POSITION PURPOSE 

Anesthesia technicians are integral members of the anesthesia patient care team who assist anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in a variety of specialized and complex invasive and non-invasive anesthesia procedures. The anesthesia technician provides patient care in collaboration with licensed anesthesia providers by preparing the patient and assisting in monitoring the patient’s condition during various anesthesia procedures. They take into consideration age specific, developmental, and cultural needs of the patient. The anesthesia technician also insures the acquisition, preparation, and application of the equipment and supplies that are required for the administration of anesthesia. The anesthesia technicians have on-call responsibilities and are available to the Department of Anesthesiology 24-hours a day, seven days a week for needed technical assistance and support. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

Assists anesthesia professional staff as requested. 

Anticipates need for invasive procedures according to daily OR schedule. 

Assists in preparation and draping of patients for invasive monitoring procedures. 

Assists and anticipates needs of anesthesiologists in invasive monitor insertion and procedures such as pulmonary artery catheter, central venous access, fiber optic intubation, and/or difficult airway situations. 

Assists with the preparation of patients for the induction of anesthesia, including, but not limited to placement of blood pressure cuff, ECG leads, pulse oximeter, and connection of transducing devices as well as assisting with positioning of patients. 

Performs daily checks of all anesthetizing location to insure appropriate equipment is available and functioning properly. 

Under direct supervision of a licensed anesthesia provider, assists with the initiation of regional anesthesia procedures such as epidural, spinal, regional, sympathetic, or intravenous regional blocks. 

Gains competence in ultrasound machine. Assists with ultrasound guided nerve block. 

Under limited supervision, starts an intravenous line when requested by a licensed anesthesia provider. (If certified to do so) 

Assists with difficult airway procedures including preparation of equipment (Fiberoptic and Glidescope), assistance with airway procedures and maintenance of equipment.  

Assists licensed anesthesia provider with volume infusions, running rapid infusion pump, as directed during intraoperative volume resuscitation. 

Monitors EKG, arterial line, pulmonary artery wave forms during placement of such. 

In an emergency situation, under the direct supervision of licensed anesthesia provider, may check blood with Registered Nurse according to established policy. 

Actively participates in emergency situations, including CPR, according to established policy. 

Demonstrates dependability of participation in department anesthesia technician call coverage. 

Responds to requests from staff in a timely fashion. 

Provides technical support to the anesthesia professional staff in the pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative areas for the delivery of safe, efficient, ad cost-effective anesthesia care. 

Maintains the availability of necessary equipment in each operating room. 

Prepares and assembles transducer lines and equipment necessary for arterial, central venous, and pulmonary artery pressure monitoring as necessary or requested. 

Demonstrates detailed technical knowledge and trouble-shooting ability for anesthesia delivery system, Scavenger system, gas analyzer, EKG, pulse oximeter, and rapid infusion devices. 

Performs well under extreme pressure or life threatening emergencies. 

Makes available, assembles, and assists with operation of specialized equipment such as humidification units, warming devices, fiber optic endoscopic equipment and rapid infusion devices. 

Maintains and organizes the anesthesia environment, equipment, and supplies to facilitate departmental functioning. 

Maintains the cleanliness and organization of the anesthesia work stations on a daily basis. 

Maintains, inspects, and replaces as necessary a safe and secure sharps disposal system. 

Maintains cleanliness of equipment cleaning area. 

Maintains supply stock in workrooms and all anesthesia work stations in rotational status. 

Inventories, orders, and maintains departmental supply stock consistent with department demand. 

Maintains carbon dioxide absorbers as scheduled. 

Recognizes and adheres to universal precautions in all clinical activities. 

Handles equipment and items correctly to insure ever present usability and safety of supplies and materials. 

Has knowledge of where all supplies are kept and is able to retrieve and store accordingly. 

Reports equipment in need of repair. 

Checks on return of equipment that has been in repair. 

Maintains all appropriate records and logs. 

Maintains quarterly Quality Assurance (QA) reports. 

Performs all job duties of an anesthesia technician I. 

Stocks operating room with all necessary anesthesia equipment and supplies. 

Cleans all anesthesia equipment in the operating room and POCA after each procedure. 

Cleans anesthesia machines and assures related equipment is readily available for anesthesiology personnel. 

Interfaces with other departments in the retrieval of anesthesia equipment. 

Retrieves used or contaminated instruments and equipment from anesthesia cases for cleaning and disinfection. 

Restocks standardized, back-up, on-call, and heart carts according to established policy assuring that necessary and critical equipment is readily available. 

Attends and participates in departmental meetings and activities. 

Performs duties and responsibilities at all times within the framework of maintaining and improving customer and patient satisfaction. 

Provides quality patient care by considering age specific, developmental, and cultural needs through competent clinical practice. Demonstrates unit/area competencies. 

Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships. Approaches conflict in a constructive manner. Helps to identify problems, off solutions, and participates in their resolution. 

Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, employees, and visitors to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places. 

Behaves in accordance with the Mission, Vision, and Values of SJMHS. 

Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management. 

OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

Performs other duties as assigned. 

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE 

High school diploma or equivalent required. 

One year formal education preferred with background in medical terminology, health sciences, EKG class or pharmacology would be helpful. 

12 months related experience. 

Hospital critical care units preferred. 

Annual BLS certification required. 

Certification by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians is desired. 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

Interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with patients, anesthesia providers, and other patient care personnel, often during emergency or stressful situations. 

Analytical skills necessary in order to follow instructions, organize, and prepare anesthesia supplies and procedures, and monitor anesthesia equipment. 

Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to 100% of work time when performing technical tasks, initiating procedures and anticipating anesthesia provider's needs. 

Ability to lift, bend, push and pull in order to move patients and large equipment. Manual dexterity is necessary to grasp, hold firmly, and assemble monitoring equipment. Ability to be on feet for prolonged periods of time. 

Mechanical aptitude to operate a large variety of highly technical medical equipment. 

Ability to accept delegation. 

Practices with in a spirit of team work as evidence by professional communication skills with coworkers, assists fellow coworkers when asked, anticipates coworkers’ and patients’ needs before being asked. 

Physical strength and stamina weighing up to 15 pounds several hundred feet during a shift. 

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.