01/13/2010: John Rhinehart
Utah Nurse Anesthetists
Never Miss a Beat
by John Rhinehart
Kane County Hospital in Kanab, Utah and more than 170 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) from Utah and hundreds of thousands from across the country will tell America We never miss a beat as they celebrate the 11th annual National Nurse Anesthetist Week celebration, January 24-30, 1020.
This year’s catchphrase We never miss a beat touts the quality of care that nurse anesthetists pride themselves on providing patients. To provide the safest anesthesia possible, nurse anesthetists remain by their patients’ side every moment of their procedure, monitoring their vital signs to help ensure a comfortable and safe anesthesia experience.
"As anesthesia providers, it is important to be aware of every heartbeat, every breath, and be ready to quickly respond if necessary. Which is why CRNAs are so proud to belong to a profession that has maintained a sterling record of providing patient-safety for more than 150 years," said John Rhinehart, CRNA, and Director of Anesthesia at Kane County Hospital.
Established by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), National Nurse Anesthetists Week was created to encourage CRNAs to take the opportunity to educate the public about anesthesia safety, questions to ask prior to undergoing surgery (some of those questions will be addressed in next weeks paper), and the benefits of receiving anesthesia care from nurse anesthetists.
As advanced practice nurses, CRNAs practice with a high degree of autonomy and professional respect. They carry a heavy load of responsibility.
"It is a privilege to be a part of a profession with a focal point that is dedicated to providing patient safety. Historically, CRNAs have played a considerable role in advancing trends related to monitoring technology, anesthetic drugs, and patient education. In fact, anesthesia today is nearly 50 time safer than it was in the early 1980s," says Rhinehart.
Kane County Hospital, in addition to its excellent obstetric (including epidural service) and emergency services, clinic, and skilled nursing care, has a modern and very capable surgical department. Some residents are unaware that routine surgeries such as gallbladders, hernias, ortho (bones, knees, shoulder, hands) and gynecological (women’s surgery) can all be done safely and easily at KCH. In fact, a simple request to our visiting surgeons will result in a quick and hassle-free scheduled surgery. Frequently, it is quicker and easier to get a case scheduled at KCH than in the "big city". And it is done by our very capable providers and in familiar surroundings and without all the tedious travel. In the future, it is anticipated a local surgeon will be lured to the area by our facilities and wonderful staff.
Mr. Rhinehart is available for anesthesia presentation to high school or other educational organizations. Contact him at KCH, 644-5811. Watch for various posters and CRNA week materials around town.
while providing anesthesia
