Salary range: The salary range for this position is CAD $41.44 - $51.76 / hour Why Fraser Health?:
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 will 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:
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Graduation from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program
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Successful completion of the Canadian Board of Respiratory Care credentialing exam
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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 Anaesthetic Assistants, maintains records, records and enters data/information into 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 & 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.
Royal Columbian Hospital is conveniently located adjacent to the Sapperton SkyTrain station on the Expo Line1. This makes it easily accessible by public transit for both patients and staff.
Join us on an exciting project and make history. The Royal Columbian Hospital Redevelopment Project (RCHRP) is a multi-year, multi-phase project to increase the hospital's capacity, beds and services. Read more here RCHRP Phase two
RCH first opened in 1862, is a vital referral centre and regional centre of excellence for trauma, critical care, cardiac care, maternity, neonatal intensive care and neurosurgery. When the full redevelopment is complete, the people of British Columbia will have increased access to cardiac, trauma, mental health, maternity and NICU services and beds.
New Westminster is known for its stunning waterfront views along the Fraser River, located on the north side of the Fraser River bordering several municipalities in each direction (Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, and Delta), making it the centre of the Greater Vancouver region.
Experience the exceptional benefits of working with us including:
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Comprehensive, 100% Employer-Paid Benefits: Enjoy peace of mind with full coverage.
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Generous Vacation Time: eligible employees can earn up to four weeks of vacation to recharge and relax.
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Benefit Portability: Seamlessly transfer your benefits from another HEABC employer.
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Immediate Pension Enrollment: Secure your future with a defined municipal pension plan from day one.
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Maternity Top-Up: Receive an 87% top-up during maternity leave.
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TransLink Pass Subsidy: Save on commuting costs with a 50% subsidy on TransLink passes
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Additional employee discounts and perks available
- Eligibility based on employment status
Detailed Overview:
In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of Fraser Health, and established standards of practice and guidelines of the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society, the Anesthesia Assistant Trainee reports to the Manager, Clinical Operations and functions as an integral member of the surgical team through provision of technical support and clinical assistance with induction, maintenance and emergence of anesthesia, under direct clinical supervision of the Anesthesiologist.
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and anesthesia teams at the assigned sites (e.g. Anesthesiologist, Manager, Clinical Operations, Supervisor, Anesthesia Assistant (where applicable)) will assess trainee progress and develop ongoing plans to help the trainee meet all learning requirements.
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, tests, and maintains 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 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 with the induction of anesthesia 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 the Anesthesiologist with the procurement of regional blockade via ultrasound, peripheral nerve stimulation, x-ray and/or a combination.
- Assists the Anesthesiologist with perioperative fiber optic airway procedures through 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.
- Administers prescribed pharmacological agents to the patient under the direction of the Anesthesiologist, observes side effects and efficacy of treatment during anesthesia to ensure the patient responds appropriately.
- Under the direct supervision of the Anesthesiologist, initiates mechanical ventilation and titrates the anaesthetic according to care plan to ensure optimal maintenance of anesthesia. Monitors and adjusts ventilation modalities as required to ensure adequate patient ventilation and oxygenation.
- Assists with the documentation of patient data on the Anesthesia Record by charting 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 Anesthesiologist 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 and assists with intraoperative crises such cardiac arrest and malignant hyperthermia response within the perioperative units and assists the Anesthesiologist in providing airway, ventilatory and circulatory support.
- Assists with providing diagnostic data for the Anesthesiologist through methods such as blood sampling and analysis, end tidal CO2 monitoring, pulse oximetry and transcutaneous monitoring.
- Maintains an inventory of anesthesia equipment and supplies through methods such as identifying requirement of replenishment of equipment and notifying Biomedical Engineering and/or staff in accordance with established procedures.
- 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.
- Maintains and develops professional knowledge by attending educational/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 River's 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.
