LAUNCH OF THE OFFICIAL KRNA SCOPE OF PRACTICE
It has been three years in the making. The journey to develop a Scope of Practice for the Kenya Registered Nurse Anesthetists started during a meeting among a small group of practicing KRNAs. This document was something that every KRNA wanted to have so that the primary employer, the Government of Kenya, could formally adopt this cadre of practitioners into the health structure. The journey to have nurse anesthesia practice in Kenya started in the early 2000s. Some nurses left the country for certificate training programs available across our borders in countries like Tanzania. Others served as theatre nurses and were trained on the job to give anesthesia. At Kijabe, the sole anesthesiologist at the time-Dr. Mark Newton-started training his theatre nurses to give anesthesia. Having come from the US where a mix of physician and nurse anesthesia providers is standard practice in some setting, he knew that there was potential for this practice to be replicated here. Since formal accreditation in 2006, the numbers have grown to more than 200 practicing and student KRNAs
Caption from speech prepared by chief guest
In Kenya, we face a huge gap in the number of anesthesia providers. This is one of the reasons non-physician anesthesia providers (NPAPs)-the clinical officers and nurses cadres- were approved and accredited. We still have a long way to go in terms of numbers. Such documents are a testament to the need to hold healthcare professionals to standards that will ensure patient safety above all.
On 14th June the 1st Edition of the Scope of practice was formally launched during the 8th Annual KRNA conference held in Nyeri County. The document further cements the role of nurse anesthetists as a vital part of provision of safe anesthesia. Invited Guests representing various organizations including National and County Government, Nursing Council of Kenya, various nursing bodies including the NNAK, NACOA, and representatives of Center for Public Health and Development, joined us for the launch. These guests represent institutions that have supported the development of the KRNA Scope of Practice
Ms. Priscilla Emojong, Head of Nursing Education, Training and Research, Office of Director of Nursing, MoH
This document that we are here to launch today is meant to serve as a guide to define who a nurse anesthetist is and what role they play in our health system. Anesthesia care is a critical need in a health system. It is said that there can be no surgery without anesthesia. I know that the under-served communities in rural Kenya, especially pregnant mothers, are grateful for the services you provide.
The KRNA Chapter appreciates all members, partners, donors, employers and colleagues who have supported us to ensure that this document becomes a reality.
With support from partners like ImPACT Africa and Center for Public Health and Development, the idea of an official Government document recognizing KRNAs has become a reality. This scope of practice will form the foundation for the development of a scheme of service that will allow the Human Resource system in both Government and private employers recruit and retain nurse anesthetists.
Samson Miriti, KRNA Chapter Chairman, 2017-To date
