Anaesthetist - Career Advice - Community and Health

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Anaesthetic Assistant
Anaesthetic Technician
Nurse Anaesthetist

Anaesthetists administer anaesthesia that block the sensation of pain for patients undergoing surgery and related procedures. They safely render patients unconscious so that surgeons may perform operations without the patient being aware of, or feeling, any pain. They carefully assess a patient's requirements, administer anaesthesia, monitor a patient's vital signs during surgery and care for any patients who may have an adverse reaction to the anaesthesia. Future Growth Strong

Anaesthetists provide direct medical care to patients requiring general or local anaesthesia for surgical, diagnostic and other procedures such as prevention of pain and maintenance of body function.

Anaesthesiologists meet the patient before surgery to evaluate their health and screen for any issues that may change their plan for anaesthesia. They answer any questions the patients have and do their best to ease any concerns. During the operation, they are in charge of carefully watching the patient’s vitals, breathing and body-fluid levels. They also control the patient’s pain levels and level of consciousness.

ANZSCO ID: 2532

Alternative names: Anaesthesiologist

Specialisations: Intensive Care Anaesthetist, Obstetric Anaesthetist, Pain Management Specialist,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

a commitment to caring for others
an interest and ability in science, medicine, anatomy and physiology
the ability to work under pressure and make quick, accurate decisions
practical skills for examining patients and performing clinical procedures
good communication skills and the ability to explain choices to patients.

At work
Anaesthetist at work
(Source: Fast Tracking)

Duties and Tasks

You would use different types of anaesthetic such as:

local anaesthetic - for a minor operation on a small area of the body such as the mouth
regional anaesthetic – such as an epidural to numb a larger area of the body like the lower back in childbirth
general anaesthetic – for more serious operations, to make the patient totally unconscious.

You would work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide the most appropriate and complete treatment plan for your patients

prepare patients for surgery by explaining any risks or side effects
give anaesthetics to patients in a day surgery or operating theatre
observe and monitor patients during procedures or surgery, responding quickly to any changes
resuscitate and stabilise patients in the emergency department
relieve pain during childbirth
ease pain after an operation
manage acute and chronic pain.
perform pre-operative examinations of patients to determine appropriate anaesthetic and sedation in concurrence with Internal Medicine Specialists and Surgeons
discuss the anaesthetic process with patients and obtaining their informed consent prior to surgery
administer local, regional and general anaesthetics using a variety of methods such as inhalational and intravenous administration
supervise the transfer of patients to operating theatres, positioning on operating tables, keeping patients warm, and responding quickly and accurately if any problems arise
monitor patients throughout surgical procedures and in immediate post-operative procedures
record details of anaesthetic and sedation administered, and the condition of patients before, during and after anaesthesia
liaise with other health care workers to provide diagnosis and treatment for patients with chronic pain, and to diagnose and treat patients requiring intensive care or resuscitation
may instruct medical, nursing, student and ancillary staff on the signs, symptoms and diagnosis of allergic and anaphylactic reactions to anaesthetic agents, and supervision and treatment of life threatening emergencies

Dr Kanan Shah
Anaesthetist

Dr Kanan Shah is a visiting medical officer (VMO) at Westmead, Auburn and Royal Prince Alfred hospitals and is part of the emergency anaesthesia response team at Westmead Hospital.

Working conditions

Anaesthetists work in hospitals, day surgeries and at universities. They conduct most of their work in operating theatres or hospital rooms, which have strict hygiene and safety standards. It is important for anaesthetists to keep up-to-date on the development of the latest anaesthesia and relevant medical technology. Some anaesthetists work in teaching environments, or are required to assist in on-the-job training at hospitals. Anaesthetists are often on call, so work irregular hours.

You would work long hours including nights and weekends, and you may also be part of an out-of-hours roster system.

You could work in public or private hospitals, day surgeries, dental surgeries or other medical facilities. You would spend time in a variety of settings such as consulting rooms, wards, operating theatres and special units like accident and emergency.

