Respiratory Therapist II - Anesthesia Assistant Training Line

Reporting to the Patient Care Manager for Surgery, the focus of this training roll will be to support the ongoing professional development of the successful candidate in enrolling in the AHS Anesthesia Assistant education program. The program will include both virtual and in person instructor lead learning, self-directed learning, and a clinical component. The successful candidate will be required to travel to Calgary and Edmonton periodically to meet ongoing training requirements. Daily work, under the direction and supervision (direct or indirect) of the attending anesthesiologist, will include: assisting with the delivery of general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and monitored anesthesia care; administering various anesthetics, medical gases, medications, blood and blood products and various crystalloid or colloid solutions; assembling, operating and monitoring anesthetic gas machines; invasive and non-invasive monitoring techniques, interprets results, and evaluates patient’s response to interventions; application of ultrasound as required for line placement, nerve block placement, or clinical assessment; managing mechanical ventilation including mode, adjunct and oxygen changes, internal transport of ventilated and/or anesthetized patients; blood tests and interpretation; oxygen therapies; airway management; accurate, complete, clear and concise clinical documentation; effective communication with the surgeon, surgical team and anesthesiologist; early recognition of critical events and initiation of supportive and corrective action. Successful candidates will be required to sign a return for service agreement of 1 year upon posting into an Anesthesia Assistant position as agreed upon by AHS and HSAA within the current MOA. There are 2 positions available.

As a Respiratory Therapist II, you will coordinate, monitor and assess clinical services in your assigned area. You will act as a clinical resource for daily operations, coordinating the work of therapy assessment and treatment in your service area, and assist in the development of clinical protocols. You will develop and implement respiratory therapy care plans and monitor the progress of patients (clients, residents) receiving advanced respiratory treatment. You will identify new equipment requirements, and establish and maintain adequate levels of supplies and materials for your area. You will be responsible for respiratory equipment, including but not limited to operation, procurement, maintenance, and quality assurance. You will participate in interprofessional patient, client or resident rounds, conferences and meetings where applicable.

Active or eligible registration with the College and Association of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CARTA).

Graduated from a recognized school of Respiratory Therapy and have successfully passed the National Respiratory Certification Exam as administered by the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapy (CSRT). Current certifications in: Basic Cardiac Life Support-Healthcare Provider (BCLS-HCP), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Peripheral Access Vascular Devise (PVAD) insertion, care, flushing and removal are required. Completion of the Procedural Sedation (PS) qualification exam and medical administration skills checklist are required. The candidate must have current Operating Room experience with completed competencies in intubation, arterial line insertion and autologous transfusion. Including experience in the following services Women’s Health, Thoracic, EBUS, Arthroplasty, Urology, Robotics, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Trauma, Plastics, OMFS, Neurosurgery, Spine, Otolaryngology, and Ophthalmology. The incumbent must possess excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, have a positive attitude, and initiative and be highly motivated with the ability to work independently and under supervision. The preferred candidate must be willing to complete additional anesthesia care team education modules.

Applicants with expertise in Connect Care and experience with interprofessional teams are preferred.