JOB DESCRIPTION
Trainee Anaesthetic Technician, Operating Theatre
Whangarei Base Hospital
Position Title:
Trainee Anaesthetic Technician
Organisation Unit:
Operating Theatre
Location:
Whangarei Base Hospital, Northland District Health Board
Responsible to:
Charge Anaesthetic Technician, Anaesthetic Technician Clinical
Educator Theatre, Northland District Health Board
Primary Functions of
the Position:
1. To complete and achieve a Diploma in Applied Science
(Anaesthetic Technology)
2. To provide a high standard of clinical assistance to the
Anaesthetist and Intensivist
3. To participate as an effective member of the Perioperative
team
Functional Relationships
The Trainee Anaesthetic Technician will develop and maintain excellent relationships with:
Internal
External
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Charge Anaesthetic Technician
Anaesthetic Technician Clinical
Educator
Anaesthetists and Intensivits
Surgeons
Anaesthetic Technicians
Work Place Assessors (WPA)
Nurses
Nurse Manager, Perioperative Services
Ward Nursing staff
All ancillary theatre staff
AUT Tutors
Patients and their family/whanau
Key Responsibilities and Expected Outcomes
Northland District Health Board has established a set of values by which the organisation will respond, in
part, to achieving its goals and objectives through their workforce. The following Values and supporting
statements are expected behaviours of each individual employed with NDHB:
Values
Supporting Statement
People First
Tangata I te tuatahi
Respect
Whakaute (tuku mana)
Caring
Manaaki
Communication
Whakawhitiwhiti korero
Excellence
Taumata teitei (hirangi)
People are central to all we do
We treat others as we would like to be treated
We nurture those around us, and treat all with dignity and
compassion
We communicate safely, openly and with respect to promote clear
understanding
Our attitude of excellence inspires success, competence,
confidence and innovation
The position of Trainee Anaesthetic Technician encompasses the following major functions or key result
areas:
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Completion of Anaesthetic Technician training within the designated time period of three years
maximum
To provide a high standard of clinical assistance to the Anaesthetist.
To provide a high standard of clinical care in a safe and appropriate manner
Infection Control
Knowledge and skill development is ongoing and current.
Quality Assurance
Treaty of Waitangi
Health and Safety
The outcome requirements of the above key responsibility areas are outlined below:
Key Responsibility Area
Expected Outcomes
Completion of
Anaesthetic Technician
training within the
designated time period
of three years maximum
 Commences the distance learning training program for Anaesthetic
Technician Trainees as provided by the Auckland University of
Technology within six months of appointment.
 Attends all teaching sessions as provided by the Anaesthetic Clinical
Tutor or Anaesthetic Technicians Training Coordinator.
 Attends relevant educational opportunities - conferences/lectures.
 May be required to take part in an inter-hospital trainee exchange
program.
 Complies with reasonable requirements of clinical tutor or their
represented or associated tutors.
 Meets guidelines for completion of training within a given time.
Key Responsibility Area
Expected Outcomes
To provide a high
standard of clinical
assistance to the
Anaesthetist
 Establishing Anaesthetist’s requirements for relevant surgical /
anaesthetic procedures.
 Assistance with preparation and application of IV lines, ECG's, CV
lines, arterial lines and monitoring temperatures etc. and should be
fully understood with a knowledge of invasive and non invasive
monitoring techniques and indications for use.
 Checking and preparation of anaesthetic machines and ancillary
equipment. All anaesthetic machines must be checked following the
College of Anaesthetists standards daily. Anaesthetic machines are
to be presented in a clean and safe condition for use. All ancillary
equipment must be in safe reliable operating condition for use. Must
bring to attention of anaesthetist and technicians any fault
discovered in equipment.
 Preparation and assistance for spinal, epidural, and regional
anaesthetic procedures.
 Provide assistance outside the operating theatre when required by
the anaesthetist. These duties may at times be required in the
CT/MRI scanning suite, Emergency Department and ICU.
 Direct assistance with induction of general anaesthesia – ensure
equipment is set up and working
To provide a high
standard of clinical care
in a safe and
appropriate manner
 Accurate identification and assessment of patient as per theatre
protocol for patient check in.
 Maximum safeguards are observed with regard to cultural and
individual differences.
 Practice within accepted theatre and Northland DHB guidelines,
protocols and policies.
 Initiates action to reduce/ correct/ prevent actual or potential risks to
patients and colleagues.
 Accidents, incidents, errors/omissions are acknowledged, reported
and documented promptly.
 Effective time management, priority setting, co-ordination and
communication skills are practiced.
 Adopt a collaborative and inclusive approach with colleagues and
other members of the multi disciplinary team.
 Ensure that all concerns, complaints and issues are bought to the
attention of the Charge Anaesthetic Technician or Nurse Manager
Perioperative Service in a timely and effective manner, in
accordance with service policies and procedures.