Keeping an eye on vital signs
(Source: Your Career)

Tools and technologies

Anaesthetists use complex medical machines that monitor patient's vital signs and administer anaesthesia. They also use a variety of pain maintenance drugs that they carefully tailor towards individual requirements. The use of these machines and the administration of anaesthesia can be highly complicated and therefore requires a great deal of precision and accuracy.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an anaesthetist, you must first become a qualified medical practitioner and then specialise in anaesthetics.

To become a medical practitioner, you need to study a degree in medicine. Entry into these courses is highly competitive and is based on a combination of academic achievement, performance on the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) and a structured interview. The UMAT is a written test that assesses non-academic personal qualities.

Alternatively, you can study a degree in any discipline followed by a postgraduate degree in medicine. Entry into the graduate entry courses is based on prior completion of a bachelor degree, performance in the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) and a score resulting from a semi-structured interview.

Patient
(Source: SMH)

To specialise in anaesthetics, doctors can apply to the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) to undertake further training and ultimately receive fellowship. To be eligible for this specialist training, on completion of your medical degree, you must work in the public hospital system for a minimum of two years (internship and residency). To specialise as an anaesthetist, you must obtain the Diploma of Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FANZCA). To do this, you first need to gain at least two years’ work experience in an approved hospital. You then need to register with the College and undergo a 5-year program undertaking supervised training at an accredited hospital.

In Australia and New Zealand, anaesthesia training is supervised and accredited by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA). The training to become a specialist anaesthetist is equal in length to that of other medical specialists, such as surgeons, and includes intensive assessments, both at the hospitals where trainees work, and by written and verbal examinations. Doctors in the training program are called registrars. When a registrar completes their training and passes all examinations, they are awarded a diploma of fellowship of ANZCA, become Fellows of the College and may use the initials FANZCA after their name. They can then practise as a specialist anaesthetist in Australia and New Zealand.

Required registration and licensing

To work as an anaesthetist in Australia, you will need to obtain registration from the Medical Board of Australia.

Did You Know?

Anaesthetic technicians prepare and maintain anaesthetic equipment for operating theatres and clinics, and assist anaesthetists during anaesthetic procedures. Future Growth Strong Anesthesia Technicians are a vital part of any medical facility’s anaesthesia care team. They ensure that the anaesthesia equipment is clean and functional and, most importantly, use their technical knowledge to protect the safety of the patient. Anaesthesia Technicians can work in any setting where anaesthesia is administered to patients, including hospitals, dentistry practices and specialized surgery centres.

Along with sanitizing anaesthesia equipment, Anaesthesia Technicians are also in charge of stocking necessary supplies, properly setting up patient monitoring devices, troubleshooting equipment in need of repair and assisting anesthesia providers with certain patient procedures.

ANZSCO ID: 311299

Alternative names: Anaesthesia Paramedical Officer; Anaesthesia Technician,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

One of the most crucial skills of Anaesthesia Technicians is remaining calm and effectively performing duties even in a stressful operating room situation. Anaesthesia Technicians must not only have an excellent technical understanding of anaesthesia equipment and supplies, but must also be able to act as a helpful assistant to anaesthesia providers during both routine and complex surgeries.

good communication and people skills
attention to detail
able to work under pressure
good technical and measurement skills
aptitude for working with computers
organised and methodical
able to cope with the physical demands of the job

Anaesthetic Technician
Checking equipment
(Source: Careers Govt NZ)

Duties and Tasks

Anaesthetic technicians may perform the following tasks:

set up, check and maintain anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment
order and prepare medical supplies for anaesthesia
discuss medical procedures with patients and check whether they have any medical conditions that could cause problems under anaesthesia
assist the anaesthetist to insert breathing tubes and intravascular lines in patients
assist the anaesthetist to administer anaesthesia to patients
monitor patients and their vital signs before, during and after procedures
maintain documentation before, during and after surgery
assist with basic life support and post-operative care
assist the anaesthetist in emergencies

