to be accorded Medicare reimbursement rights.

Today, CRNAs administer approximately 32 million anesthetics annually to patients in the United States. They participate in a full range of specialty procedures, and have also collaborated in the refinement of anesthesia techniques and equipment. These highly regarded professionals practice in every setting where anesthesia is administered, including hospital operating rooms, obstetrical delivery rooms, as well as outpatient surgery centers. They also work in the offices of dentists, podiatrists, ophthalmologists and plastic surgeons.

Nurse anesthetists have had a distinguished history as care providers to U.S. soldiers, and first ministered to wounded military during the Civil War. Today, CRNAs are performing another heroic function: stepping in to rescue rural hospitals from a severe shortage of anesthesiologists. In fact, CRNAs are the sole providers of anesthesia care in nearly 100% of rural hospitals, affording community residents access to vital trauma, obstetrical and surgical services. Without them, many rural and critical access hospitals would have to close.

Results from recent studies show that the vacancy rate is higher in rural hospitals than in non-rural hospitals, and it was lower in ambulatory surgical centers. Recent program graduation statistics reveal an unusually large number of new CRNAs entering the market, yet the vacancy rates remain relatively high.

Succeeding in this advanced, autonomous nursing role requires strong clinical skills, critical care expertise and a shift in thinking. Typically, registered nurses implement orders written by physicians. In contrast, nurse anesthetists issue orders and decide when specific interventions are necessary. During surgery, they must maintain constant vigilance, even when a procedure appears to be going routinely.

How well do these professionals perform? According to a 1999 report from the Institute of Medicine, anesthesia care is nearly 50 times safer than it was in the early 1980s. Additionally, numerous outcomes studies have demonstrated that there is no difference in the quality of care provided by CRNAs and anesthesiologists. CRNAs have also helped to control escalating healthcare costs. Their professional liability premiums are 33% lower than 20 years ago--or 62% lower when adjusted for inflation.

It's not surprising that nurses have excelled in this highly specialized area. Their training and clinical expertise, combined with highly developed patient communication skills and a consideration of the patient's total care needs, provide them with a strong foundation for success.

In this section, we present some of our top interim healthcare leaders who are completing their current assignments - and are ready to join your organization.

Candidate - Senior Project Manager

An experienced executive director with proven practice management expertise, leadership, and team building skills. Extensive background in project management, customer service, provider relations, strategic planning, financial planning and budgets, quality management, business office operations, implementing change, and human resource management. Experienced in hospital system to multiple systems in acute and ambulatory settings, operating room, oncology, imaging services experience in union and non-union settings. Currently available. Click to view this resume.

Candidate - Diagnostic Imaging Director

Diagnostic Imaging professional experienced in the direction, coordination, planning and management of all operational activities, administrative functions, physicians' relations and staff. Highly skilled project manager with financial expertise managing multi-million dollar budgets. Proven track record of leading successful teams adept at building collaborative relationships throughout the healthcare continuum. Currently available. Click to view this resume.

Candidate - Director, Practice Management

A well-educated Executive Management Professional with 17 years of diverse and effective experience. Areas of expertise include proven leadership, enhancement and success of significant administrative, fiscal operations, project management, contracting and financial analysis within Managed Care, Practice Management, Hospital and Management Services. Currently available.Click to view this resume.

For more information about these and other great interim healthcare executives, contact Jeff Souza, BSN, Chief Executive Officer, at 508-927-6890.

Our current opportunities include:

• Interim VP, Human Resources- New Jersey
• Interim VP, Physician Services - Massachusetts
• Interim OR Manager- New York
• Interim ED Director - Connecticut
• Interim Director, NICU - California
• Chief Operating Officer- Massachusetts
• Perioperative Director- Massachusetts
• Director, Financial Planning & Analysis- Massachusetts
• Director, Surgical Services- Colorado
• Administrative Director, Dept of Medicine - New York
• Manager, Physician Recruitment - Connecticut

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