Anesthesia Assistant, Perioperative Services, Operating Room

Position Summary

The Anesthesia Assistant possesses a variety of clinical and technical skills which supports the physicians in the delivery of anesthetic care and sedation needs within the hospital.

• Work within the Anesthesia Care Team to provide anesthesia and sedation for CHEO patients.
• Prepare, maintain equipment and provide technical support for anesthetic care.
• Set up intravenous lines, invasive monitoring sets, and anesthetic medications.
• Perform activities such as the provision of conscious sedation, administration of anesthetic gases and medications, insertion and management of arterial lines and assessment of depth of anesthesia under the supervision of the Anesthesiologist and under the authority of medical directives.
• Assist with the induction of anesthesia, placement of monitors, intravenous cannulation, arterial and central venous line insertion, drug administration, airway management, intubation, laryngeal mask airway placement, and positioning of the patient.
• Assist with the monitoring of the patient during anesthesia and recovery; drug administration; interpret parameters and respond appropriately; draw blood specimens as required.
• Assist with the cardiac surgery and cardiac catheterization cases including preparation of vasoactive medications and provision of nitric oxide.
• Administer blood and blood products as required.
• Facilitate the transport needs for patients undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures at CHEO and off site.
• Assist with specialized anesthetic techniques and difficult cases (e.g., epidural insertion, spinal anesthetics for premature infants, anticipated difficult airways and other emergencies).
• Set up and monitor blood scavenging system for major surgery involving significant blood loss.
• Participate in Quality Management and Research initiatives.
• Participate in the education of students and residents.
• Participate in a rotation of shifts and call.
• Other duties as required.

• Vulnerable Sector Check (Essential).
• Member of the College of Respiratory Therapy or the College of Nurses of Ontario (Essential).
• BCLS certification (Essential).
• Member in good standing with CRTO (Essential).
• Member in good standing with CSRT (Preferred).
• Clinical Anesthesia Assistant Certification required, or ability to obtain certification within two years from date of hire (Essential).
• A minimum one-year experience as an Anesthesia Assistant preferred; relevant experience and equivalencies may be considered (Preferred).
• Pediatric critical care experience (Preferred).
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and collaborative practice skills (Essential).
• Demonstrated commitment to continuing education, including independent learning (Essential).
• Bilingual (French / English) (Preferred).
• Represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).
• Position based in Ottawa; location may change at any time at the discretion of the employer.
• Pre‑screening may include testing such as a written test, practical exam, or other assessment; all candidates who meet the essential and preferred qualifications may be tested.
• Bilingualism (French/English) will be validated by a language proficiency assessment conducted by a third‑party provider; candidates must meet the minimum linguistic profile prior to hire.

$43.74 – $54.08 per hour.

Based out of Ottawa; location may be subject to change at any time at the discretion of the employer.

CHEO values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. You will be represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). If you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at  All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.