The Anesthesia Assistant (AA) works as a member of the Anesthetic Care Team, providing clinical care and assistance to the Department of Anesthesia in all areas of the Operating Room (OR), Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU), Pre Admission Facility, Surgical Day Care, Regional Room, Labour and Delivery, Diagnostic Imaging, Cystoscopy, Endoscopy, and all other related areas where anesthesia may be involved. The Anesthesia Assistant will do so in accordance with the professional standards, hospital policies, medical directives and physician orders.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Provides a range of clinical anesthesia services for the Perioperative patient in relation to the care and management of patients undergoing anesthesia
- Performs comprehensive pre, intra, and post-operative assessments of patients by using clinical knowledge and critical thinking to design the appropriate care plan
- Provides appropriate monitoring, interventions and clinical management according to certification and scope of practice
- Practices in accordance with the standards of practice and guidelines as outlined by the Canadian Anaesthesiologists Society (CAS)
- Participates in teaching of students during their OR clinical rotation
- Participates in anesthesia related research
- Acts as a resource for anesthesia assistant related practice, equipment and supplies
- Performs other duties as requested by the Anesthetic Care Team, the Perioperative Leadership Team, and/or the Chief of Anesthesia
- Ensures effective and safe patient care by demonstrating continuous improvement, education, and awareness of best practices
Qualifications/Skills
- Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program or Nursing Program required
- Current registration in good standing with the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario or College of Nurses of Ontario required
- Successful completion of an accredited Anesthesia Assistant Program
- Certified in Basic & Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BCLS and ACLS) required
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification an asset
- Minimum of one (1) year of AA experienced is required. 2-5 years AA experience preferred
- 2 years Critical Care experience preferred
- Demonstrated proficiency with pre-anesthetic preparation, induction, maintenance, and alteration of anesthesia, administration of adjunctive treatment, emergence and continuity of care into and during time in PACU
- Demonstrated proficiency in airway management and manual ventilation with and without an established advanced airway (ETT and/or LMA)
- Demonstrated proficiency in intravenous line insertion and arterial line insertion
- Demonstrated proficiency with mechanical ventilation skills (invasive and non-invasive) including appropriate application, settings and adjustments based on clinical picture and ABG/VBG interpretation
- Demonstrated proficiency with point of care testing
- Current Blood Module certifications
- Excellent knowledge and demonstrated advanced ability to assess patient responses to care during anesthesia
- Demonstrated excellent and effective communication skills using all modalities. Able to speak effectively with patients, families and colleagues
- Demonstrated excellent team membership and leadership including participation and leading education sessions for staff and students
This contract is until April 2025.
Note: Internal applicants will need to apply internally, otherwise your application will not be considered.