Infection Control
 An understanding and adherence to the procedures in cleaning,
disinfection and sterilisation of equipment.
 Awareness of infection control practices and reducing the risk of
cross infection
 An understanding of and adherence to Central Sterilising Unit
cleaning and sterilising protocols
 Demonstrates compliance with departmental Hand hygiene
requirements
 Demonstrates compliance with departmental Protective Personal
Equipment procedures
Key Responsibility Area
Expected Outcomes
Equipment
 To ensure that all anaesthetic and ancillary equipment is in a safe
clean and ready state of condition.
 Restocking and continued provision of anaesthetic drugs,
intravenous fluids etc. as in accord with Theatre Department levels.
 Report any faulty equipment to Charge Anaesthetic Technician
Knowledge and skill
development is ongoing
and current
 Committed to development of own skills and knowledge in clinical
areas. CPR, fire, health and safety training, IV designation, IV
cannulation as per theatre protocols.
 Develop and maintain personal, professional practice in accordance
with professional standards, best practice, legislative requirements,
policies and guidelines.
 Ensure designations are up to date and reviewed as required by
protocols and policies of organisation.
 Seeks additional knowledge/assistance when presented with
unfamiliar situations/patient conditions.
 Participate in the performance management process and will involve
the formulation of a personal work development plan, which will be
revised annually.
Quality Assurance
 Participates in the quality assurance processes which lead to the
adoption of improved policies/ protocols for the Service.
 Collects and records accurately appropriate information to create
seamless transfer of such information.
 Identifies areas of improvement
Treaty of Waitangi
 Contribute to the promotion of the principles of Treaty of Waitangi
and the involvement if Maori within the decision making process for
their health and independence, within District Health Board
management processes and procedures
 Include the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi within all aspects of
the role and its outcomes
 Ensure that consultation and engagement processes include
appropriate mechanisms to meet the need of Maori in a culturally
appropriate and safe manner
 Attend the Northland District Health Board Treaty of Waitangi
Training
Health & Safety
 Ensure compliance with designated responsibilities detailed in
Northland District Health Board’s Health and Safety Policy
 Promote an environment of physical, occupational, cultural, ethical
and legal safety
 Observe safe work practices, rules and instructions relating to work,
and be pro-active in hazard management
 Willingly co-operate in the achievement of all health and safety goals
and initiatives by:
 Practicing and observing safe work methods;
 The use of safety equipment;
 Reporting unsafe conditions or equipment; and
 Reporting and documenting all accidents or incidents
Variation of Duties
Duties and responsibilities described above should not be construed as a complete and exhaustive list as
it is not the intention to limit in any way the scope or functions of the position. Duties and responsibilities
can be amended from time to time either by additional, deletion or straight amendment by the Charge
Anaesthetic Technician to meet any changing conditions, however this will only be done in consultation
with the employee.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
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Desirable
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Good numeric and literacy skills
Computer skills (basic word and excel)
6th Form Certificate in Physics and 7th
Form Certificate in Biology or equivalent
Experience
Essential
Customer service experience
Desirable
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Previous employment in the health sector
Awareness and Understanding of
Essential
Desirable
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The Treaty of Waitangi and its application
to the health setting
Privacy Act (1993) and Health
Information Privacy Code (1994)
Health and Safety in Employment Act
(1992)
Health and Disability Commissioner
(Code of Health and Disability Services
Consumers’ Rights) Regulations (1996)
New Zealand Council of Healthcare
Standards
Skills & Personal Attributes
Skills
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Strong attention to detail
Accuracy and precision in both technical and clerical aspects of the job
Effective communication
Effective time management
Basic computer competency (eg. Microsoft Word and Excel).
Ability to follow clear guidelines and set procedures
Organized and methodical methods of working
Proactive in problem-solving, using initiative and improving work methods/procedures
Able to work independently and as part of a team
Able to prioritise, organize and manage a wide variety of tasks
Confident around new technology and computerized equipment
Personal Attributes
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Keen to learn new skills and share knowledge
Responsible and accountable for own performance
Enjoy working with a team
Professional in appearance, attitude and presentation
Physically fit
Able to work effectively when under pressure
Adaptable and flexible; open to new ideas and concepts
Ability to conquer job challenges through critical and creative thinking
Relates well to others, both co-workers and customers
Performance Development Review
An initial review of performance will be conducted after three months, with an annual review thereafter.
An individual Development Plan will be developed to reflect the contribution this position is expected to
make towards achieving the team’s objectives and measures. Key result areas will be developed and
agreed at this time.
Authorised by:
Title:
Date:
Acceptance
Acceptance of the position implies acceptance of this position description.
Position Title:
Signature of employee:
Date: