Endoscopy Technician - Gastroenterology Clinic (Chicago)

The Beverly and Oak Lawn sites are outpatient healthcare facilities. Beverly provides broad, general medical care to people of all ages and with a wide range of health concerns, and Immediate Care. Beverly also houses Specialties that includes Gastroenterology on the lower level.

Our Oak Lawn Site is a stand-alone practice that only treats GI.

Both sites are typically structured around both outpatient clinic services and on-site procedures , such as Colonoscopies and EGD’s.

The Endo Tech will typically prepare the room for the colonoscopy, ensure all the equipment is functioning properly, as well as verify that supplies are ready and within reach, make sure the room is disinfected, during the procedure assist the RN and Physician when needed, after perhaps this tech would be assigned to the cleaning of the scopes.

Prior GI Tech experience preferred

Major Responsibilities:

Patient continuum of care is supported, and safe patient care provided

• Provides efficient patient transport to, within and from the unit.
• Assist with positioning of patients and basic patient care during procedures, such as manipulating the outer abdominal wall of a patient to facilitate the advancement of the endoscope through the intestines.
• The Endoscopy Technician is responsible for patient safety during electrocautery procedures ensuring proper patient grounding and proper functioning of the electrocautery equipment.
• Lab specimens are handled in a proper efficient manner. Assist in collection, labeling and transportation of specimens to and from the Lab.
• Assist with procedures under the guidance of the registered nurse.
• Sets up rooms and equipment in preparation for the patient and facilitate turnaround time in the procedure room.
• Communicates pertinent information to the RN/Charge Nurse/Manager/Physician.
• Assist in pre- and post-procedure care of the patient under the guidance of a registered nurse. Duties may include, but are limited to taking vital signs, transporting patients, assisting patients to dress and undress for procedures, removing IVs.
• Initiate or collaborate with team for all safety initiatives such as timeout process, traceability of all equipment used and reporting of safety events.

Endoscopes will be cleaned and decontaminated according to SGNA standards to provide a safe environment for patient care. Demonstrates independent function in ensuring that soiled instrumentation or equipment delivered to the department is decontaminated in a manner that prevents cross-contamination or damage. Competency is demonstrated through observation and annual competency.

• Wears protective attire when performing decontamination.
• Follows standards of asepsis.
• Follows established procedures to ensure decontamination is complete following SGNA guidelines.
• Sets up decontamination equipment for operation and ensures proper function and workflow throughout the shift.
• Always maintains a neat and clean work area.
• Reports improper equipment operation to person in charge in a timely manner.
• Handles infectious waste according to hospital policy.

High level disinfection is performed in a safe and effective manner.

• Uses appropriate testing for purpose of monitoring the function of the high-level disinfection equipment on every cycle and documents the results.
• Observes and assesses the operation of each unit for every cycle by interpreting the recorder data provided.
• Places each item in the processor with appropriate setup to ensure high level disinfection.
• Reports malfunction to charge person and Biomedical Engineering immediately.
• Performs chemical and biological monitoring per department protocol.
• May precept new employees and assist with the yearly competency testing of associates on the unit.

Equipment testing will be validated and recorded. Appropriate follow up on repairs will be demonstrated.

• Ensures that all the components of the equipment are present, assembled and ready for use each time the equipment is used or at end of shift per item protocol.
• Tests equipment for correct function following established procedures.
• Equipment and scopes will be sent for repair after consultation with charge person.
• Accurate records of repairs and maintenance are kept per policy.
• Communicates with the Biomedical Engineering department when repairs of endoscopes are necessary.

Inventory for unit is maintained and other unit duties as assigned.

• Communicates with Endoscopy Technician II or leader when supplies are needed.
• Demonstrates knowledge of computers by sending and retrieving information. (e.g. Imaging System, Tracking Board).
• Assist with assembly and disassembling of outpatient patient charts.
• Assist by answering the phone and communicate information to an appropriate team member.

Education/Experience Required:

• High school education or equivalent
• Minimum 1 year of direct patient care experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of computer keyboard preferred
• Good communication skills
• Good organizational skills
• Good interpersonal/ customer service skills
• Basic computer skills
• Current CPR certification

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be willing to work with exposures to body fluids, waste and chemicals, radiation, hazardous materials, and life-threatening diseases.
• Ability to cover call on evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work rotating shifts with variable shift start time
• Ability and flexibility to deal with changing environments.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies.
• Ability to respond to codes in the clinical settings
• Very heavy lifting: up to 100 pounds occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds frequently and/or in excess of 20 pounds constantly
• Ability to communicate with patients, physicians and other team members
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with established time constraints
• Ability to work in demanding situations. This position can recognize needs and behaviors of the following age groups: adolescent, adult, and older adult. Evidence of this can be shown by recognizing levels of development and modifying approach and exhibiting communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses.
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015.
• Ability to lift to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.