Anesthesia Assistant - 1.0 FTE
Location: St Paul’s Hospital
Job Description
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.
Assists Anaesthesiologist with the induction of anaesthesia through methods such as providing management of airway, the establishment of ventilation, the procurement of intravenous and arterial lines and assisting Pulmonary Artery and other central line insertion.
Assists Anaesthesiologist with the procurement of regional blockade via ultrasound, peripheral nerve stimulation, x-ray and/or a combination.
Assists Anaesthesiologist with perioperative fiber optic airway procedures through methods such as establishing venous access, the administration of topical anaesthetics for the airway, preparation of the difficult airway cart and assistance with performing endotracheal intubation. Monitors the patients' physiological response to procedural stimulation/medication.
Provides monitored care in accordance with CAS guidelines and implements anesthetic plan determined by the Anaesthesiologist through methods such as assessing the general condition of the patient using various monitoring techniques, evaluating outcomes based on their assessment to determine next steps and making recommendations to the Anaesthesiologist related to pain management intervention. Administers prescribed pharmacological agents to the patient under the direction of the Anaesthesiologist, observes side effects and efficacy of treatment during anesthesia to ensure the patient responds appropriately.
Under the direction of the Anaesthesiologist, initiates mechanical ventilation and titrates the anaesthetic according to care plan to ensure optimal maintenance of anaesthesia. Monitors and adjusts ventilation modalities as required to ensure adequate patient ventilation and oxygenation.
Charts clinical findings such as vital signs (ECG, heart rate, blood pressure and temperature), respiratory status, including Tidal Volume, Rate, Volatile agent concentration, Ventilation mode and pressures.
Assists with patient emergence from anesthesia by providing airway maintenance such as aspiration of secretions from the trachea and pharynx, patient extubation, discontinuing monitors and removing anesthesia equipment after surgical procedures. Assists the Anaesthesiologist in transporting the patient to the recovery room or other designated area by accompanying and monitoring patient's respiratory status during transport.
Assists with patient transfer in and out of Operating Room as determined by the critical nature of the patient's status.
Responds as a key member of the cardiac arrest and malignant hyperthermia response teams within the perioperative units and assists the Anaesthesiologist in providing airway, ventilatory and circulatory support.
Provides diagnostic data for the Anaesthesiologist through methods such as blood sampling and analysis, end tidal CO2 monitoring, pulse oximetry and transcutaneous monitoring.
Maintains an inventory of anaesthesia equipment and supplies through methods such as identifying requirement of replenishment of equipment and notifying Biomedical Engineering, the Anaesthetic Aide, Stores Porter and/or through direct purchase as required.
Participates in the teaching and evaluation of students through methods such as demonstrating procedures ensuring proper exposure to all clinical activities within the Operating Room, gathering feedback from students regarding their experience and forwarding to the Supervisor as required. Guides the students' clinical experience, provides input on individual progress in achieving established clinical practice guidelines and standards of practice.
Maintains knowledge of current developments in Anaesthesia Assistant practice by reviewing professional literature, consulting with other professionals and actively participating in relevant education programs.
Contributes to the development and evaluation of clinical materials and program planning and procedures through methods such as collaborating with the Anaesthesiologist/Operations Leader and/or Supervisor, recommending and/or developing procedures to be followed by the Anaesthetic Aide related to stocking and maintenance of the anaesthesia carts and related equipment used in anaesthesia. Advises the Supervisor and/or Operations Leader of any issues.
Participates in the infection control program through methods such as assessing infection control in anesthetic equipment and disinfecting and sterilizing equipment in accordance with safety standards.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
