Sumo Medial Staffing

We’ve come a long way from the battlefields of the American Civil War where nurse anesthetists first began providing care to patients. As the profession continues to grow, CRNAs have expanded their scope of practice and enhanced patient outcomes in ways we never would have dreamed of 150 years ago. 

Today, CRNAs often work under two models while delivering anesthesia – the Anesthesia Care Team Model or as solo providers.  Under the care team model, or ACT, an anesthesiologist leads the anesthesia team and supervises anesthesia personnel, including the CRNA. While the physician may delegate certain tasks, he or she retains overall responsibility for the patient.  

This team model is used for patients ranging in age, gender, race and medical need across various settings, such as Labor & Delivery, Trauma Care and Chronic Pain Management.  

Under this model, CRNAs stay with their patients throughout a procedure, while the anesthesiologist is nearby.  

Typically, the physician anesthesiologist assesses and prepares the patient before surgery, lays out the anesthesia plan and makes sure the CRNA or anesthesia assistant will be with the patient during and after the surgery to provide post-anesthesia care and be available to assist during the surgery if the need arises. In this care model, CRNAs are an extra set of hands and eyes.  

During surgery, the patient’s life rests in the hands of the CRNA. This requires CRNAs to use every aspect of their anesthesia education and training, nursing skills, and scientific knowledge. In addition to monitoring vital signs and modifying anesthesia as needed, CRNAs also analyze situations, make decisions and communicate clearly with other members of the team, responding quickly in case of an emergency. 

While some facilities choose to use an “all-MD” model for anesthesia care, because of the higher costs necessary to meet staffing costs, it is less common in larger hospitals and surgery centers than the ACT model. In some instances, CRNAs work solo, without the direct supervision or direction of an anesthesiologist.  

Research has confirmed that CRNAs are safe, high-quality providers with one goal: to ensure patients receive the safest, most cost-effective anesthesia care available. In the U.S., more than half of all states do not require a CRNA to work under physician supervision. And numerous studies have shown no difference in patient outcomes whether anesthesia is administered by a CRNA or an anesthesiologist. 

In fact, CRNAs are the primary providers of anesthesia care across rural America, giving millions of Americans access to surgical, obstetrical, pain management and trauma care in their own communities. So, whether in private practice, rural clinics, suburban medical centers or urban hospital complexes, CRNAs are providing much needed care to patients in their time of need.  

In a profession that demands precision and skill, CRNAs are uniquely suited to the task. SUMO Medical Staffing is uniquely suited to the task as well – with a proven track record in helping locum tenens CRNAs find the job that best fits their needs. Our staffing representatives are ready to discuss your career goals and future. Request a consultation with a locum tenens staffing specialist today.