Dr Jan Steiner
Anaesthetist

Jan works as an Anaesthetist in Letterkenny General Hospital. Originally from Germany, Jan completed his medical training as a general Doctor (MD) and went on to specialise as an Anaesthetist.

How did you go about getting your current job?

I applied with CV and got in when a sudden vacancy occurred.

Describe a typical day?

8am: theoretical training session.

9am: preparing for 1st patient, i.e. preparing drugs, checking machines.

9am -17pm: perioperative anaesthetic care of patients in theatre.

What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

Main tasks are to deliver best patient care, i.e. a calm and informed patient preOP, a stable patient intraOP and an awake, pain-free/-controlled, stable patient postOP.

Outside theatre my main tasks are stabilizing critically ill patients which mainly involves managing airway & breathing issues.

What are the main challenges?

Passing exams and advancing academically is the main challenge, i.e. ongoing training and assessment.

What's cool?

I am continuously challenged every day in my job which is great.

What's not so cool?

The long working hours - some weeks you can work as much as 100 hours although the average is nearer to 60 hours per week.

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

Particular skills are all required anaesthetic skills. Personal skills would/could be honesty, courage, organisational skill, discipline and visions.