Anesthesia Technician

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

Under the supervision of the Surgical Services Director and at the direction of an anesthesiologist is responsible for equipment maintenance and servicing such as cleaning sterilizing assembling calibrating and testing troubleshooting requisitioning and recording of inspections and maintenance. May operate a variety of mechanical pneumatic and electronic equipment used to monitor evaluate and manage the patient undergoing anesthesia. Assists in the transport of patients and facilitates rapid turnover in the anesthesia from case to case. Demonstrates knowledge of principles and practices of sterile and aseptic technique. The anesthesia technician is an integral member of the anesthesia patient care team and contributes by:

• Assisting the licensed anesthesia providers in various settings.
• Performs duties under the direct supervision of a licensed anesthesia provider and /or Registered Nurse (RN).
• Provides support for routine surgical cases by assisting in the preparation maintenance of patient equipment and anesthesia delivery systems before during and after anesthesia.
• Performs first level maintenance on anesthesia equipment.
• Cleans sterilizes disinfects stocks orders and maintains the routine anesthesia equipment and supplies.

Projects a professional demeanor and appearance while maintaining the confidentiality of patients coworkers and facility information and adhering to the HIPAA policy. Reports in good faith any known or suspected activity that appears to violate laws rules regulations or the SP Code of Conduct. Fulfills annual Healthstream continuing education requirements.

Personal attributes include the ability to be self-directed; demonstrates accountability professionalism and receptiveness to change; seeks guidance direction and assistance when needed. Works under stress and in situations that demand patience stamina endurance and tact while providing impeccable service. Fosters an attitude of teamwork and willingness to assist others and does not refuse performing other job duties as requested. Sets priorities responds timely to issues which require a decision and ensure desired results are achieved by means of consistent follow through.

Patient Population:

The patient population served by South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital is a minimum of 12 years and/or of adult stature to geriatric patients requiring or seeking pain and/or surgical intervention.

Physical Requirements:

May be expected to lift up to 50 pounds or up to 150 pounds with assistance. May be expected to push or pull 150-500 pounds with assistance. Work is of medium demand; walking or standing most of the time while on duty. Visual and auditory acuity and manual dexterity essential to performing designated duties required.

Optimal auditory acuity required. Manual dexterity involving the handling of equipment and instruments or armamentarium is essential to performing assigned duties. Physical conditions are clean neat and well lit. May be subjected to unpleasant sights and odors stressful situations limited radiation hazardous chemicals or infectious diseases where judgment as to precautions needed to be taken is essential. Climate control and ambient temperature variances may be experienced and required by patient care and needs of the surgical team. Hours of duty may be irregular or unexpectedly extended due to the requirements of the job.

OSHA Exposure Classification:

Job Category I. Direct contact with blood or other body fluids to which standard precautions apply. Personal protective equipment is made available and must be worn.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrates eligibility for employment in the U.S.
• High School diploma or GED required an associates degree or its equivalent in an anesthesia technician trainee program preferred.

• BLS required or obtained within 30 days of hire date.

• 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
• Ability to relate and work effectively with others.
• Knowledge of commonly used concepts practices and procedures within a particular field.
• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written English communications for safe and effective patient care and to meet documentation standards.
• Demonstrates ability to comprehend written and oral instructions.
• Willingness to participate in goal-setting and educational activities for own professional advancement.
• Must be computer literate with basic fundamental computer skills that are required to perform essential job related duties.

Duties and Responsibilities:

PEOPLE

1. Adheres to staffing schedules attendance policy and cooperates with daily assignments as requested.
2. Demonstrates skills as a team player. Shows a willingness to assist others in retrieval of instruments and equipment for surgical cases.
3. Participates in orientation of new staff and peer evaluations ensures facility morale exemplifies the mission and values of the center.
4. Demonstrates ability to solve problems timely and constructively; maintains focus on improving the situation.
5. Willingness to teach others and participate in competency programs.
6. Completes annual mandatory electronic continuing education no later than deadline.
7. Participates in all staff meetings for department and facility for informative and educational purposes.

SERVICE

1. Demonstrates highly effective communication skills with staff management physicians patients and family members.
2. Establishes and maintains exceptional services to all customers including physicians patients and employees with the goal of delighting all customers.
3. Participates in physician oriented service teams as directed.
4. Gathers and assembles appropriate instruments equipment and supplies for each procedure assigned to maintain a high level of service to physicians and patients. Special attention to details noted on the preference cards and prior experience with specific cases.
5. Participates in the turnover of cases to achieve high level of service.
6. Models appropriate interaction with physicians patients and staff to ensure high level of service in all areas of responsibility.
7. Reviews daily schedule and prepares cases based upon preference cards and specific patient care needs.
8. Communicates changes as necessary to preference cards.

QUALITY

1. Demonstrates proper decontamination cleaning wrapping and sterilization of surgical instruments.
2. Demonstrates proper use of the sterilization equipment confirmation of sterility
3. Demonstrates effective technique in surgical scrubbing maintaining the sterile field and aseptic technique according to policy procedures and AORN standards.
4. Assures the delivery of quality clinical care through competency in the use of all equipment and instrumentation.
5. Assures facility clinical policies and procedures are followed.
6. Maintains a safe clean and orderly OR environment adheres to all patient care safety requirements.
7. Participates in quality improvement activities as requested.

Required Experience:

IC