Anaesthetic nurse

Job/Role Summary

• assisting in anaesthesia during routine lists in theatre
• transfer of patients between hospitals for example head injury patients to Royal Hospital or children to paediatric intensive care
• attending crash cases in accident department or wards and maternity

Specific qualifications and experience required

Registered nurse
Certificate in perioperative nursing – Queen’s University Belfast

Career Milestones

Certificate in perioperative nursing
Introduction of computer skills needed for course which I have also used in theatre
The course also enlightened me on student nurses work for registration

What attracted you to this job?

Development of anaesthetic nursing skills and formal course to substantiate the same. Wanted change in direction of theatre post

Enjoyable aspects of the job/role

• rewarding in terms of seeing the waiting lists decrease through effective working
• enjoy the adrenaline charged work in emergency department
• never boring – always something different happening

Challenging aspects of the job/role

• Emergency department work
• Paediatric resuscitation and transfer
• Emergency cover of wards

Important success factors

• Queen’s University course
• My mentor has greatly supported me (one of the consultant anaesthetists)
• Continuous support from the anaesthetic assistants

Advice for those considering the type of job/role?

It’s a busy job; you must give of your best every day. Lots of on call work, weekend work and evening work. Not easy if you have got children

Key skills that can be gained within this job/role?

Intubations – routine and emergency – adult and paediatric

Resuscitation – adults and children

Safe transfer of patients to other hospitals or departments

Career Profiles