Anesthetic Assistants
Registered Nurses have been assisting the anesthesiologist in varying degrees since the mid to late 1800's.
The role of the Anesthetic Assistant is gaining popularity in light of the recent change in the Standards of Practice issued by the Canadian Anesthetic Society. Read the article, Anesthesia Assistants from the CAS newsletter.
Anesthetic Assistant courses are open to Registered Nurses and Respiratory Therapists.
As part of a group effort between the interested stakeholders (RTs, Perianesthesia nurses and perioperative nurses), and the Canadian Anesthesia Society, this role has been created and is now implemented in many facilities across Canada. We believe that both the RN and the RT can participate in providing safe delivery of anesthetics as part of the anesthetic team.
Scope of Practice Expanded Perioperative Nursing Practice
The perioperative Registered Nurse practices expanded perioperative nursing in anesthesia by rendering assistance to the anesthesiologist to facilitate quality care of patients undergoing anesthetic procedures. The increasing complexity of anesthesia provides the perioperative Registered Nurse who has expanded perioperative education with the opportunity to collaborate with the anesthesiologist in clinical, technological, and administrative aspects of anesthetic care during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of anesthesia.
Anesthesia Assistant Programs in Canada
Opportunities available for Perioperative Registered Nurses
There are currently 3 programs offered in Canada that provide the academic education and clinical experience required to function as an Anesthesia Assistant.
Cariboo College (British Columbia)
Offers a post-graduate program for qualified Registered Nurses. The program consists of a didactic component offered through a distance format and a 12 - 16 week full-time clinical component. Further information about this program may be obtained at Cariboo College's website.
Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences (Ontario)
Offers two post-graduate certification programs ( basic and advanced) to qualified Registered Nurses. Read about the course here. Further information about this program may be obtained at Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences website.
Fanshawe College - Ontario
The Anesthesia Assistant Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is a 38 week program that trains students to become a valuable member of the anesthesia care team. This program offers a flexible delivery format allowing students to attend classes one day each week during the first two terms. The Anesthesia Assistant is a specially trained, health professional that participates in the care of the surgical patient during general, regional, or local anesthesia under the immediate supervision of an anesthesiologist.
News and Information
Visit the Canadian Anesthetic Society Website at http://www.cas.ca/
