Anaesthesia Assistant

**Article Flag: Mandatory Vaccination Please Note**:
As per the current Public Health Orders (Long Term Care/Seniors Assisted Living Provincial Health Order and the Health Sector Order), as of October 26, 2021, all employees working for Providence Health Care must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be required.

**Summary**:
Within the context of a client and family centered model of care and, in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Providence Health Care, the person promotes a safe, respectful, and civil working environment for patients, residents, families, visitors and staff.

Reporting to the Supervisor, Anaesthesia Assistant and under the direction of the Anaesthesiologist, performs duties related to the care of patients having an anaesthetic in the operating room, cardiac and surgical procedure rooms and at designated Providence Health Care sites in accordance with the standards of practice and guidelines as outlined by the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society (CAS). The position provides direct patient care, including pre and post operative assessment of patients, and psycho-social support pre-operatively and during the induction phase of anaesthesia. The Anaesthesia Assistant provides monitored care in the procurement of intravenous lines, arterial lines and assistance with central line catheters, and block procedures. Performs duties related to the management of the airway, ventilation, monitoring techniques and the maintenance/titration of anaesthesia. The position prepares, tests and maintains the integrity of equipment for use in anaesthesia in accordance with the Canadian Standards Association, administers prescribed pharmacologist agents under the direction of the Anaesthesiologist and charts clinical findings. The Anaesthesia Assistant responds as a key member of the cardiac arrest and malignant hyperthermia response teams, provides diagnostic data for the Anaesthesiologist, teaches students and contributes to the development and evaluation of clinical materials and program planning and procedures.

**Qualifications / Skills and Education**:
Education
Completion of an accredited post-graduate Anaesthesia Assistant Program. Three (3) years' recent, related clinical care experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Eligibility for registration with the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) or eligibility for membership with the Canadian Anaesthesiologists' Society (CAS).

Skills and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of current anaesthesia theory and practice.

Broad knowledge of the CAS clinical practice guidelines for Anaesthesia Assistant.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Demonstrated ability to assess client responses to care and to respond appropriately.

Demonstrated ability to deal with conflict situations.

Demonstrated ability to use critical decision making skills.

Demonstrated knowledge of research process and methodology.

Demonstrated knowledge in the use of medical equipment and supplies appropriate to the clinical area.

Ability to deal with others effectively.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.

Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.

Demonstrated ability to communicate with and deal effectively with patients, families, staff, physicians, and other health care providers.

Demonstrated ability to teach students.

Demonstrated knowledge and ability to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) procedures appropriate for the area of service.

Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Ability to organize work.

Ability to operate related equipment.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:
Assists in the preparation of the patient for surgery and ensures patient comfort by providing psycho-social support pre-operatively and during the induction phase of anaesthesia, including explaining procedures and answering questions. Consults with the Anaesthesiologist to establish an anaesthetic plan for patient management.

Provides pre and post-operative assessment of patients by performing an anesthetic risk and airway assessment and determining the general physical status of the patient. Advises the Anaesthesiologist of the patient's status.

Prepares, tests, and maintains the integrity of equipment for use in anaesthesia, including anaesthesia machines, ultrasound machines, nitric delivery system, intubation equipment, fiber optic laryngoscope, breathing circuits, ventilators, scavenging devices, monitoring devices, infusion pumps/lines and blood gas lines through methods such as setting up, calibrating, operating and monitoring the equipment. Identifies malfunctions, carries out minor maintenance in accordance with Canadian Standards Association and liaises with Biomedical Engineering and/or vendor(s) to maintain optimal performance of equipment.

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