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 and physiology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

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

Client monitoring during transfer and the risks associated with transfer

Clinicaloperative procedures and the interrelationship with anaesthesia relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Common cannulation sites and principles for selection and contraindication of site

Fluid balance including regulation and use relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

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

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

Medical terminology relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Medicolegal requirements relevant to providing assistance during anaesthesia

Occupational health and safety and infection control proceduresregulations

Premedications and their effects relevant to providing assistance in anaesthesia

Types and functions of equipment their indications and limitations for use

Types and functions of infusion and transfusion equipment their indications and limitations 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

Assist with transfer and positioning of client

Attach equipment to and detach from client

Identify and manage faults in anaesthetic and monitoring equipment

Prepare and calibrate anaesthetic and monitoring equipment for use

Prepare client sites correctly to interface with equipment

Secure an arterialvenous cannula

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

Assist in preparation of clients with regard to their safety comfort and individual rights

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

Deal with conflict

Display empathy with client and relatives if required

Identify and manage equipment faults

Recognise and manage barriers to effective communication

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 required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation including skills in

asking questions

providing clear information

listening to and understanding workplace instructions

clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

using effective verbal and non verbal communication with a range of personnel within and outside of the organisation

competence in English or a community language depending on client group and organisation requirements

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

Use reading and writing skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation at a level of skill that includes 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 andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace

Evidence gathered from clinical work environment

Written assignmentsprojects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

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

Questioning verbal and written

Role playsimulation

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

Related units

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

Clients requiring anaesthetics may include:

Required client preparation may include:

Clients condition may include:

Client property may include:

Equipment to be attached/detached may include:

Intra-vascular cannulation must include:

Anaesthetist's requirements may include:

Preparation and assistance when required by the anaesthetist may include:

Transfer of clients may include movement to and from:

Attached equipment may include:

Safe transfer of the client may include:

Client positions may include:

Clinical procedures covers the surgical procedure and the type of anaesthetic which may include:

Protecting client from injury may include: