Endoscopy Technician

MAIN FUNCTION:

Under the guidance and/or direction of an RN or physician, assists in nursing care and the preparation of endoscopy patients by performance of routine and delegated duties according to standards and policies of the Medical Center and department. Reports to the Unit Director.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

COMMUNICATION/COORDINATION  

**  1. Demonstrates effective communication/coordination methods and skills, using established lines of authority.

a. Collaborates/utilizes team approach with other members of Endoscopy Suite staff and other AOMC departments. 

b. Organizes and prioritizes workload.

c. Answers telephone calls and relays messages appropriately.

**  2. Communicates patient needs or changes in patient's condition to the appropriate person (ie. RN, physician, or other member of the health care team).

**  3. Contributes to the maintenance of effective, coordinated communications between the patient, nursing, physicians and office staff, Patient Registration Services, and other AOMC personnel.

** 4. Utilizes AOMC information systems/computers, and fax machines as required by the department.

5. Utilizes positive interpersonal skills in all forms of communication.

** 6. Reports any irregularities in routine which he/she feels need more evaluation and identification for problem solving to the RN and/or Unit Director.

DATA COLLECTION/CLERICAL

**  7. PHYSICIAN ORDERS:

a. Brings to the attention of the RN any orders requiring clarification.

b. Enters appropriate code into the computer for the purpose of ordering testing and services in an accurate and timely manner.

**  8. RECORDS:

a. Participates in obtaining and documenting data such as vital signs, and alerts RN to findings as appropriate.

b. Documents and fills out all necessary forms and records in a thorough, concise, timely manner according to the nursing department standards.

c. Assists in scheduling patients for the Endoscopy Suite.

d. Assists in the preparation of charges for endoscopy procedures performed and enters such into the computer system.

e. Maintains procedure and policy books, adding new material as distributed.

**  9. REPORTS:

a. Maintains workload statistics as required.

** 10. EQUIPMENT:

a. Cleans and maintains equipment in good working order according to manufacturer's recommendations and department standards. Keeps updated on the use of new equipment.

b. Prepares requisitions for equipment repairs.

c. Assists with inventories.

** 11. SUPPLIES:

 a. Orders and maintains quota of supplies. Charge Nurse and/or Unit Director to review and sign. Notifies Charge Nurse or Unit Director of status of supplies.

 b. Orders stock supplies from Storeroom. Charge Nurse and/or Unit Director to review and sign.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

** 12. Assists in assembling and setting up the Endoscopy Room with supplies, instruments, and any other equipment for the procedure. Tests and prepares all equipment.

** 13. Knows the function/use, maintenance/care of endoscopy equipment and instruments.

** 14. Applies principles of microbiology, sterilization, disinfection and modes of disease transmission to promote an infection free environment.

** 15. Knows and understands the principles of steriletechnique and their application in varying measures.

** 16. Applies the principles of instrument processing and sterilization, knows the function and use of high level disinfectant processor, including pre-cleaning equipment

** 17. Assists in the preparation of the patient for endoscopic procedures.

** 18. Assists the physician with various procedures: Examples include sigmoidoscopy, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, biopsies, polypectomy, bronchoscopy.

** 19. Properly handles, labels, and routes specimens obtained during procedure as directed by accepted standards to prevent loss and damage.

** 20. Assists the RN in post-procedure care of the patient. Obtains fluid and food for patient as appropriate. Observes patient and reports any changes to RN.

PATIENT RIGHTS

** 21. Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to patient/family/SOs rights, as identified within the Medical Center.

** 22. Demonstrates professional actions (including conversations) when in patient/family/SO/visitor sight or hearing.

SAFETY

** 23. Functions with an awareness and application of safety issues as identified with the Medical Center.

** 24. Follows universal precautions, wearing gloves and protective equipment as the situation dictates. Disposes of all biohazardous material according to institutional policy.

** 25. Maintains a clean and orderly work environment.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

** 26. Recognizes an emergency situation and initiates proper plan of action. Performs efficiently in emergency patient situations following established protocols, remaining calm, informing appropriate person, and assisting as requested.

SELF-DEVELOPMENT

** 27. Attends continuing education and staff meetings including mandatory and schedules inservices:

 a. Maintains a record of all educational activity and staff meetings.

 b. Attends and participates in staff meetings and utilizes staff meetings and other appropriated channels to resolve problems.

** 28. Seeks validation of knowledge base, skill level, and decision-making as necessary and seeks guidance in areas of question. Continues to seek assistance when performing an unfamiliar procedure.

TEACHING/ OTHER

** 29. Participates in teaching others according to our policies and procedures willingly when assigned and reports progress to Charge Nurse and/or Unit Director.

GOALS

** 30. Participates in development and attainment of Endoscopy and Self goals. Demonstrates awareness of need for self-growth by assessing strengths and weaknesses and establishing written goals.

STAFFING

** 31. Remains flexible in staffing patterns and resolution of staffing conflicts. This may include taking on-call hours at the discretion of the manager/ director.

** 32. Cross-trains to the Preadmission center and/or Same Day Surgery as needed.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

** 33. Participates in performing of special projects or duties.

AGE-APPROPRIATE CARE

** 34. Provides age-appropriate care to adult population.

35. Attends all annual mandatory educational programs as required by position.

36. Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interacting with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer’s needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience with the Arnot Health

** 37. It is understood that this job description lists typical duties for the classification and is not to be considered inclusive of all duties which may be assigned. Demonstrates willingness to accept non-routine work.

EDUCATION:

High school diploma required. Medical Assist, Sterile Processing Technician or Surgical Technician preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

None required.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:

Required within 90 days of hire date.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Excellent ability to communicate effectively - both written and verbal. Demonstrated positive interpersonal relationship skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Some physical effort required. Lifting and moving heavy objects; requires reaching and stooping. Flow of work intermittent, requiring to be on feet.

EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

Category I. Tasks that involve exposure to blood and body fluid tissues.

** Essential Functions