Nurse Anesthetist

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Nurse Anesthetist, within the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Employment will be on a contractual arrangement for a period of two (2) years.

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of an attending anesthesiologist, render anesthesia and anesthesia related care to facilitate diagnostic, obstetric, therapeutic or surgical procedures.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working in collaboration with anesthesiologists, surgeons and other physicians and medical professionals to deliver anesthesia for medical and surgical procedures.
• Evaluate the physical and psycho-social health status of patients through a comprehensive health history and physical examination.
• Use skills of observation, inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation, and using diagnostic instrument or laboratory procedures that are necessary for the screening of physical signs and symptoms.
• Assess normal and abnormal findings from the history, physical examination and laboratory reports.
• Perform pre-operative health assessment and select and administer pre-anesthetic medications
• Secure, prepare and provide basic safety checks on all equipment, monitors, supplies and pharmaceutical agents used for the administration of anesthetic.
• Perform tracheal intubations, extubations and provide mechanical ventilation.
• Select, implement and administer general anesthesia, monitored anesthesia care.
• Provide perianesthetic invasive and non-invasive monitoring, recognizing abnormal findings, implement correct active, and request consultation with health care providers as necessary.
• Document all aspects of nurse anesthesia care and report the clients status, perianesthetic course and anticipated problems to Nurse/doctor who assume clients health care following anesthesia
• Initiate and manage pain relief therapy.
• Provide consultation related to respiratory and ventilatory care and implement such care according to established policies.
• Work in Accident and Emergency Department and any other assigned areas. 
• Provide leadership in Critical Nursing care for deteriorating patients in the hospital and transfers to other clinical areas or hospitals.
• Assist in the resuscitation of critically ill or severely traumatized patients.

CANDIDATES QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE PROFILE

The applicant must:-

• Be a Registered General Nurse with post basic qualification in Intensive care. Post basic training in Midwifery would be an asset. 
• Diploma or Degree in Anesthesia with current certification as a practicing Nurse Anesthetist.
• Should be knowledgeable as to recent trends in anesthesia administration.  
• Knowledge is mandatory of anesthesia principles, practices, agents and equipment.
• Certification in life support techniques, BLS and ACLS.
• Have a minimum of one (1) year experience in the administration of anesthesia and anesthesia-related care in four general categories.
• Pre-anesthetic preparations and evaluation;
• Anesthetic induction, maintenance and emergence;
• Post-anesthetic care;
• Perianesthetic and clinical support functions, e.g. respiratory/ventilatory care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and management of blood, fluid and electrolyte balance.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ENGAGEMENT

The remuneration package for the post of Nurse Anesthetist is as follows: 

• Basic Salary is in the salary scale R10, that is EC$72,192.00 (Taxable) 
• Uniform allowance - EC $900.00 per annum (non-taxable)

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are asked to submit ALL of the following documentation:

• Letter of Application for the post of Nurse Anesthetist. A detailed Curriculum Vitae outlining academic and professional qualifications and years of practice and experience. 
• A clear statement detailing why in the applicant’s view he/she considers himself/herself well qualified for the position.
• Picture ID (preferably passport bio page)
• Two references of which one (1) must be from you most recent employer and speak to competency in nursing practice.  Reference letters must contain full contact details of the referees.
• Valid police report.
• Transcript for both General Nursing and Nurse Anesthesia training programs. 
• Certificate of registration as a Registered Nurse and Registered Nurse Anesthetist from the Nursing Council in country of practice.
• Valid certificate of licensure with the Nursing Council to practice as a Registered Nurse and Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

N B:  All nursing qualifications must be notarized. Certificates and Transcripts can be merged with your Certified Copies of Qualifications and uploaded to that field.