MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ANESTHESIA - Jacksonville

Nova Southeastern University | 7 CERTIFIEDANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANT PROFESSION FAQ What is the typical job description for a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? A CAA is a highly skilled professional who practices as an extension of the licensed anesthesiologist (specialist physician) exclusively within the anesthesia care team environment. The tasks that CAAs perform promote patient safety and ensure optimal health outcomes. In addition to operating anesthesia equipment, monitoring patients, and providing quality anesthesia care, CAAs are also trained to assist in life-saving measures. What duties are performed by a CAA? Under the direction of a qualified anesthesiologist, CAA functions include, but are not limited to, • obtaining an appropriate and accurate preanesthetic health history • performing an appropriate physical examination • recording pertinent data in an organized and legible manner • conducting diagnostic laboratory and related studies as appropriate (such as drawing arterial and venous blood samples) • performing and monitoring regional anesthesia including (but not limited to) ♦ spinal ♦ epidural ♦ IV regional ♦ other special techniques, such as local infiltration and nerve blocks • performing the insertion of invasive monitoring modalities for ♦ arterial lines ♦ pulmonary artery catheterization ♦ central venous lines, as delegated by the supervising anesthesiologist • administering anesthetic agents and any controlled substances under the medical direction of a supervising anesthesiologist including (but not limited to) ♦ administration of induction agents ♦ maintenance and alteration of anesthesia levels ♦ administration of adjunctive treatment ♦ provision of continuity of anesthetic care into and during the postoperative recovery period • establishing airway interventions and performing ventilatory support • applying and interpreting advanced monitoring techniques • using advanced life support techniques such as high-frequency ventilation and intra-arterial cardiovascular assist devices • making post-anesthesia patient rounds by recording patient progress notes, com- piling and recording case summaries, and transcribing standing and specific orders • evaluating and treating life-threatening situations, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, based on established protocols (BLS, ACLS, and PALS) Did You Know? Specific job descriptions and duties of CAAs may differ according to geographic area and local practice. State law or board of medicine regulations or guidelines may further define CAA job descriptions.