Working Conditions

Anaesthetic technicians:

usually do shift work, including weekends, and may be on call
work in operating rooms in hospitals and clinics, delivery suites and emergency departments
work in conditions that may be stressful, particularly during operations.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a qualified anaesthetic technician you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in anaesthetic technology or paramedical science (anaesthesia). To get into these courses you usually have to be employed in the anaesthetic area of a hospital or medical clinic, working under an appropriately qualified supervisor. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

Before undertaking the clinical placements required by courses, students will need to obtain a National Police Certificate, a Provide First Aid Certificate, immunisations and a Working with Children Check (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People Check (ACT). Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Voluntary registration and membership of the Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers (ASAPO) may be available upon graduation. Student membership is also available. Registration with ASAPO is not compulsory, but it is strongly recommended as many employers require anaesthetic technicians to be registered as a condition of employment.

Employment Opportunities

Anaesthetic technicians are employed primarily in large public and private hospitals. Opportunities also exist in smaller hospitals, medical clinics and remote area medical assistance.

Certified Anaesthetist Assistants are non-physician anaesthetists. They work under anaesthetists but can function independently in the OR— maintaining the patient’s airway and keeping a close eye on the patient’s vitals. Their supervising Future Growth Strong anaesthetist must be available at the healthcare facility to check-in or handle any emergencies.

ANZSCO ID: N/A September 2024

Alternative names: Anaesthesiologist Assistant, Certified Anaesthesiologist Assistant, CAA, AA, Assistant for Anaesthetist,

Specialisations: Palliative or Hospice Care,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Scientific and medical knowledge to direct their activities when delivering patient care
Listening skills to effectively question patients and members of the care team
Strong oral and written communication skills to collaborate with the care team and record patient data
Problem-solving skills to respond to emergency situations quickly
Critical thinking skills to diagnose symptoms patients are exhibiting and modify care to address them
Expertise in using and maintaining key equipment, including EKG machines, endotracheal tubes, gas anaesthesia apparatuses and intensive care ventilators
Time management skills that will allow them to monitor multiple patients without sacrificing the quality of care
Ability to use medical record-keeping software and basic computer software for accessing email, creating spreadsheets and doing word processing

Anaesthetist Assistant
(Source: Owl Guru)

Duties and Tasks

Under the medical direction of Anaesthetists, anesthesiologist assistants conduct pre-op patient evaluations, make an anesthesia plan, administer anesthetic and pain medications, observe patient vitals, and respond to life-threatening situations during surgery if needed.

After surgery, they’ll also do post-anesthesia patient rounds and write reports.

Assist anaesthesiologists in monitoring of patients, including electrocardiogram (EKG), direct arterial pressure, central venous pressure, arterial blood gas, haematocrit, or routine measurement of temperature, respiration, blood pressure or heart rate.
Monitoring a patient’s blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate and respiration rate before and during procedures
Provide airway management interventions including tracheal intubation, fibre optics, or ventilator support.
Respond to emergency situations by providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic cardiac life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), or paediatric advanced life support (PALS).
Administer blood, blood products, or supportive fluids.
Collect and document patients’ pre-anaesthetic health histories - gather data from patients, medical charts and the medical care team
Assist in the provision of advanced life support techniques including those procedures using high frequency ventilation or intra-arterial cardiovascular assistance devices.
Managing the care a patient receives before and after receiving anaesthesia
Coordinating with other members of the care team to provide ventilator support and pain management following procedures
Checking and maintaining
Updating patient records

Working conditions

An Anaesthesiologist Assistant assists a hospital or outpatient care centre's anaesthesia team during surgical procedures and in nonsurgical settings such as palliative and hospice care wards. Their primary duties include monitoring the statuses of patients, administering anaesthesia and providing emergency medical assistance as required.

Their standard work week is 40 hours and a regular schedule like a 9 to 5 except for emergencies.

Education and training/entrance requirements

An anaesthesiologist assistant typically needs a Bachelor’s degree with a premed track. Master’s degree programs for anesthesiologist assistants typically require a certain undergraduate level science courses and usually some healthcare experience.

