Anesthesia Assistant jobs
Anesthesia Assistants (AAs) at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) are included on specialist-physician-led anesthesia care teams and help to optimize the delivery of safe and efficient patient care.
VCH AAs work with patients of all ages and with specific anesthesia needs. As physician extenders on a specialized team, they enhance and expand anesthesia services within hospitals and out-of-hospital facilities.
Roles AAs perform under the medical direction of an anesthesia specialist physician include:
- Preoperative assessment and care
- Anesthesia focused patient monitoring
- Airway management
- Administration and titration of anesthesia agents
- Assistance with regional and neuraxial anesthesia
- Assistance with induction, maintenance and emergence
- Hemodynamic management
- Perioperative crisis management and resuscitation
- Vascular access, fluid, and blood replacement
- Procedural sedation delivery and monitoring
- Equipment quality assurance, maintenance and troubleshooting
- Post-anesthesia care, teaching, and discharge planning
Where you may work
With opportunities to work at the largest hospital in the province, to a community hospital, the diversity of clinical experience offered to AAs working at VCH in unparalleled.
Whether you prefer working in a Level 3 tertiary trauma Operating Room, in pediatric anesthesia, or in transplant, VCH has options available to suit your preferences.
AAs at VCH work at the following worksites:
Vancouver General Hospital
The largest hospital in BC, equipped with 24 Operating Rooms (OR), VGH plays a pivotal role in healthcare. AAs expertise spans specialized areas including Cardiac anesthesia, Thoracic anesthesia, Neuro anesthesia, Regional Anesthesia, Orthopedic, ENT, Gynecology, Vascular, General Surgery, Transplant and trauma. Out-of-OR services include vital procedures in the Cath lab, Interventional radiology, Endoscopy, MRI, and Bronchoscopy, showcasing a commitment to comprehensive and advanced healthcare.
UBC Hospital
Nestled on the picturesque UBC Campus, this facility stands out with its eight Operating Rooms. AAs play an integral role in the care team, in various medical specialties, including Gynecology, Orthopedic, Regional, Urology, Ophthalmology, ENT, and General Surgery. This location not only provides a scenic setting but also delivers essential healthcare services across a range of surgical disciplines.
Lions Gate Hospital
Situated in North Vancouver, LGH is a key player in healthcare, boasting support for 10 Operating Rooms and Labor & Delivery services. As an integral part of the Anesthesia care team, AAs contribute expertise to various specialties, including Obstetrics Anesthesia, Neuro Anesthesia, Orthopedic and orthopedic trauma anesthesia, General Surgery, gynecology, ENT, regional anesthesia, and pediatric anesthesia.
Richmond Hospital
Nestled in Richmond, the facility supports eight operating rooms and plays a vital role in anesthesia care across various specialties, including Orthopedic and orthopedic trauma anesthesia, General Surgery, gynecology, ENT, regional anesthesia, and pediatric anesthesia. Committed to excellence, AAs contribute significantly to diverse healthcare needs in the community.
Why join Vancouver Coastal Health?
- Eligibility for financial relocation assistance of up to $5,000
- Career growth with access to education reimbursements and paid educational leave
- Comprehensive health benefits, work-life balance and wellness support
- Supportive, world-class team who delivers exceptional care to all
- Multi-disciplinary team team-based care
- Competitive salaries and strong premiums and allowances
Anesthesia Assistant Training Program
VCH operates a nationally accredited Anesthesia Assistant program through Vancouver General Hospital. This is one of only four fully accredited programs in the country. We are proud to have 25 graduates from our program who are nationally accredited as Certified Clinical Anesthesia Assistants (CCAAs) with the Canadian Society for Respiratory Therapists.
Meet the team
Hear from Mark Carolan, Supervisor of Anesthesia Technology at Vancouver Acute, as well as several graduates of the training program, to gain insights into the role and pathway to becoming an AA.
Denis, Mark, Marisa and Izzie (pictured left to right)
Read the team spotlight