Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction and supervision of the Clinical Nurse, the Anesthesia Technician prepares, for use during operating procedures, all anesthesia supplies and equipment. Performs a variety of basic technical procedures such as identifying equipment malfunctions, troubleshooting equipment, making minor equipment adjustments and/or reporting repairs as needed. Technical procedures also includes sterilizing equipment according to prescribed policies and procedures, and by using chemical sterilization machinery and techniques, and/or using manual disinfecting techniques, such as opening sterile trays, placement of EKG electrodes, probes and monitors on the patient. Assists the Physician at the bedside with intubation procedures by handling equipment or instruments, and prepping the patient’s skin for the setting up of invasive lines (IV lines). Performs physical environment duties such as periodically checking OR suites, stocking and storage areas to ensure that clean up has taken place before and after procedures. In addition to the Anesthesia Technician duties, the Anesthesia Technician directly supports all Anesthesia Machines and associated monitoring equipment for the Operating Room.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Consistently supports the hospital’s Spirit of Serving Standards, in line with the Mission, Vision and values of St Joseph Medical Center.

2. Follows the St. Joseph Medical Center Guidelines related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), designed to prevent or detect unauthorized disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI).

3. Promotes a culture of safety for patients and Associates through proper identification, proper reporting, documentation and prevention of medical errors in a non-punitive environment.

4. Prepares IV fluids (by selecting proper fluids and setting up on IV poles), blood warmers and transducers, using aseptic technique, for patients as ordered by the physician.

5. Prepares, maintains and cleans anesthesia machines, equipment and supplies using chemical sterilization methods or by using manual disinfectant techniques in order to ensure that sterile equipment is ready for use.

6. Prepares equipment for use, by checking for proper functioning (i.e. cables, batteries, and minor adjustments prior to use). Assists the Physician and nurses to attach equipment to the patient, such as monitors and safety devices, pulse oximeters, EKG monitors, transducers, and warming devices.

7. Inventories, orders and maintains supplies of cylinder gases, monitors proper levels in tank by checking dials and readings, and adjusts accordingly.

8. Stock rooms with sterile equipment, solutions, housekeeping supplies, linens, and all other necessary items, either as standard room maintenance or with special orders form the Physician or nurse.

9. Sanitizes OR suites and equipment after procedure, following safety guidelines and using appropriate disinfectants, equipment and method.

10. Assists the Nurse and Anesthesiologist as directed by running errands, getting supplies and monitoring observing patients, taking vital information, performing patient hygiene functions for pre-IV insertion, or other patient care duties.

11. Transports patients by wheelchair or gurney, to and from the operating room, for pre and post procedures.

12. Processes blood samples and laboratory specimens from patients by ensuring proper packaging an labeling; contacts the laboratory, and ensures that blood and/or specimens are transported in a timely manner, and according to prescribed procedures. Secures laboratory results and ensures that results are relayed to the Physician or nurse either by verbal report and/or by placement and clear visibility in the patient’s chart. Performs data entry in order to complete the patient’s lab information in the NOVA computer.

13. Performs physical environment duties, such as cleaning rooms pre and post procedure using appropriate disinfectants and sterilization machinery and methods. Arranges for more extensive clean up if needed, through Environmental Services.

14. Supportive of the compliance program set forth by HPA and demonstrated by:

Upholds the Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance.
Adheres to and helps to enforce all compliance policies relevant to his/her area.
Assures timely compliance education as requested by the Compliance Officer and/or through corporate initiatives.

15. Sets an example to all staff in their daily activities.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Work Experience:

One year as an Anesthesia Technician or job with relative duties.

License/Registration/Certification:

Anesthesia Technician Certification preferred.