As an integral member of the Dentistry Surgical Care Unit (DSCU) team the anesthesia assistant participates in the care of the patient during general, regional or local anesthesia. In addition to providing technical support to the anesthesiologist for complex anesthesia equipment, the anesthesia assistant administers anesthetic gases and medications, performs activities such as the provision of conscious sedation, and is responsible for the insertion and management of intravenous and arterial lines. The anesthesia assistant provides constant assessment and evaluative monitoring of the depth of anesthesia using medical directives and order sets, as applicable. An anesthesia assistant`s skills are required primarily within the pre-operative, surgical suite, and post- operative care areas, but also within clinical diagnostic areas where procedures using anesthesia are conducted. The anesthesia assistant is also an integral member of the allied health team to which there are accountabilities for professional practice and education.
The DSCU is currently running weekly on Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Qualifications
Education:
- Anesthesia Assistant Graduate Certificate (Advanced Level) -
- Current Certificate of Registration with the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO) or the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).- Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) Certification
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and / or PALS (Pediatric Advance Life Support) certification preferred
Experience:
- 2 years of critical care or operating room experience within the past 4 years
Skills, Abilities & Expertise:
- Knowledge of current anaesthesiology principles and practices, as well as agents, equipment, procedures, and techniques for the provision of anaesthesia to patients.
- Ability to interact professionally with students, staff, faculty, and patients
- Ability to foster collaboration and respect among team members
- Ability to establish effective routines for excellent communication with all members of the team to maximize productivity
- Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
- Ability to apply critical thinking to evaluate information and make appropriate decisions or recommendations with or without the collaboration of an anesthesiologist and function with confidence in emergencies
- Ability to maintain a positive, outgoing attitude with genuine customer service orientation
- Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
- Ability to apply regulations or professional standards to own work
- Genuine enthusiasm and a passion for the profession
- Ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
- Skill and ability to function effectively in emergency situations
- Self-directed, and comfortable exercising discretion and independent judgment in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to maintain an organized and effective personal work environment
- Reliable with the consistent ability to work assigned shifts is paramount
- Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate clinic needs
