The Anaesthesia Assistant supports anaesthesiologists in all aspects of anesthesia care within the Gynecology, Breast Health, and Birth units. Responsibilities include monitoring patients, providing technical support for difficult airways, and educating other healthcare professionals.
Requirements summary
Requires a Diploma/Degree in Respiratory Therapy or a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, along with an Anesthesia Assistant Certification and at least three years of experience. Candidates must be registered with the NSCRT or NSCN and hold current BLS and ACLS certifications.
July 7, 2026 (Applications are accepted until 23:59 Atlantic Time)
Successful candidates may be eligible for a signing bonus incentive of up to $5,000 with a recommended return of service period of two (2) years.
Relocation assistance of up to $5,000 may be included for those that qualify.
In turn, a Return of Service will be required.
IWK Health is a respected academic health sciences centre located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, providing tertiary and primary care for two million children, youth, adults and families each year across the Atlantic region.
We have a team of approximately 4000 employees, physicians, volunteers and learners at sites across Nova Scotia.
People build careers with IWK Health with our focus on training and mentorship opportunities.
We recognize each other’s talent and celebrate our successes.
We collaborate in modern facilities or virtually from home, align our work to our values, and enjoy access to enhanced benefits and wellness programs.
We are proud to support our patients, families and communities and are grateful for the generous donor support we receive.
Promoting an anti-racist environment, and calling out discrimination as we work and provide care, is important to us.
We are located in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people.
Benefits
Signing Bonus
Relocation Assistance
Wellness Programs
Enhanced Benefits
Working in Mi’kma’ki and providing care to those across Atlantic Canada is a shared privilege with the original inhabitants who have lived here for many thousands of years prior to colonization.
There are 13 First Nation communities across Nova Scotia, and more than 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities who also have a long, deep, and complex history dating back over 400 years.
We have the highest percentage of people with disabilities in the country.
Nova Scotia has the highest proportions of transgender and non-binary people than any other province or territory in the country.
We are active in our work to eliminate discrimination, but have more work to do to build that trust, acknowledge our biases and reduce the barriers our diverse communities face.
We want IWK Health to be a safe and supportive space of equity and belonging in the care we provide and the employment we offer.
We welcome all interested persons who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Colour, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply to support our goal for our workforce to be representative of the patients, families, and communities that we care for at all job levels.The Opportunity Reporting to the Manager, Women's Ambulatory, Perioperative Services, Breast Health, and Midwifery, the Anaesthesia Assistant will act as an integral member of the Perioperative team.
The Anaesthesia Assistant will work in close collaboration with the Department of Anesthesia and will be responsible for assisting the Anaesthesiologist in all aspects of anesthesia care.
The Anaesthesia Assistant will, under the supervision of the Anaesthesiologist, monitor patients and provide perioperative support in the Gynecology/Breast Health, OR/PACU, and Birth Unit.
They also provide technical support in preparing for patients undergoing anesthesia care including assisting with awake intubations, difficult airways, emergency situations, and Epidural care.
Other related duties include education of various health care professionals and introducing new technology.Hours of Work 24-hour coverage; 8 hours and 12-hour shifts as per operational requirements.Your Qualifications Successful completion of a Diploma/Degree in Respiratory Therapy from a recognized/accredited Canadian program required OR Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing required (candidates with equivalent experience and education will be considered).| Anesthesia Assistant Certification/Diploma required.
Minimum three (3) years Anaesthesia Assistant experience required.
Registered, or eligible to be registered, with the Nova Scotia College of Respiratory Therapists (NSCRT) OR Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) required.
Current successful completion of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (BLS) Program within the last 12 months, or successful completion of a BLS Renewal Challenge Certificate.
Current certification in ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) Demonstrated clinical and technical competence in an adult anaesthesia/respiratory therapy setting required.
Demonstrated competence in communication, interpersonal relations, problem-solving and computer applications required.
Thank you for your interest in IWK Health.
Please note that we only contact applicants selected for interview/testing. If we invite you to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) you have the right to request accommodation. Please discuss your needs when invited to the assessment process.
This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units or employment status, are advised to seek clarification regarding their seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement and/or usage, prior to accepting the position.
An offer of employment is conditional upon the completion and satisfactory results of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.
If you are an employee of IWK Health, please apply through the internal careers page to ensure you are flagged as an internal applicant.
Market context
Nursing roles in Nova Scotia stay competitive
Nursing support roles in Nova Scotia are often in steady demand because care settings need reliable coverage across shifts and locations. These roles are competitive when employers look for a Canadian PSW, DSW, or Health Care Aid certificate, or a nursing student or graduate, plus current Vulnerable Sector Police check, BLS/CPR, and up-to-date vaccinations. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your documents and certifications before applying.
