At National Jewish Health, the CRNA team is an integral part of the medical staff, playing a pivotal role in delivering high-quality anesthesia services within a unique autonomous practice model. The CRNA team works alongside a multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals, including attending anesthesiologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, nurses, and technical staff, all of whom contribute to the collaborative and supportive work environment that defines the hospital’s culture.
The CRNA practice at National Jewish Health is designed to function with a high degree of autonomy, allowing CRNAs to take full responsibility for the anesthesia care they provide. Despite this independence, there is strong interdisciplinary collaboration with anesthesiologists, who serve as valuable resources in complex cases, particularly when patients present with severe comorbidities or require higher levels of clinical decision-making. This model of autonomy, paired with collaborative support, creates a highly professional and stimulating environment where CRNAs can thrive and advance their practice.
Currently, the CRNA team is undergoing a phase of rebuilding and expansion, following the departure of key staff members. The hospital is actively recruiting to restore the team to its optimal staffing levels. At full capacity, the department operates with three full-time CRNAs, along with additional per diem and locum tenens staff to provide flexibility in coverage and to ensure that the hospital can maintain its high standards of patient care even during peak periods. The long-term goal is to expand the team to four full-time CRNAs as the hospital continues to grow its procedural services, particularly in gastroenterology and pulmonology.
The CRNA team operates in close coordination with the Minimally Invasive Diagnostic Center (MIDC) at National Jewish Health, which is the hub for GI and pulmonology procedures. The daily workflow involves CRNAs administering anesthesia in three to four procedure rooms, depending on staffing and patient volume. During busy periods, each CRNA typically manages five to eight cases per day, handling a variety of procedures ranging from colonoscopies and EGDs to more complex interventional pulmonology cases. The goal is to return to full staffing, which would allow the hospital to operate at maximum efficiency, running up to four procedure rooms simultaneously.
Support for the CRNA team extends beyond the clinical environment. The hospital’s leadership, including the Director of Advanced Practice, works closely with the team to ensure that operational needs are met and that CRNAs have the resources they need to provide excellent patient care. The Director of Advanced Practice serves as the direct line manager for the CRNA team, offering administrative support and ensuring that the practice runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, the team benefits from a strong relationship with the nursing staff, many of whom hold advanced certifications such as ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support), making them well-equipped to assist in the care of high-acuity patients.
The collaborative and team-oriented culture at National Jewish Health is one of the key factors that make it an attractive place to work. Staff members frequently engage in social activities outside of work, and the camaraderie between CRNAs, nurses, and other clinical staff contributes to a supportive and enjoyable work environment. This culture of collaboration extends to the relationship between the CRNA team and the attending physicians, with everyone working toward the common goal of delivering the best possible care to patients.
Despite the recent turnover in the CRNA team, National Jewish Health remains committed to fostering a positive and collaborative workplace. The hospital is actively recruiting experienced CRNAs to rebuild the team, and there is a strong emphasis on finding candidates who will not only meet the clinical demands of the role but will also fit into the hospital’s collaborative culture. Staff longevity and retention are important priorities for the hospital, and efforts are being made to ensure that the incoming CRNAs feel supported and valued from the moment they join the team.
The broader hospital staff at National Jewish Health includes a diverse array of specialists across multiple disciplines, which enhances the collaborative environment in which the CRNA team operates. The hospital’s status as a top-tier academic medical center means that staff members are continuously engaged in learning, teaching, and professional development. This environment fosters a sense of continuous improvement and allows the CRNA team to stay at the forefront of anesthesia practice.
The CRNA team at National Jewish Health is an essential component of the hospital’s operations, contributing to the delivery of high-quality care in a unique autonomous practice model. With strong administrative support, a collaborative work environment, and opportunities for professional growth, the current and future CRNA staff at National Jewish Health are well-positioned to succeed in this dynamic and rewarding role.