Under the direction of an Anesthesiologist, the Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) assembles necessary supplies and equipment, and administers intravenous, spinal, and other anesthetics prior to surgical or other medical procedures. The AA monitors patient reactions and vital signs during and after anesthesia and takes remedial action when warranted. The AA submits postoperative reports on patient condition and maintains records of anesthetics administered. The AA provides anesthesia services under the direction of an anesthesiologist, including general, regional, and monitored anesthesia care to patients. This includes the induction of anesthesia, the maintenance of anesthesia at the required levels, the support of life functions during the administration of anesthesia, including induction and intubations, and the recording of all pertinent events during the induction of, maintenance of, and emergence from anesthesia. The AA is responsible for the recognition and the taking of appropriate corrective action for abnormal patient responses to anesthesia or to any adjunctive medication or other form of therapy, including requesting consultation when necessary. The AA also provides professional observation and resuscitative care until the patient has regained control of his/her vital functions. Performs pre-anesthesia functions under the direction of an anesthesiologist, including determining that an appropriate pre-anesthetic examination has been made by a physician, ensuring that relevant tests have been completed and a thorough assessment of the patient has been performed, reviewing the patient's condition immediately prior to the induction of anesthesia, and checking the readiness, availability, cleanliness, sterility when required, and working conditions of all equipment used in the administration of anesthetic agents prior to administering anesthesia. Performs post-anesthesia duties under the direction of an anesthesiologist, including remaining with the patient until it is safe to transfer responsibility for care to other qualified individuals, advising personnel responsible for post-anesthetic care of specific problems presented by the patient's condition, administering post-operative epidural pain relief and other post-operative analgesia in collaboration with the surgeon, and making post-anesthetic visits regarding the presence or absence of anesthesia-related complications. Responsible for narcotic medication accounting and distribution under the direction of an anesthesiologist. If available, responds to life-threatening and respiratory emergencies under the direction of an anesthesiologist by establishing and maintaining an airway under the direction of a physician. Assists nursing units with difficult intravenous (IV) insertions when requested, when available, and when attempts by other professionals have been unsuccessful. Provides work direction and guidance to anesthesiologist assistant students under the direction of the Anesthesiologist. Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.
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Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level