Once they earn a Master of Science in Anaesthesiology degree, they take a certification exam to become earn the CAA credential.

Anaesthetic assistants may also choose to further their learning by completing a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, or master’s degree.

Anaesthetic Nurses in Australia support the anaesthetist to ensure that patients receive the safest possible anaesthetic care during surgical procedures. Their responsibilities include: Preparing equipment and medications for anaesthesia administration, assisting with patient positioning and airway management.

Nurse anaesthetists, like anaesthesia assistants, are non-physician anaesthetists. That means that they can assess patient response and educate patients under the supervision of an anaesthesiologists. Future Growth Strong

Like anaesthesia assistants and anaesthesiologists, nurse anaesthetists create an anaesthesia plan, conduct a pre-op evaluation on the patient, identify risk factors, perform nerve blocks, monitor the patient through the surgery and follow-up with the patient in the Intensive Care Unit - ICU.

ANZSCO ID: 254423

Alternative names: CRNA, Operating Room Nurse, Registered Nurse (Anaesthetic), Anaesthetic Nurse,

Specialisations

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Human anatomy: Having knowledge of the human anatomy, such as how the respiratory and cardiac systems function, can help you perform the duties of an anaesthetic nurse. For example, as a patient is recovering from the effects of anaesthetics, you might monitor their internal body temperature. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate body temperature can help you identify the patient's condition and determine whether they're in a stable condition or require medical treatment.
Communication skills: can help you in many workplace scenarios as an anaesthetic nurse. For example, situations that may require you to provide patients with clear information about their operation, including details like procedural steps and potential anaesthetic side effects. You can also benefit from strong active listening skills to process instructions from an anaesthetist during a procedure. Written communication is another important skill. This can help you record patient details in a way that's clear and easy for the anaesthetist and other healthcare professionals to read. You can improve your communication skills by considering your tone. For example, patients undergoing surgery can feel extra sensitive, so communicating with them in a friendly and positive tone can help put them at ease. You can also improve your communication delivery by practising in a mirror. This can help you plan the structure of information, so it's communicated to the patient clearly and thoroughly.
Critical thinking skills: might be useful for an anaesthetic nurse in scenarios where they assess if it's safe to discharge a patient from the facility post-operation. For example, after a patient has woken from surgery, they might mention they're experiencing pain and nausea. A nurse might apply critical thinking skills to determine whether the patient requires further medical care.

Nurse
(Source: Forbes Advisor)

Duties and Tasks

Nurse anaesthetists form part of the perioperative team, and work alongside anaesthetists to provide safe and effective patient care during surgical procedures. Their responsibilities include preparing the patient for anaesthesia, monitoring their vital signs during the procedure, administering medications, and maintaining a safe and sterile environment. Anaesthetic nurses also play a vital role in the recovery phase, ensuring the patient is safe and comfortable as they wake up from the anaesthesia.

Their responsibilities include:

Record patient details: before a patient goes through with their procedure, an anaesthetic nurse records relevant details from them, such as their medical history. Obtaining accurate patient details helps the anaesthetist determine the most appropriate procedure. For example, medical history might show that a patient has an allergy to the drugs used in their scheduled anaesthetic. The anaesthetist can decide from this what anaesthetic is the safest option for the patient.
Prepare patients and monitor their condition: an anaesthetic nurse helps patients prepare for an operation by explaining the process of their procedure, discussing potential anaesthetic effects and educating them about recovery practices. Because anaesthetic medications can affect the central nervous system, nurses are also responsible for monitoring a patient's condition during their operation. For example, a nurse might use a pulse oximeter to measure a patient's heart rate and oxygen saturation or review the anaesthesia machine to ensure the patient is inhaling safe levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Assist an anaesthetist: an anaesthetist requires a well-prepared environment with easily accessible tools to perform an efficient procedure. A nurse provides this by making sure the operating room is clean and sterile and required equipment, such as an anaesthetic machine or a gas mask, is available for the anaesthetist to use. Anaesthetic nurses are also responsible for offering assistance during an operation. This could involve following the anaesthetist's instructions and handing them requested instruments like a hypodermic needle.
Preparing equipment and medications for anaesthesia administration
Assisting with patient positioning and airway management
Monitoring patient vital signs during the procedure
Assisting with invasive procedures, such as inserting catheters and central lines
Providing post-operative care and monitoring patients for potential complications: when a patient regains consciousness after receiving anaesthetic medication, a nurse is required to monitor their condition and provide recovery care. This involves a physical assessment that may include:
- a respiratory assessment, checking the patient's oxygenation and ventilation levels
- a neurological assessment, testing the patient's motor strength and control
  recording and assessing the intravenous fluids used in the operation.

