MAIN FUNCTION:
An Anesthesia Technician contributes to safe and efficient anesthesia care by providing support in anesthesia for routine and complex surgical and other invasive and non-invasive procedures by assisting the Anesthesiologist/Anesthesia Provider with specified duties in the Operative Services area as well as other areas where anesthesia services are provided. Must be knowledgeable and provide safe care to all patients requiring anesthesia services. Is accountable for own actions concerning direct and indirect care of the patients.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
** 1. Participates in department Quality Improvement and Risk management activities.
Follows the guidelines for Joint Commission and CMM and the Department of Anesthesia and adheres to National Patient Safety goals.
** 3. Demonstrates the ability and knowledge to suction patients utilizing proper safety and infection control techniques.
** 4. Reports an adverse reaction and/or changes in patient’s status to the RN and/or Anesthesiologist.
Maintains the availability of equipment in each operating room. Demonstrates detailed technical knowledge and trouble shooting ability for anesthesia delivery system, scavenger system, gas analyzer, EKG, pulse oximeter, auto transfusion, rapid infusion devices/blood warmers, patient warming devices, neuromuscular devices, infusion pumps and syringes and TEE setups.
** 6. Assists the Anesthesiologist with difficult intubation by making available, assembling and assisting with fiberoptic endoscopic equipment
** 7. Maintains anesthesia carts – cleaning and restocking.
** 8. Maintains all gas cylinders, regardless of type – checking, supplying and cleaning.
** 9. Assists the Anesthesiologist or RN in the transport of patients to/from the department providing oxygen during the transfer.
** 10. Assists the Anesthesiologist in any area where anesthesia services are provided.
** 11. Anticipates need for invasive monitoring according to daily OR schedule. Sets up invasive lines and assists the Anesthesiologist with nerve blocks, line placements i.e. swan ganz, central venous, arterial lines, or others as indicated by preparing and assembling transducer lines and equipment necessary or requested. Assists with preparation and draping of patient. May assist with placement of EKG leads, pulse oximeter, BP cuff, positioning and prepping, IV solution and tubing set-up and set up of IV warming devices as needed.
Demonstrates speed and timeliness in all duties, particularly for emergencies and trauma procedures.
** 13. Attends continuing education courses to increase knowledge base – both mandatory and personal.
** 14. Acts as preceptor for training new personnel and/or for staff development purposes.
** 15. Practices effective problem identification and resolution skills as a method of sound decision making and assists the manager in promoting effective interpersonal and interdepartmental relationships by adopting a team approach to work. Maintains professional attitude when serving patients, physicians, employees and visitors using the AIDET process. Accepts constructive feedback and demonstrates effective communication with all contacts.
** 16. Records all pertinent information regarding treatments on the patient chart.
** 17. Assists the Perfusionist with documentation, acquiring supplies, medications, performing blood gas analysis and other indicated laboratory tests during the cardiac surgery procedures.
** 18. Gives a full report to next shift personnel.
** 19. Performs efficiently in emergency situations following appropriate unit and Arnot Health procedure while remaining calm.
** 20. Checks and maintains anesthesia machine and equipment prior to surgery start and post-operatively as required. Performs quality controls as indicated per OR Structure Standards.
** 21. Performs calibration, preventative maintenance and repair anesthesia equipment as needed.
** 22. Makes regular rounds, checking patient’s oxygen equipment and ventilators as well as spot checking other respiratory and anesthesia equipment on a timely basis.
** 23. Checks suction prior to the patient’s procedure.
** 24. Calibrates and checks all monitoring equipment used in the respiratory and anesthesia care of the patient, i.e. ECG, BP, SAO2, gas analyzers and all others as indicated.
** 25. Checks the anesthesia machine in all areas where anesthesia is provided for nitrous leaks and the proper removal of waste anesthesia gases.
** 26. Demonstrates and awareness and application of safety issues as identified within the institution.
** 27. Provides age appropriate care.
Attends all annual mandatory educational programs.
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.
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.
EDUCATION:
Graduate of a Practical Nursing Program registered by the New York State Education. Current NYS Licensed Practical Nurse licensure or limited permit required.
EXPERIENCE:
Experience in a clinical setting as an LPN or similar position preferred.
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:
Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire date. Advance Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required within 1 year of hire date.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to meet the demands of an active position, including reaching above head, extensive walking, stooping, standing, lifting and moving heavy objects. Physical dexterity with arms, legs and hands bilaterally. Hearing and eyesight within normal range.
EXPOSURE CATEGORY:
Category I. Tasks that involve exposure to blood and body fluid or tissue.
** A.D.A Essential Functions