Providence Health Care (PHC) is offering a training opportunity for those interested in working as an Anaesthesia Assistant (AA) at its acute care sites. The goal is to maintain a sufficient supply of appropriately prepared AAs, who are specialty trained professionals, assisting in the delivery of perioperative patient care as part of anaesthesiologist-led care team.
The PHC sponsorship is aligned with Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Anaesthesia Assistant post-Diploma program. Those selected for the education and training opportunity will complete the required curriculum outlined by TRU and their clinical practicum at St. Paul’s Hospital. PHC will pay for the entire course (including salary, tuition, books, etc.) for each selected student.
Upon successful completion of the post-diploma program and meeting eligibility for membership with Canadian Anaesthesiologists’ Society (CAS), the candidate(s) will be granted a regular full-time position as an Anaesthesia Assistant in a PHC worksite.

Reporting to the Supervisor, Anaesthesia Assistant, the Anaesthesia Assistant Trainee functions as an integral member of the surgical team through provision of technical support and clinical assistance with induction, maintenance and emergence of anesthesia, under direct clinical supervision of the Attending Anesthesiologist and in accordance with the standards of practice guidelines of the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society.
The Anaesthesia Assistant Trainee reports to the Clinical Instructor, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in conjunction with the Supervisor, Anaesthesia Assistant or designate for learning outcomes and for schedule of rotation. The Clinical Instructor in conjunction with the Anaesthesia Team (Supervisor, Anaesthesia, Anaesthesiologist, and Patient Care Manager, etc.) will assess trainee progress and develop ongoing plan to help the trainee meet all learning requirements.
The Anesthesia Assistant Trainee will provide clinical assistance under the direct supervision of an Anesthesiologist. A Qualified Anesthesia Assistant will orientate the Anesthetic Assistant Trainee to the role including demonstration and supervision of practice of the technical duties associated with the role. The Supervisor Anaesthesia Assistant, clinical in charge Anesthesiologist and the Patient Care Manager will confirm and agree sufficient proficiency in the required technical duties prior to completion of the orientation process.

Education

• Graduation from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
• One year of experience in an acute care hospital environment or equivalent.
• Active enrolment in the Thompson River's University (TRU) Anaesthesia Assistant post-diploma program and the ability to start the Anaesthesia Assistant program with all required prerequisite courses completed.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to assess client responses to care and to respond appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to use critical decision making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with and deal effectively with patients, families, staff, physicians, and other health care providers.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) procedures appropriate for the area of service.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to operate related equipment.

• State-of-the-art facilities:  The new St. Paul’s Hospital and health campus will be the most innovative approach to the delivery of integrated care in B.C. and Canada, designed to appropriately address the future health needs of patients, families and our communities. From hospital care to primary and community health solutions, the new St. Paul’s Hospital and health campus will continue to lead innovations in care, research, and teaching. The new St. Paul’s Hospital is expected to open in 2027.
• Competitive pay: $39.06 to 48.80 CAD per hour.
• Inclusive culture: We respect the diversity, dignity and interdependence of all persons. We value the cultural richness that our diverse workforce brings to the care of our equally diverse population of patients and residents. 

Your Day to Day: 

Under the supervision of the Anaesthesiologist or Qualified Anaesthesia Assistant as applicable, the goal of the Anaesthesia Assistant Trainee will be to perform the following duties:

• Patient Preparation: Assist in preparing patients for surgery, providing emotional support, explaining procedures, and answering questions. Collaborate with the Anaesthesiologist to plan patient care.
• Assessments: Perform pre- and post-operative assessments, including anesthetic risk and airway evaluations, and share findings with the Anaesthesiologist.
• Equipment Management: Set up, test, and maintain anaesthesia equipment like machines, monitors, ventilators, and infusion pumps, resolving minor issues and liaising with Biomedical Engineering as needed.
• Anaesthesia Assistance: Support the Anaesthesiologist during induction, regional blocks, airway procedures, and patient emergence, including managing ventilation, lines, and monitoring patient responses.
• Patient Monitoring: Monitor patients’ physiological responses and administer prescribed medications under the Anaesthesiologist’s direction, adjusting as needed.
• Documentation: Record vital signs, respiratory status, and other clinical findings throughout the procedure.
• Post-Procedure Care: Assist with patient emergence from anaesthesia, extubation, and transport to recovery, ensuring respiratory and physiological stability.
• Critical Response: Act as a key responder during emergencies like cardiac arrests, assisting with airway and circulatory support.
• Diagnostic Support: Provide data like blood samples and monitoring results for the Anaesthesiologist’s evaluation.
• Teaching and Training: Support student learning by demonstrating procedures, guiding clinical experiences, and providing feedback.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on anaesthesia practices by participating in professional development activities.
• Program Support: Help develop procedures, maintain inventory, and advise on program improvements.
• Infection Control: Ensure anaesthetic equipment is properly disinfected and sterilized according to standards.
• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as required to support the team.

Who We Are:

Providence Health Care is one of the largest faith-based health care organizations in Canada. For the people at Providence, living our Mission, Vision and Values means providing British Columbians with compassionate, socially just, exceptional and innovative care every day.

From our humble roots 129 years ago, Providence has grown into globally renowned research, teaching, and care organization. As individuals within a mission-driven organization, we choose to be part of Providence Health Care because we value the organization’s long commitment to social justice and compassionate care, and its commitment to the process of Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

We acknowledge that Providence Health Care and the new St. Paul’s Hospital site is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.