Respiratory Therapist II - AA Education

Grow your skills, increase your earning potential, and prepare for a new career as an Anesthesia Assistant! The Anesthesia Assistant Education Program prepares Registered Respiratory Therapists to be an integral part of the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT) model of care. Over 7 months, you will participate in both virtual and in-person didactic learning, self-directed learning, simulation and a clinical component on a temporary full-time basis. The Anesthesia Assistant Education Team and staff Anesthesiologists support learners throughout the educational experience. Preceptors will use the learning objectives in the Clinical Apprenticeship Guide as a resource of “what to teach” in combination with clinical opportunities to apply theory and skills. Travel to multiple sites in Calgary and Edmonton may be required as part of your training. Those accepted into this education program will be required to sign a 1-year return for service agreement, which will begin upon completion of the AHS Anesthesia Assistant Education Program, obtaining the CCAA designation from CSRT, and transitioning into a Regular Anesthesia Assistant role. As an Anesthesia Assistant Trainee, you will support an Anesthesiologist in delivering anesthetics, medical gases, medications, etc. to patients undergoing medical procedures. You will assemble, operate, and monitor anesthetic gas machines or mechanical ventilation, use invasive and non- invasive monitoring techniques, and evaluate the patient’s response to interventions during procedures or transport. You will learn to recognize early signs of a critical event and clearly communicate this information with the Anesthesiologist, surgeon, and surgical team to initiate corrective action. Note: There are 4 education position 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).

To successfully complete this program and work as an Anesthesia Assistant, applicants must meet the education program’s minimum requirements, possess excellent interpersonal skills, have a positive attitude, be highly motivated and take initiative with the ability to work both independently and under supervision. Other skills and abilities required include possessing extensive practical knowledge related to site specific technical equipment. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Able to apply critical thinking and effectively solve problems in conflict or crisis situations. Can work collaboratively with team members across multiple disciplines. Able to independently organize and prioritize your workload, as well as possess the physical ability to carry out the duties of the position. Minimum of 1-2 years’ experience as a Respiratory Therapist in an operating room setting or 2 years critical care or emergency Respiratory Therapist experience.

The preferred candidate must be willing to complete the additional anesthesia care team education modules and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Experience in the following services is preferred: Women’s Health, Thoracic, EBUS, Arthroplasty, Urology, Robotics, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Trauma, Plastics, OMFS, Neurosurgery, Spine, Otolaryngology, and Ophthalmology. Applicants with expertise in Connect Care and experience with interprofessional teams are preferred.