Need understanding of what a regional anesthesia nurse does?

[Spinnurse]

I am going to apply for a "regional anesthesia (staff) nurse position. What interests me about it is the schedule is 6am to 230pm m to Friday and every 8th weekend, and one major holiday requirement. It says only a BLS is required not ACLS. So im unsure if this would be even in the OR. I imagine it may be a nurse that works under the pain management service that goes on the inpatient floors to check on epidurals and what not. (I have heard of such nurse that does this) but unsure really what would be involved in a position like this.

I have inpatient hemonc and pcu experience. I have worked with epidurals but very few times over the past 7 yrs.  I have great assessment and critical thinking skills. I did have my ACLS but it expired last year and is not required on the med surg hemonc floor.

Any advice and information would help

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Regional anesthesia is most often performed by CRNA's. and physician anesthesiologists. 

Appears the "Nerve Block Nurse" role instituted to help decrease OR downtime.   This article describes how Duke University (70  implemented a nerve block team with RN's  evaluating patient appropriateness, performing assessment, patient instruction. time out, and instilling local anesthesia post physician insertion catheter and patient monitoring.  Registered Nurses will need to contact their individual State Board of Nursing to verify that their licensure allows administration of local anesthesia and adjustment of a nerve stimulator.    

In PA, PA BON  RN Anesthesia  requires "The registered nurse has successfully completed the educational program of a school for nurse anesthetists accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Education Programs of Nurse Anesthesia of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists."

Like to hear from our CRNA colleagues regarding this expanded role.

Implementing a Regional Anesthesia BlockNurse Team in the Perianesthesia CareUnit