Anaesthesia Assistant

St. Joseph; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Joseph’s Health System in Hamilton, Ontario, is seeking an Anaesthesia Assistant (AA-RT/AA-RN) to participate in surgical care under anesthesiologist supervision.

You will manage preoperative assessments, monitors, medications, and airway management during anesthesia. The role requires an advanced diploma or nursing degree, anesthesia training, CRTO/CNO registration, BLS/ACLS, and 1–3 years of hospital experience.

Qualifications

• Advanced diploma in Respiratory Therapy or nursing degree required.
• Graduate Certificate in Anesthesia Assistance required.
• Registration with CRTO or CNO required.
• BLS and ACLS required.
• 1–3 years hospital experience in anesthesia support preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ventilator and airway management, ABG procurement, diagnostic testing, therapeutic management recommended.

Responsibilities

• Administers prescribed drugs and maintains anesthesia depth.
• Performs airway management and assists with difficult airways.
• Assists with regional anesthesia techniques.
• Evaluates life-threatening situations and follows ACLS/BLS protocols.
• Prepares and cares for patients in all surgical phases.
• Coordinates transfer of ventilated/anesthetized patients as needed.
• Documents anesthesia records and maintains equipment.

Skills

Ventilator management

Airway management

Arterial blood gas procurement

Diagnostic testing

Therapeutic patient management

Excellent communication skills

Prioritize workload

Team collaboration

Education patients and families

Gentle Persuasive Approach

Education

Advanced diploma in Respiratory Therapy

Diploma/degree in Nursing

Graduate Certificate in Anesthesia Assistance

Registration with CRTO or CNO

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Accredited Anesthesia Assistant Education Program

Hospital experience (1–3 years)

Job description

Position DetailsJob Number:JR02453Department:Anaesthesia Respiratory ServicesJob Type:Regular, Full timeWork Environment:In-PersonContract Duration: (If applicable)0 monthsNumber of Positions:1Hourly Rate (Min / Max):$54.1605 - $62.7862ScheduleWork Days:Holidays, Monday to Sunday, WeekendsTime of Day:Days, EveningsShift:Hours - 10, Hours -12, Hours - 7.5, Various RotatingShift Start: (If applicable)Reason for Posting:Posting is for a role with an existing vacancyApplication DatesOpening Date:2026-10-15Closing Date:2026-10-22Job DescriptionPosition SummaryThe Anaesthesia Assistants (AA-RT or AA-RN) are specially trained professionals that participate and execute in the care of the surgical patient during general, regional, or conscious sedation through medical directives under the supervision of the anesthesiologist.The Anaesthesia Assistants obtain pre-anesthetic health history, perform preoperative physical exams, establish non-invasive and invasive monitors, administer medications, evaluate and treat life-threatening situations.Qualifications-Advanced diploma in Respiratory Therapy, diploma in Nursing or degree in Nursing-Graduate Certificate in Anesthesia Assistance from a Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists-Accredited Anesthesia Assistant Education Program-Registered with the College Of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO) or Registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)-Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support required-1 to 3 years' hospital experience which could include the practicum for Anaesthesia Assistant program-Demonstrated knowledge, sensitivity and expertise in the care of seniors and their families-Gentle Persuasive Approach training, preferred-Skills & knowledge to include ventilator management, airway management, arterial blood gas procurement, perform diagnostic testing, perform and provide therapeutic management-Must possess excellent communication skills-Ability to prioritize workload-Work effectively and collaboratively with the inter-professional health care teamResponsibilities-Administers prescribed pharmacologic drugs, maintains and adjusts appropriate anesthetic depth, manages additional treatment and delivers continuous anesthesia care and monitoring into and during the postoperative recovery phase to patients through medical directives or under the supervision of the Anaesthetist-Performs airway management, including insertion of laryngeal masks, intubation-Assists with difficult airway management-Assists in the preparation and care of the patient in all phases of the surgical care-Assist and monitor regional anesthesia to include, but not limited to, spinal, epidural, IV regional, and other special blocks-Evaluate life-threatening situations, such as cardiac arrest, and assist with protocols established within BLS, ACLS-Assist with the transfer of ventilated and/or anesthetized patients between areas of the hospital as required.-Responds to cardiac arrests in OR, PACU, or other locations according to hospital procedures and policies-Set up, test, calibrate, troubleshoot anesthesia equipment: Anesthetic gas machines, intubation equipment, bronchoscopes, monitoring equipment and infusion devices and other as required-Provides ventilation monitoring in Post Anesthetic Room-Works collaboratively with all members of the Health Team-Provides education and training to patients, families, and health care professionals-Completes documentation as per clinical standards in anesthetic record and other records as required-Maintains workload statistics for MIS-Communicates with the interdisciplinary team & completes Transfer of Accountability with the team-Updates anaesthesia monitoring records and reports patient status to the anaesthesiologist as requested#SJHHjobsSt. Joseph’s Health System (SJHS) and its member organizations are equal opportunity employers and strives for equity, inclusiveness, and diversity in all programs, practices, facilities, and people. We foster a culture of patient and staff safety where all positions comply and work in conjunction with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values .We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. SJHS and its member organizations are committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process - please inform us should accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment process ([e-mail]).