Endoscopy Technician - Freeway Endoscopy

Summary of Job Duties

Under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN and Medical Doctors), the Endoscopy Technician assists physicians or other providers with procedures performed in the gastroenterology endoscopy setting. Patient populations range from adolescents to older adults and an understanding of the age-specific needs of these patients is required. Outpatients who present with a wide range of illnesses and complaints are cared for in this endoscopy setting. Some duties may be performed independently with intermittent supervision by the Registered Nurse.

Responsibilities

• Participates in educating the patient about the procedure being performed including preparation, rationale, and expectations.
• Demonstrates understanding of the plan of care.
• Demonstrates knowledge of aseptic techniques and infection prevention procedures.
• Assists RN with transport of sedated patients to the recovery area.
• Communicates accurate patient observations, interventions, and outcomes of care to the Registered Nurse.
• Informs the RN of the equipment and accessories used during procedures including quantity, size, and equipment settings to be documented in the medical record.
• Participates in specimen collection and handling and correctly labels specimens according to hospital policy.
• May assist the Registered Nurse with patient monitoring during and following procedures, when appropriate.
• Provides emergency care to patients when necessary, using basic life support protocols (CPR certified) until Registered Nurse and/or physician staff arrives.
• Participates in supporting the patient during the procedure and may offer coaching and relaxation techniques.
• Demonstrates proper handling and use of various types and sizes of video endoscopes, including colonoscopes, upper endoscopes, flexible sigmoidoscopes, duodenoscopies, ultrasound endoscopes, bronchoscopes, and enteroscopies.
• Inspects all equipment and accessories for defects prior to use to ensure highest level of infection prevention.
• Understands theory and safety when using cautery modalities including monopolar, bipolar, and argon plasma coagulation and their various probes.
• Performs procedures in OR setting or at patient bedside including ICU, ED, or Radiology.
• Assists with pulmonary procedures such as bronchoscopy and chest tube placements.
• Assists with therapeutic interventions such as balloon dilations, polypectomy, sphincterotomy, stent placement, and gastrostomy tube placement.
• Demonstrates recognition of patient's emotional and physical needs and the ability to provide a supportive environment.
• Assists with the application of monitoring equipment and the setting of parameters and alarms (NIBP, ECG, and pulse oximetry).
• Initiates start-up of endoscopy network and photo documentation procedures.
• Properly pre-cleans/disinfects endoscopic equipment and accessories prior to sterile processing.
• Stocks procedure rooms and initiates the reorder of supplies as needed.
• Performs telephone reminder calls for procedures and provides limited procedure information under RN supervision.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

Constant Physical Activity: Hear, Read, Concentrate, Think Analytically. Frequent Physical Activity: Stand. Occasional Physical Activity: Bend, sit, crawl, crouch, kneel, stoop or reach overhead. Lift/Carry Weight: 11 - 25 Lbs. or more. Push/Pull Weight: 100 Lbs. or more. Physical Environment: Inside medical Facility. Noise Level: Moderate. Visual Requirements: Color discrimination, Depth perception, Far visual acuity, Near visual acuity. Hazards: Biological, Dust, Fumes/Gases/Odors, Radiation, Sharp objects/tools.