On March 14 we celebrated Anaesthetic Technician Day! A big shout out to all our amazing AT’s for all their hard work.
Registered Anaesthetic Technician Casey Barlow says no two days are ever the same.
Casey, who began working at Southland Hospital since 2017, says she picked this health career because she had always been fascinated by the theatre environment.
When Casey began her training, it was under an apprenticeship model so ATs were paid to work full-time while studying and completing a diploma in applied science through the Auckland Institute of Technology (AUT).
“It was a busy three years juggling study, work, travel for course and having a life, but it was worth it for me.”
The apprenticeship model has been replaced and the study path to becoming an AT is now to complete a Bachelor of Health Science, Perioperative Practice Major. It’s three years of fulltime study (in Auckland or via distance learning) with placements in hospitals to give students practical experience.
Casey loves the variety of her job as the reason no two days are the same is because every patient is different, especially how they may respond to an anaesthetic.
“We also get the opportunity to work in various parts of the hospital, such as MRI, CT, ED or CCU as it is our job to assist the anesthetist any time, they administer an anaesthetic.”
There is also a strong team bond in theatre as anaesthetists, surgeons, nurses and healthcare assistants focus and work together to do everything they can for each one of their patients, she says.
“I also really enjoy supporting our patients, talking with them and hopefully putting them at ease during what is often a very challenging time for them.”
FAST FACTS:
Registered ATs are responsible for ensuring any equipment needed for a patient, including the anesthetic machine, is safe, functional and available.
An AT is trained in the wide range of technology used for the induction, maintenance, emergence and monitoring of anesthesia.
An AT interacts with patients before surgery offering support and reassurance. The role involves empathy, sympathy in acting as the patient advocate. Source: www.nzats.co.nz
