Name: Lauren Reid
Job: Anaesthetic Technician
My job is to assist the Anaesthetist during operations in the Operating Rooms.
What made you want to work in health?
I was attracted to working in the health sector as it gave me a chance to help others and make a difference in their lives.
Do you have any advice for high school students interested in becoming an Anaesthetic Technician?
You need to be someone who can work well with lots of different people and take direction well from others. It’s important to remain calm under pressure and look for ways to get positive outcomes. Other skills that are important on the job include common sense and good communication skills. Lastly, you’ve got to be prepared and enjoy learning as it will be a career-long necessity — there is always new research or equipment being brought into the field of medicine.
What's been your most memorable experience on the job?
Oh, that’s a hard one as I have a number of them. From memorable births to life-saving surgeries and meeting a heart transplant patient months after her operation and speaking to her about the great change to her quality of life since the surgery.
What are some of the challenges working in your role?
Some of the challenges with this job are having to do shift work, having to think quickly and remain calm under pressure in emergency situations and working with lots of different people — staff, patients and families.
What high school subjects would you recommend taking?
I would recommend that you take science related subjects— biology, physics and chemistry.
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What is a typical day like for you?
08:00— I start work. I change into theatre scrubs, check theatre, machines and the surgical list. I will go and talk with the anaesthetist. I will also set up the equipment required for the first case. The type of surgery and the patient's standard of health determine what is required. The difference can be a quick small set up vs invasive monitoring, lines and airways. Every day can be different.
8:30— The first case arrives for surgery and work really begins! We will normally have an elective list so patients will come and go all morning.
12:00— I enjoy a quick 30 minute lunch break.
12:30— I will continue to assist the anaesthetist for the whole patient list. Duties can include: the replacement of fluids, running blood tests, getting the required drugs, restocking equipment and any drugs used, removing dirty equipment and replacing it with new equipment ready for the next person to use.
4:00— Normally the list finishes around 4pm. The theatre must be left in a state of readiness in case of any emergency, so I make sure that all the equipment is ready and available for use.
4.30— It's the end of my shift, so I get back into normal clothes and go home for the day.
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