The nurse records this information and provides it to the anaesthetist and other relevant healthcare professionals. Anaesthetic nurses also help patients recover by administering appropriate medication and supplying medical care post anaesthesia. For example, a patient may experience mild side effects, such as nausea or vomiting, which a nurse can help treat by administering preventative medication. There's also the possibility a patient experiences a more adverse reaction, for example, a cardiac arrest, requiring immediate medical attention from a nurse. With the care provided by anaesthetic nurses, patients can experience a comfortable procedure and safe recovery.

Nurse anaesthetists work alongside surgeons, dentists, doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe administering of anaesthesia to a patient. Their services are not only needed when performing surgical operations but also when diagnosing health conditions, delivering a baby and providing physical therapy.

Anaesthetist with Nurse Anaesthetist
(Source: Education One)

Working conditions

Nurse anaesthetists work at all types of medical offices, including hospitals, military bases, dental offices and private practices. In large hospitals, they work alongside doctors and nurses in emergency rooms, delivery rooms and surgical suites.

Tools and technologies

Education and training/entrance requirements

The differences between anaesthesia assistants and nurse anaesthetists mostly lie in how they are trained and certified. Nurse anaesthetists are registered nurses (RNs) with their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.

It’s important to note, that the role differs to the United States, where a nurse anaesthetist must undertake a Master’s degree to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetists (CRNAs), and who is then authorised to provide anaesthesia care independently.

In addition in Australia, you must also meet the criteria set out in the ANZCA professional standard PS08 ‘Position statement on the assistant for the anaesthetist‘. This includes education in several core competencies and a combination of assessments and practical experience. The core competencies include:

Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology
Knowledge of anaesthetic techniques, equipment, and medications
Patient assessment and monitoring
Airway management
Venous and arterial access
Equipment management and troubleshooting
Medication administration and drug calculations

Certifications and CPD courses

As with all other types of nurses, anaesthetic nurses must continuously participate in professional development (CPD) opportunities to maintain their skills and knowledge. Specifically, they must complete a minimum of 20 hours of learning related to their area of practice each year.

Anaesthesia nurses have the option to undertake advanced clinical certifications through professional organisations such as ACPAN and ACORN.

A postgraduate course can significantly enhance a nurse’s specialised knowledge and understanding within their area of practice. However, it’s worth noting, that none of these qualifications enable a anaesthetic nurse to administer anaesthesia – like their counterparts in the United States can do.

Employment Opportunities

The job demand for nurse anaesthetists in Australia is strong, with over 800 anaesthetic nursing jobs appearing on SEEK as of Feb 2023 . Further, according to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook website, demand for registered nurses, including nurse anaesthetists, is expected to grow strongly in the coming years, with an estimated 52,500 job openings over the five years to 2025. The website also notes that registered nurses, including nurse anaesthetists, are in high demand across all regions of Australia, particularly in regional and remote areas where there is often a shortage of healthcare professionals.

The demand for nurse anaesthetists is also likely to be influenced by demographic factors, including the ageing population and the increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions that require surgery or other medical interventions. Additionally, advances in medical technology and anaesthesia techniques may lead to increased demand for nurse anaesthetists who are trained in these areas.