16 Anesthesia Technician Skills for Your Career and Resume

Anesthesia technicians are medical professionals who work with anesthesiologists to prepare and administer anesthesia to patients. They have a wide range of skills, from medical knowledge to customer service, that are essential to their job. If you’re interested in becoming an anesthesia technician, it’s important to understand what skills are necessary for the job.

Ventilators

Ventilators are machines that anesthetists use to provide patients with oxygen. Anesthesia technicians who have ventilator skills can help ensure that the patient is receiving enough air during a procedure. This skill also allows you to monitor the patient’s breathing patterns and adjust the machine accordingly.

Ventilator skills include knowing how to operate the equipment, monitoring the patient’s vitals while they’re on the machine and adjusting the settings when necessary.

Adaptability

Anesthesia technicians must be able to adapt to changing circumstances. They may need to change their plans for the day or week depending on what procedures are scheduled and how long they take. For example, if a doctor is running behind schedule, an anesthesia technician might have to stay later than expected to complete all of their duties.

Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is the skill of drawing blood from a patient. This can be an important part of many medical procedures, so it’s likely that you’ll need to learn how to perform phlebotomy as an anesthesia technician. You may also find yourself working with a phlebotomist who draws blood for other medical professionals.

Anesthesia Drugs

Anesthesia technicians must have knowledge of the various anesthetics and other drugs used in anesthesia. They should know how to prepare, store and administer these medications properly to ensure patient safety. Anesthesia technicians also need to understand the effects each drug may have on a patient so they can recognize any complications that may arise during or after treatment.

Infection Control

Anesthesia technicians must be able to follow infection control protocols when working in hospitals and other medical facilities. This includes wearing the proper protective equipment, sterilizing all tools before each procedure and cleaning any surfaces that may have come into contact with bodily fluids. It’s also important for anesthetists to properly dispose of any waste generated during a procedure.

Sterile Processing

Sterile processing is the ability to handle medical equipment and supplies in a way that ensures they remain sterile. This means ensuring all materials are handled with clean hands, stored properly and used only once. It’s important for an anesthetist to have sterile processing skills because it ensures their tools are safe for use on patients. Anesthesia technicians also need these skills when handling medical equipment so they can ensure the safety of both themselves and their patients.

Attention to Detail

Anesthesia technicians must be able to follow instructions precisely in order to ensure the safety of their patients. They also need to pay close attention to details when monitoring patient vitals and adjusting equipment, as any deviation from normal can indicate a problem that needs immediate attention.

Interpersonal Skills

Anesthesia technicians must be able to work with a variety of people, including patients, doctors and other medical staff. They should have excellent communication skills so they can relay information about the patient’s condition to the anesthesiologist and explain any changes in the patient’s status during the procedure. Anesthesia technicians also need to be friendly and compassionate when working with patients who may be nervous or anxious before their procedures.

Patience

Anesthesia technicians must be patient when working with patients and medical staff. They may need to wait for a doctor to arrive in the operating room or while monitoring a patient’s vitals during surgery. Anesthesia technicians also work closely with doctors, who have years of training and experience. Being patient can help an anesthesia technician learn from their colleagues and develop their skills.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly. Anesthesia technicians must be able to communicate with patients, doctors and other medical staff in order to perform their duties effectively. They also need to be able to explain technical medical terminology to patients so that they understand what’s happening during treatment.

IVs

Anesthesia technicians should have knowledge of intravenous fluids, or IVs. This is because they may be responsible for administering the fluids to patients before and after procedures. It’s important that an anesthesia technician understands how to read a patient’s medical history and understand what type of fluid their body needs. They also need to know how to properly administer the fluids so they don’t cause any harm to the patient.

EMRs

Anesthesia technicians should have knowledge of electronic medical records, or EMRs. This is because they often work with anesthesiologists and other health care professionals who use these systems to store patient information. Anesthesia technicians may also need to enter data into the system themselves when working in a hospital setting.

Anesthesia Machines

Anesthesia technicians need to know how to operate anesthetizing machines, which are used to administer anesthesia. This includes understanding the different types of equipment and their functions as well as knowing how to properly maintain them. Anesthesia technicians also need to be able to troubleshoot any issues that may arise with these machines.

Patient Monitoring

Anesthesia technicians must be able to monitor patients throughout their procedure. This requires paying close attention to the patient’s vitals and ensuring they remain within safe parameters. It also means being aware of any changes in a patient’s condition, such as if they become agitated or confused. An anesthetist may rely on the technician to notice these changes before the anesthetist does so that treatment can begin promptly.

Invasive & Non-invasive Lines

Invasive and non-invasive lines are the types of anesthetics that a medical professional may use to sedate or numb a patient. Invasive means they insert a needle into the body, while non-invasive means they don’t. Anesthesia technicians must know how to administer both types of anesthesia so they can provide their patients with the best care possible.

Stress Management

Anesthesia technicians often work in fast-paced environments where they may be responsible for the lives of many patients. It’s important to have stress management skills so you can remain calm and focused when working with patients. You might also need to manage your own stress if a patient experiences complications or unexpected outcomes during an operation.

How Can I Learn These Anesthesia Technician Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to become an Anesthesia Technician. You can look into taking a course or certification program specifically designed for Anesthesia Technicians, which will teach you all of the necessary skills. Alternatively, you can become certified as a medical assistant or a registered nurse, and then specialize in anesthesia technology. Many hospitals also offer on-the-job training programs for Anesthesia Technicians, which can be a great way to learn while also getting paid.