Anesthesiology
Anesthesia services at Cheboygan Memorial Hospital are provided by a staff of (Board) Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) who have completed rigorous graduate level education and clinical training. They are required to have successfully passed national certification exams by the National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) which involves continuing education updates in order to maintain their certified status.
Our providers are proficient in using the latest technology and methods to provide state-of-the-art anesthesia care while minimizing the pain and recovery time for the patient. They come to CMH through a partnership with Anesthesia Staffing Consultants, Inc., who has remained committed to assisting in the provision of quality care with CMH since 2005.
Prior to surgery, our CRNAs will meet with you to discuss your anesthesia, based on the needs of your procedure and your medical condition. A plan will be formulated and discussed with your surgeon to consider the types of anesthesia available. These anesthesia care methods include general, spinal, epidural, and other nerve blocks. While in surgery, your CRNA will also continuously monitor your heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen levels to enxure maximum safety.
Types of Anesthesia
General Anesthesia: This is the careful administration of anesthetics which render the patient unconscious and unable to feel pain during the procedure. Additionally, the CRNA will monitor all vital signs while the patient is under Anesthesia in order to ensure a safe recovery.
Regional Anesthesia: This is the method of anesthesia that involves the administration of a neuraxial block, which leaves a region of the body unable to feel pain during and after the procedure. This method of anesthesia is designed to minimize the amount of additional medication needed by the patient as well as ensure the quickest and most pleasant recovery.
Sedation and Monitored Anesthesia Care: This method is used for more minor procedures, and is intended to make the patient more comfortable while the surgeon works on a numbered portion of the body. The level of sedation may vary, so the CRNA will continuously monitor vital signs and adjust the level of sedation as needed.
Do's and Don't After Anesthesia
Don't drive a car or operate machinery for at least 24 hours. After anesthesia, your reactions and judgement may be impaired and such impairment makes driving a car dangerous to you and to others.
Don't make any important decisions or sign any legal documents for the day as the impairment relates not only to your physical activities, but also your mental state.
Don't take any medications unless prescribed by, or discussed with your physician. Some medications may adversely interact with anesthetic drugs or chemicals remaining in your body.
Don't drink alcohol for at least 24 hours. Alcohol is also considered a drug, meaning that an alcoholic drink has the potential to negatively react with the anesthetic in your system. This includes hard liquor, beer and wine.
Do leave the health care facility accompanied by a responsible adult. This person will ensure that you travel home safely, as well as, provide immediate care at home. You should continue to have this adult with you for 24 hours after surgery.
Do remain quietly at home for the rest of the day and rest. You need rest because you have received anesthesia AND because you have undergone a surgical procedure.
Do take liquids first, and then slowly progress to a light meal. Heavy foods can be difficult for your system to digest, thereby increasing the chance for discomfort.
Do call your nurse anesthetist, your physician, or the facility where you were treated if you have any questions or concerns regarding the effects of your procedure.
REMEMBER - Communication and cooperation are essential to the anesthesia process. Active participation in your care helps ensure your safety and comfort.
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