Position Overview

Duties

The role of the Anaesthetic Nurse is critical to positive patient outcomes, working closely with the Anaesthetists and all members of the interdisciplinary team. We advocate for the patient to always ensure their safety and are responsible for the handover to PACU staff.

Under limited direction of the Clinical Nurse Consultant and Clinical Development Nurses, Anaesthetic Nurses will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Demonstrate competence to perform the role of anaesthetic nurse as per ACORN standards and organisational policy and guidelines.
2. Assist anaesthetists in administering various types of anaesthesia, including general, regional, and local anaesthesia. Recognise intraoperative complications or changes in patient’s condition and responding appropriately.
3. Be responsible for the provision of comprehensive, high-quality care to patients utilising the principles of fair access and equity, patient participation, health promotion and prevention.
4. Complete all mandatory training requirements and prescribed training requirements determined by hospital policy or the education team for the anaesthetic nurse role.
5. Communicate effectively with patients and colleagues utilising well developed verbal, written and technological skills.
6. Maintain and promote safe clinical practice and adhere to aseptic technique, infection control principles and practices. Advocate for patient safety and comfort during all stages of the surgical process.
7. Collaborate with the anaesthetic and surgical team to ensure that all required equipment, and supplies are checked for availability, functionality, and cleanliness/sterility and are suitable for use for prescribed anaesthetic procedures.
8. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Behavioural Capabilities

1. Strong organisational skills with a high degree of drive.
2. Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet clients’ needs.
3. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Position Requirements / Qualifications

Mandatory

• Be registered or be eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
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• CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates and contingencies.

Highly Desirable

• Previous clinical Anaesthetic experience.
• A proactive and enthusiastic willingness to learn.
• Fulfil the responsibilities of this role in alignment to the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Please note prior to commencement successful candidates will be required to:.

• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
• Prior to commencing this role, a current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Demonstrated clinical knowledge and experience in the implementation of high-quality clinical care utilising the nursing process.
2. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues utilising well-developed (clear, concise, and accurate) verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
3. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development through participation in education and training activities relevant to the field of clinical practice.
4. Demonstrated organisational skills and problem-solving abilities to ensure effective, efficient, and appropriate decision making when planning and implementing health care.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work, health and safety (WH&S) and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

Work Environment Description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.