Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) - Charleston

Medical University of South Carolina•North Charleston, SC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant provides perioperative management for patients requiring anesthesia, including pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative evaluation for anesthetized surgical and non-surgical procedures. The AA administers appropriate anesthetics under a written practice protocol developed with attending anesthesiologists and consistent with standards of practice. The role also involves use of anesthesia machines and related equipment, assisting with patient transport, maintaining patient records, participating in departmental teaching and continuing education, providing resuscitative care as indicated, and maintaining a high level of professionalism. Positions are available across four downtown Charleston sites. MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital is a pediatric level-one academic trauma center with operating suites, cardiac catheterization labs, procedure rooms, and non-operating-room locations. Its coverage includes pediatric surgical specialties such as cardiovascular, trauma, oncology, transplant, orthopedics, neurosurgery, ENT, GU-GYN, ophthalmology, general surgery, dental, and plastics. University Hospital is a level-one academic trauma center with 21 operating rooms covering specialties including trauma, transplant, orthopedics, neurosurgery, ENT, GU-GYN, robotics, and burns, as well as non-operating-room locations. The practice group has about 42 CRNAs. Scheduling includes self-scheduling, with weekend, holiday, and night coverage on a volunteer basis; most staff work three 13.5-hour shifts per week, with 24-hour shift staff covering most nights and a limited number of 10-hour shifts. MUSC Ashley River Towers is an adult academic care facility with 10 operating rooms and a non-operating-room anesthesia practice. Coverage includes surgical oncology, colorectal, bariatrics, plastics, and occasional vascular/thoracic cases. Rutledge Tower Ambulatory Surgery has nine operating rooms serving adult outpatient and inpatient populations, with service groupings including ENT, oral surgery, adult dentistry, ophthalmology, plastics, gynecology, urology, pain management, orthopedics, surgical oncology, endocrine, and colorectal. A sign-on bonus of up to $50,000 is available for specific locations. The position is hourly and scheduled for 40 hours per week. AAs practice under the clinical supervision of an anesthesiologist and the administrative supervision of the CRNA manager for their cost center.

Requirements

Successful completion of an Anesthesiologist Assistant program certified by the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants.
Current certification from an agency recognized by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners and the Anesthesiologist’s Assistant Committee.
Current license to practice as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant in South Carolina, or eligibility to obtain practice authorization in the state.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association, BLS for Healthcare Providers.
Current Advanced Life Support (ACLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Demonstrated current competency in the clinical privileges extended.
Proficiency in operating anesthesia equipment and current knowledge of anesthesia practice.
Basic knowledge of safety in a health care facility and knowledge and practice of universal precautions in patient contact.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with surgeons, residents, anesthesia personnel, and nursing staff.
Ability to perform the listed physical functions, including standing, sitting, walking, fine and gross motor tasks, and lifting or exerting force as described in the posting.
Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations and work rotating shifts and overtime as required.

Responsibilities

Provide pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative evaluation and perioperative management of patients requiring anesthetized surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Administer appropriate anesthetics within a written practice protocol and in accordance with standards of practice.
Operate anesthesia machines and related equipment.
Assist with patient transport.
Maintain adequate patient records.
Participate in departmental teaching activities and continuing education programs.
Provide resuscitative care as indicated.
Maintain current clinical competency and an effective working relationship with surgeons, residents, anesthesia personnel, and nursing staff.
Practice under the clinical supervision of an anesthesiologist and administrative supervision of the CRNA manager.