Anaesthesia Assistant

KEY FUNCTION:
Participate in the care of the surgical patient during general, regional, or conscious sedation anaesthesia through Medical Directives under the supervision of the Anaesthetist.

REPORTING:
Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, Operating Room and Surgical Bookings.

DUTIES:
1. Assist with the care of the patient during induction, including administering prescribed anaesthetic agents under the direction of the Anaesthetist, observing for side effects and efficacy of treatment, and assess the patient’s physiological status during anaesthesia.

2. Provide diagnostic data to the Anaesthetist or Surgeon (e.g. blood gases, pulse oximetry, transcutaneous monitoring, and end tidal Carbon Dioxide (CO2)).
3. Adjust therapies and maintain fluid therapies based on changing clinical data and medical directives.
4. Perform procedural sedation.

5. Assist in preparing the patient for surgery (e.g. complete the pre-op assessment, insert lines and tubes (e.g. intravenous and nasogastric), and position the patient).
6. Assist with or perform airway management (e.g. insert the laryngeal and tracheal intubation, mask ventilation, aspirate secretions from trachea and pharynx, removal of laryngeal mask airways, and tracheal extubation).
7. Prepare patient and assist with regional anesthesia.

8. Maintain and stock the block room as required.
9. Assist with evaluation of anaesthetic equipment, troubleshoot anaesthetic equipment failures, and maintain supply inventory.
10. Work in conjunction with Biomedical Technologists and Anaesthetists to conduct preventative maintenance on anaesthetic gas machines.

11. Perform minor maintenance and repair of equipment, and arrange and coordinate servicing or repair as required.
12. Ensure supply inventory to designated carts (e.g. Malignant Hyperthermia cart).
13. Keep abreast with market and best practices regarding equipment and anaesthetic trials.

14. Assist with patient care in Post-Acute Care Unit (PACU) and transfer of patient to Critical Care, and report to PACU as required.
15. Assist Anesthetists in Diagnostic Imaging, Gastrointestinal (GI), and Minor Procedures departments as required.
16. Assist with orientation of new Anaesthesia medical staff, including participation in training programs and in-servicing including participation at the Simulation Lab.

17. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
18. Contribute to learner development by providing academic support, mentorship, preceptorship and supervision as required.
19. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.

20. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
21. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required.
22. Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
1. Minimum of a one (1) year Diploma as an Anaesthesia Assistant within the last 5 years, from an accredited college.
2. Current Certificate of Registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) or College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO) is required.
3. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE:
1. Training or recent experience working as an Anaesthesia Assistant in an Operating Room (OR) department within the last four (4) years.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
1. Demonstrated knowledge of the Canadian Standards Guidelines regarding anaesthesia equipment.

2. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with the Surgical team to meet the patient’s needs.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
4. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with patients, physicians, and other Health Care Professionals.

5. Demonstrated excellent judgment, leadership, problem-solving, and proven analytical skills.
6. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.
7. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.

8. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
9. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
10. Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize as required.

11. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.
12. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY:
1. Successful Vulnerable Sector Check is required.

2. Demonstrated high level initiative and self-direction.
3. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
4. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.

5. Demonstrated positive work record and excellent attendance record.
6. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
7. Ability to travel between local sites.

Selection Process:  Candidates will be selected for this position on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume and completed Application Form submitted. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview where required. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
 

Health Sciences North is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages of employment.

HSN THANKS ALL APPLICANTS.
ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME.