Work is performed under the direction of the anaesthetist and requires broad knowledge, a range of well developed skills and the ability to develop and apply solutions to a range of predictable and unpredictable problems. Individuals use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs

The unit includes assisting the anaesthetist in the management of the client's airway, including the removal of artificial airways, and assisting in the preparation and administration of a limited range of drugs (in accordance with national and state/territory legislation and organisation policies) which have been prescribed by the anaesthetist. It also includes providing assistance to the anaesthetist in monitoring and responding to changes or lack of changes in the client's condition during emergence phase of anaesthesia

Administration of anaesthesia may occur in various locations within the hospital environment e.g. operating theatres, emergency department, intensive care unit (ICU), radiology department

All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Policy Documents, organisation policies, procedures and infection control guidelines

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare drugs and equipment for emergence phase

1.1 Select and prepare equipment for the administration of drugs and ensure it is in the correct condition for use

1.2 Collect, check and prepare drugs for administration under the direction of the anaesthetist and within national legislation and organisation policies and procedures

1.3 Identify allergies, contra-indications and side effects which may affect the safe administration of drugs and refer to the anaesthetist

1.4 Prepare site following site selection by the anaesthetist and under the direction of the anaesthetist

1.5 Handle and dispose of sharps safely

1.6 Select and check equipment for airway management and ensure it is made available for use

2. Assist in management of client's airway during emergence phase

2.1 Assist anaesthetist with client positioning to facilitate management of client's airway

2.2 Assist anaesthetist to optimise oxygenation of client

2.3 Select, prepare and handle equipment in accordance with WHS and infection control policies and procedures

2.4 Assist anaesthetist as required during intubation and extubation

2.5 Provide reassurance to the client and take action to limit injury in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

2.6 Observe client's condition throughout the procedure and take action when required or at the direction of the anaesthetist

2.7 Dispose of contaminated equipment and body fluids safely in accordance with waste management policies

3. Administration of drugs following and under the direction of the anaesthetist consistent with practice and procedure and state and territory legislation

3.1 Explain intended actions to provide reassurance and elicit cooperation from client

3.2 Refer potential problems to the anaesthetist prior to administration

3.3 Administer the drug in accordance with organisation policies and procedures and state/territory legislation

3.4 Complete documentation

4. Restore equipment and environment at completion of procedure and following transfer of client

4.1 Clean, disinfect and/or sterilise equipment as required and in accordance with infection control guidelines and manufacturer's instructions

4.2 Manage faulty equipment in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

4.3 Dispose of disposable items in accordance with waste management policies

4.4 Handle soiled linen in accordance with infection control guidelines

4.5 Restock consumables

4.6 Clean and restore environment

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

Anaesthetic procedures relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Anatomy of upper/lower respiratory tract and accessory muscles of respiration

Boundaries of responsibilities and ability to refer problems to supervisor, anaesthetist or other appropriate health professional

Clinical/operative procedures and the interrelationship with anaesthesia relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Equipment related to operative procedure and their function relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

General knowledge of pathophysiology of disease relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Manual handling and client positioning techniques to prevent injury relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Medical terminology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Medico-legal requirements relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Occupational health and safety and infection control procedures/regulations relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Oxygen therapy maintenance

Pharmacology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Physiology of normal respiration, factors which effect respiration, conditions which may compromise the client's airway, and types and signs of airway obstruction

Types of equipment used in airway management, and drug administration and indication for use

Use of pain management equipment relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Anticipate the needs of the anaesthetist

Calculate drug dosages relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Comply with organisation policies and procedures including those of WHS and infection control, and current standards

Correctly apply relevant Australian Standards and organisation policy and procedures for cleaning, disinfecting and/or sterilisation of anaesthetic equipment where applicable

Identify and manage faults in anaesthetic and monitoring equipment

Identify the different methods of airway maintenance

Monitor range of physiological parameters with reference to standard values of normal physiological function relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Position clients relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Recognise the signs and symptoms, causes and remedial actions in the event of loss of airway relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Deal with conflict

Display empathy with client and relatives

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Use numeracy skills including the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, recording stock levels and statistical information

Use oral communication skills-language competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. Assessors should look for skills in asking questions, providing clear information, listening to and understanding workplace instructions, and clarifying workplace instructions when necessary. Effective verbal and non verbal communication skills with a range of personnel, within and outside of the organisation, are essential. An ability to recognise and manage barriers to effective communication is also essential. Organisation may require competence in English or a community language, depending on client group

Use problem solving skills required, including an ability to use available resources

Use reading and writing skills-literacy competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. The level of skill required involves reading and documenting clinical information and understanding complex policy and procedure manuals.

Work with others within a team

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Resources essential for assessment include:

access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace

Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

Written assignments/projects

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.

Questioning verbal and written

Role play/simulation

Related units:

This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Drugs may include:

Anaesthetic reversal drugs

Drugs associated with anaesthetic emergencies

Analgesia and antimetics

Equipment for the administration of drugs may include:

Syringes

Needles

Needleless system

Infusion pump, including client controlled analgesia

Nebulisers via tracheal tube

Medicine cups

Antiseptics

Sharps container

Drug administration routes may include:

Intra-muscular

Oral

Rectal

Sub-cutaneous

Inhalation/nebulisation

Topical

Intravenous

Equipment for airway management must include:

Range of nasal and oral endotracheal tubes

Tracheostomy tubes

Range of laryngoscopes, laryngoscope blades and handies

Fibreoptic bronchoscopes

Light wand

Difficult intubation equipment

Intubation aids

Oropharyngeal/nasal/laryngeal airways

Suction equipment for oesophageal and tracheal suction

Self inflating bag

Face masks

Nebulisers

Anaesthetic circuits

Breathing systems and attachments

Connectors

Filters

Mouth gags

Video equipment

Clients requiring anaesthetic may include:

Neonates

Infants

Children

Adolescents

Adults

Elderly

Pregnant women

Impaired

Traumatised

Unconscious

Immuno-compromised

Male

Female

Documentation may include:

Client's notes/charts

Hospital records

This unit contains Employability Skills