Anesthesiologist Assistant

Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) Overview

Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) are highly skilled health professionals who work under the direction of licensed anesthesiologists to implement anesthesia care plans. CAAs work exclusively within the anesthesia care team environment as described by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). All CAAs possess a premedical background, a baccalaureate degree, and also complete a comprehensive didactic and clinical program at the graduate school level.

CAAs are trained extensively in the delivery and maintenance of quality anesthesia care as well as advanced patient monitoring techniques. Employee work schedules will be established and maintained on a fair and equitable basis to ensure optimal patient care and the safe, efficient operation of Children's National.

Minimum Education
M.S. in Anesthesia in a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Program Anesthesiologist Assistant (Required)

Minimum Work Experience
1 year of work-related experience in pediatric care (Preferred)

Required Skills/Knowledge
Pretesting and calibrating anesthesia equipment, monitors and delivery systems. Collecting preoperative data and performing physical examinations. Inserting venous, arterial, and other invasive catheters. Delivering drugs for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Placing, delivering, and managing regional anesthesia. Securing and managing the airway. Managing supportive therapy such as intravenous fluids and blood products. Administering cardiovascular drugs as supportive therapy. Making anesthetic adjustments using intraoperative monitoring modalities.

Providing a safe transition from the operating room to the recovery area. Performing functions in post operative pain assessment and management. Participating in administrative affairs, research, and clinical instruction. Must be current with CME credits.

Required Licenses and Certifications
Anesthesiologist Assistant DC Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Upon Hire (Required) & Anesthesiologist Assistant National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants Upon Hire (Required) & Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Upon Hire (Required)

• Collect preoperative data and perform physical examinations.
• Manage supportive therapy such as intravenous fluids and blood products.
• Administer cardiovascular drugs as supportive therapy.
• Make anesthetic adjustments using intraoperative monitoring modalities.
• Provide a safe transition from the operating room to the recovery area.
• Perform functions in post operative pain assessment and management.
• Participate in administrative affairs, research, and clinical instruction.

• Place venous, arterial, and other invasive catheters.
• Secure and manage the airway.
• Place, deliver, and manage regional anesthesia.

• Maintain and enhance current knowledge by attending continuing education conferences within the hospital or at the regional or national level.
• Participate in the education of other medical practitioners by acting as a mentor, preceptor and role model.
• Evaluate and use literature and research findings to support practice decisions.
• Design, conduct, and/or participate in research studies.