Anaesthesia Assistant, Women's Perioperative Services (Incentives Available)

Company : IWK Health

Req ID:
Department/Program: Women's Anaesthesia, Women's & Newborn Health
Location: Halifax
Type of Employment: Permanent Hourly FT (% FTE) x 1 position(s)
Start Date: To be determined
Union Status: NSGEU Hlthcare, Healthcare Bargaining Unit
Compensation: $46. - $63. /hour
Closing Date: Open until filled

Successful candidates may be eligible for a signing bonus incentive of up to $5, with a recommended return of service period of two years.
Relocation assistance of up to $5, may be included for those that qualify. In turn, a Return of Service will be required.

IWK Health is a respected academic health sciences centre located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, providing tertiary and primary care for two million children, youth, adults and families each year across the Atlantic region. We have a team of approximately employees, physicians, volunteers and learners at sites across . People build careers with IWK Health with our focus on training and mentorship opportunities. We recognize each other’s talent and celebrate our successes. We collaborate in modern facilities or virtually from home, align our work to our , and enjoy access to enhanced and wellness programs. We are proud to support our patients, families and communities and are grateful for the generous donor support we receive.

Promoting an anti-racist environment, and calling out discrimination as we work and provide care, is important to us. We are located in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people. Working in Mi’kma’ki and providing care to those across Atlantic Canada is a shared privilege with the original inhabitants who have lived here for many thousands of years prior to colonization. There are 13 First Nation communities across Nova Scotia, and more than 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities who also have a long, deep, and complex history dating back over years. We have the highest percentage of people with disabilities in the country. Nova Scotia has the highest proportions of transgender and non-binary people than any other province or territory in the country. We are active in our work to eliminate discrimination, but have more work to do to build that trust, acknowledge our biases and reduce the barriers our diverse communities face. We want IWK Health to be a safe and supportive space of equity and belonging in the care we provide and the employment we offer. We welcome all interested persons who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Colour, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply to support our goal for our workforce to be representative of the patients, families, and communities that we care for at all job levels.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager, Women's Ambulatory, Perioperative Services, Breast Health, and Midwifery, the Anaesthesia Assistant will act as an integral member of the Perioperative team. The Anaesthesia Assistant will work in close collaboration with the Department of Anesthesia and will be responsible for assisting the Anaesthesiologist in all aspects of anesthesia care. The Anaesthesia Assistant will, under the supervision of the Anaesthesiologist, monitor patients and provide perioperative support in the Gynecology/Breast Health, OR/PACU, and Birth Unit. They also provide technical support in preparing for patients undergoing anesthesia care including assisting with awake intubations, difficult airways, emergency situations, and Epidural care. Other related duties include education of various health care professionals and introducing new technology.

Hours of Work

24-hour coverage; 8 hours and 12-hour shifts as per operational requirements.

Your Qualifications

• Successful completion of a Diploma/Degree in Respiratory Therapy from a recognized/accredited Canadian program required OR Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing required (candidates with equivalent experience and education will be considered).
• Anesthesia Assistant Certification/Diploma required.
• Minimum three years Anaesthesia Assistant experience required.
• Registered, or eligible to be registered, with the Nova Scotia College of Respiratory Therapists (NSCRT) OR Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) required.
• Current successful completion of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (BLS) Program within the last 12 months, or successful completion of a BLS Renewal Challenge Certificate.
• Current certification in ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support)
• Demonstrated clinical and technical competence in an adult anaesthesia/respiratory therapy setting required.
• Demonstrated competence in communication, interpersonal relations, problem-solving and computer applications required.