Anesthesia Tech - Certified

Surgical Services Assistant

Provide assistance and support to Surgical Services and various other sites requiring anesthesia. This position is responsible for performing various tasks to facilitate efficient and smooth management of surgical patients and procedures in a safe and timely manner. Performs direct and indirect patient care in the perioperative setting and assists in maintaining a clean and safe environment.

Primary Job Responsibilities

1. Prepare operating rooms throughout the day and assess/stock supplies in between procedures to facilitate the most efficient turnaround times
2. Assist anesthesia personnel with procedures, such as spinals, epidurals, blocks, and major procedures
3. Place monitoring equipment, i.e., EKG pads, oximeter monitor, and assist with induction of anesthesia. Scope of practice excludes administration of medication.
4. Performs IV starts as directed by anesthesia
5. Assist with the transportation of monitored patients
6. Order and stock anesthesia supplies and equipment throughout assigned departments
7. Maintain and disinfect anesthesia machines, carts, and related equipment
8. Participates in Quality Improvement initiatives
9. Ensure proper return and placement of supplies, equipment, and carts throughout day as needed
10. Assist in cleaning and stocking operating rooms as necessary
11. Assist in maintaining a clean, safe environment throughout all departments
12. Participate educational opportunities/ in-services and competencies in order to maintain and develop skills
13. Assist with management and procurement of non-narcotic anesthesia medications
14. Assist in the orientation of new hires to the Surgical Services Department
15. Communicate identified problems following the appropriate chain of command
16. Use of effective communication skills and facilitation of the team approach to delivery of care
17. Accompany anesthesia provider when responding to Code Blue, with the exception of the emergency room unless requested
18. Demonstrate job related aspects of patient safety to ensure a safe environment, safe and effective use of equipment and technology, and decreased risk of potential adverse patient occurrences
19. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served on his/her assigned unit. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed according to Memorial Healthcare policies and procedures
20. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior
21. Other duties as assigned

Job Specifications

Education

1. Certification through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) preferred
2. Completion of Basic EMT Class preferred
3. High school diploma or equivalent
4. Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) required

Experience

1. Previous O.R. experience preferred
2. Previous anesthesia experience preferred
3. Computer experience with Microsoft Office, Excel and Electronic Medical Records

Essential Physical Abilities/Motor Skills

These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

1. Sedentary Work: Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch. On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend. Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs.
2. Vision: Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. Near acuity: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Midrange Acuity: Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet.
3. Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms. Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment.
4. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Essential Technical Abilities

1. Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.
2. Have hand-eye coordination for assisting aseptic technique.
3. Access computer equipment.

Essential Mental Abilities

1. Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
2. Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.
3. Understand anesthesia provider orders.
4. Have sufficient good judgment to spontaneously interact with patients in a therapeutic manner.

Essential Sensory Requirements

1. Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
2. Able to see and hear for work-related purposes.
3. Visually assess patient's condition as needed for assessment or treatment.
4. Communicate receptively and expressively in English, both written and spoken, with diverse populations, including physicians, patients, families, employees, volunteers, and patients.
5. Accurately hear communication by phone or in person.
6. Maintain self-control.

Interpersonal Skills

1. Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
2. Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
3. Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
4. Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
5. Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.
6. Maintain strict confidentiality.