Anaesthesia Assistant Trainee

Overview

Join to apply for the Anaesthesia Assistant Trainee role at Fraser Health Authority.

Salary: CAD $39.26 - $49.01 / hour

Job Summary

If you are a Respiratory Therapist looking for career advancement and training to become an Anesthesia Assistant, Fraser Health is dedicated to supporting your development by sponsoring 100% of your tuition, textbooks and wages! Upon successful completion, you may be offered either a regular full-time or part-time position in an existing vacancy in the Surgical Room at Royal Columbian Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital.

Who can apply? Candidates who meet the following criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program
• Successful completion of the Canadian Board of Respiratory Care credentialing exam
• Eligible for membership with the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) and British Columbia Society of Respiratory Therapists (BCSRT)

About The Program

Anesthesia Assistant works under the direct clinical supervision of the Anaesthesiologist to provide technical support and clinical assistance in the induction, maintenance and recovery phases of anaesthesia, including monitoring physiological responses of patients during surgery.

Maintains, operates and calibrates anesthesiology, cell-saving and related equipment; maintains measurements and equipment recordings; documents procedures performed on individual patients by Anesthesia Assistants, maintains records, and enters data/information into a database. As an integrated surgical team member, participates on clinical committees, anaesthesiology research and special projects.

If selected for this training program, you will be required to complete one year of both classroom theory-based courses from TRU and clinical practice with Fraser Health & the greater Vancouver Health Authorities. For the Fall 2025 cohort, there are five seats at Royal Columbian Hospital and one seat with Surrey Memorial Hospital. To be eligible, one must be an acute Respiratory Therapist and complete a return of service upon program completion.

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 anesthesia, including explaining procedures and answering questions.
• Assists with 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 Anesthesiologist of the patient's status.
• Assists in preparing, testing, and maintaining the integrity of equipment for use in anesthesia, including anesthesia machines and monitors, cerebral oximeter, EEG monitor, peripheral nerve stimulators, ultrasound machines, nitric delivery system, intubation equipment, fiber optic laryngoscope, breathing circuits, ventilators, scavenging devices, monitoring devices, infusion pumps/lines and blood gas lines; identifies malfunctions and liaises with Biomedical Engineering and/or vendor(s).
• Assists with the induction of anesthesia and management of airway, ventilation, IV/arterial access, and central line insertion as directed by the Anesthesiologist.
• Assists with regional blockade via ultrasound, peripheral nerve stimulation, x-ray and/or a combination.
• Assists with perioperative fiber optic airway procedures and monitoring of physiological responses.
• Administers prescribed pharmacological agents under the direction of the Anesthesiologist and monitors patient responses.
• Under direct supervision, initiates mechanical ventilation and titrates anesthesia; monitors and adjusts ventilation as required.
• Assists with documentation of patient data on the Anesthesia Record, including vital signs and anesthesia details.
• Assists with patient emergence from anesthesia and transfer to recovery or other designated area, monitoring respiratory status during transport.
• Assists with patient transfers in and out of the Operating Room as needed.
• Responds to intraoperative crises and provides airway, ventilatory and circulatory support as directed.
• Assists with diagnostic data collection (blood sampling, end tidal CO2, pulse oximetry, etc.).
• Maintains inventory of anesthesia equipment and supplies and liaises with Biomedical Engineering as needed.
• Participates in infection control and maintains professional knowledge through education/training events.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
Graduation from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program. One year of experience in an acute care hospital environment or equivalent. Active enrolment in the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Anesthesia Assistant post-diploma program and the ability to start the Anesthesia Assistant program with all required prerequisite courses completed.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to assess client responses to care, and to respond appropriately.
• Ability to adjust to new or unexpected events.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others as a member of the interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to establish workload priorities in collaboration with others.
• Ability to plan and implement anesthesia related plans of care.
• Ability to deal effectively with patients, families, staff, physicians and other health care providers.
• Skill in CPR techniques.
• Skill in the use of related medical equipment and supplies.
• Computer skills including the ability to effectively use a computerized patient care information system.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Note: This description excludes non-essential marketing content and site noise present in the original. The core responsibilities and qualifications have been preserved for clarity.

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