Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)- Anesthesia- Days Varies

Overview:

JOB DUTIES:

The Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) administers anesthesia to any patient undergoing a surgical procedure, obstetric procedure or procedure requiring anesthesia (CT, MRI, Bronchoscopy, TEE or IR) as designated by the supervising physician. The CAA is responsible to the Chairman and the Chief Anesthetist for the Department of Anesthesia. Assignments are performed based on the age and developmental level of patients being served. CAAs will
assist in the evaluation and training of student anesthesiologist assistants.

Essential Functions:

Prepare all equipment and agents to be used in the administration of the anesthetic to be sure it is in safe working order. Report all malfunctioning equipment to the anesthesia technician and/or the Chief Nurse Anesthetist. Checks all resuscitative equipment prior to the beginning of the first surgery of the day. Any malfunctioning or missing equipment will be reported to the anesthesia technician and/or the Chief Nurse Anesthetist immediately.

Maintains the patient's physiologic homeostasis and corrects adverse responses to the anesthesia and/or surgery. Collects and interprets patient physiological data by selecting, applying or inserting noninvasive and invasive monitoring modalities. Manages the patient's airway and pulmonary ventilation status. Operate and analyze advanced monitoring methods, such as pulmonary artery catheterization, electroencephalographic spectral analysis, echocardiography, and evoked potentials. Administer induction drugs, maintain
and adjust appropriate anesthetic depth, manage additional treatment and deliver continuous anesthesia care and monitoring into and during the postoperative recover phase. Evaluate life threatening situations, such as cardiac arrest, and treat with established protocols.

Formulates comprehensive health and anesthetic management plans for patients in collaboration with physicians, pharmacists and other medical professionals to include preoperative, procedural and post-operative discharge orders. Conducts high level evaluation and triage specific to the specialty/subspecialty including patient histories, performs physical examinations and/or diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, differential diagnoses, ordering of ancillary studies, consults and medication

Contributes to the development, implementation and expansion of programs and initiatives including participation in research activities, quality improvement projects, etc., as appropriate. Participates in professional development opportunities and introduces innovation in practice were applicable. Actively participates in meetings, functions, events and committees in a team of interdisciplinary health care providers. May Provide education and instruction to residents and students within respective discipline.

Enters pertinent clinical information in the patient's medical record in a timely and accurate manner and in accordance with established compliance billing guidelines. Educates and counsels patients/families regarding their health care, including routine health maintenance.

Provide 24/7/365 in house coverage for emergency, trauma care. Performs or assists with procedures of higher complexity in inpatient units, operating room or emergency department. Calls and responds to consults and assists with discharge planning

Develops and implements an anesthetic plan of care. Performs an assessment immediately prior to induction of anesthesia of the patient. This shall include a review of the medical record with regard to completeness, pertinent laboratory data, time of administration and dosage of paranesthesia medication, together with an appraisal of any changes in the patient's condition from that noted on previous visits. This note shall include any previous anesthetic experiences and complications thereof noted in the medical record.

Manages the patient's emergence and recovery from anesthesia by maintaining homeostasis, providing relief from pain and anesthesia side effects and preventing and managing complications through selecting, obtaining, ordering and/or administering medications, fluids or ventilator support. The CAA is to remain with the patient as long as required by the patient's condition relative to his/her anesthesia status and until responsibility for proper patient care has been assumed by other qualified individuals.

Records all pertinent events taking place during the induction of, maintenance of and emergence from anesthesia, including the dosage and duration of all anesthetic agents, other drugs, intravenous fluids and blood or blood components on all patients that have received anesthesia care. Provides follow-up evaluation and care related to anesthesia complications and/or side effects. Discharges or releases from the PACU according to established criteria.

Temperament:

Must be able to perform under stress when confronted with emergency, critical, or unusual situations. Must be capable of dealing with periodic cyclical workload pressures and levels of responsibility. Required to make independent judgments without supervision. Must be able to make generalizations, evaluations, or decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria. Must have the adaptability to perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure. Requires the ability to work with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities:

Leadership/Motivate/Mentor
Ability to coach and train behavior.

Clinical Duties
Ability to objectively and thoroughly evaluate patients preoperatively and obtain consults as necessary.

Communication
Ability to communicate effectively and courteously, both orally and in writing.

Training/Support
Ability to education patients and families regarding anesthetic technique and pain management.

Communication
Concisely communicate and relate to all levels of the organization, customers and outside agencies.

Clinical Duties
Ability to intubate, insert hemodynamic monitoring, perform regional anesthesia, and provide post-anesthesia care.

Leadership/Motivate/Mentor
Ability to prioritize work, maintain communication and activity logs, analyze data, use logic and reasoning, communicate sensitive information, maintain confidential information, maintain diplomacy during conflict, negotiate, meet deadlines, and use process improvement to manage fluctuating and unpredictable workload.

Education Requirements:

Masters Nurse Anesthesia Required

Certification/Licensure Requirements:

PALS Certified required at time of hire
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) required at time of hire
Basic Life Support (BLS) required at time of hire.

UFJPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace