Anesthesiology is not confined to the operating room, or lowering the ether mask. Anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) can be found all over MeritCare — in Admissions, the ER, the OR, in patient rooms, in the clinic, in Radiology, birthing rooms and in the Intensive Care Unit.
Common Procedures
The anesthesia staff makes people comfortable during procedures and provides pain relief. This might happen before a surgery, during the placement of a pacemaker, or before childbirth. This team also works in the emergency room, where duties may include maintaining respiration for someone involved in a major car accident, or for sedating a person. In addition to administering anesthesia, this team monitors vital signs and works with Pain Management Services to evaluate and treat patients suffering from a variety of acute and chronic painful conditions.
Additional Information
The doctors and CRNAs visit with a person before any procedure where anesthesia may be used. They discuss the options, the side effects and how the drug will be administered.