Anesthesiologist Assistant - West Allis - Full-Time

Major Responsibilities:

• Provides anesthesia services under the direction of an anesthesiologist, including general, regional, and monitored anesthesia care to patients which 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; the recording of all pertinent events during the induction of, maintenance of and emergence from anesthesia; the recognition and the taking of appropriate corrective action (including requesting consultation when necessary) for abnormal patient responses to anesthesia or to any adjunctive medication or other form of therapy; and the professional observation and resuscitative care (including requesting consultation when necessary) 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; insuring 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 an anesthesia; checking the readiness, availability, cleanliness, sterility when required and working conditions of all the 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.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Anesthesiologist Assistant license issued by the state of Wisconsin, and
• Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA-C) certification issued by the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA) needs to be obtained within 18 months, and
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification (ACLS) issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, and
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, or
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA)/American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Education Required:

• Master's Degree in Anesthesia.

Experience Required:

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as an effective member of a health care team.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, high stress environment while managing multiple demands.
• Excellent communication skills. Ability to effectively collaborate with and establish/build relationships with physicians and other staff.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to prioritize effectively.
• Intermediate computer skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, reach above shoulders, and twist frequently during work shift.
• Must have functional vision and hearing.
• Must be able to:
• - Lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• - Lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
• - Carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• - Push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• - Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Will be required to use foot pedals on carts or machines.
• Will be exposed to the following hazards on a continuous basis: mechanical, electrical, chemical, radiation, blood and body fluids; therefore protective clothing must be worn (i.e. gloves, goggles, gowns).
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.