Anesthesiology Technician

Anesthesia Technician

Maintains anesthesia equipment in proper functioning order, keeps anesthesia machines, carts and equipment for both areas cleaned and stocked. Assists physicians/CRNA's with approved procedures which are limited to those which do not require the specialized skill, judgment and knowledge of a registered nurse. Maintains appropriate par level of supplies. Communicates with physicians, patients, staff, purchasing department, central services and general stores. Assists in the general functions of an anesthesia technician to include functions as a surgical aide as needed. Reports to Anesthesia Coordinator.

Responsibilities

Anesthesia Support Preparation

• Provides support to the anesthesia providers by ensuring that supplies, instruments, anesthetic agents, drug trays, monitors, anesthesia machines, and other equipment are available and properly functioning for patient care.
• Reviews anesthesia charge documents for completeness and accuracy and expediently corrects any errors or omissions.
• Operates blood recovery system (cell saver) in an efficient and aseptic manner preparing units of blood for re-infusion by the anesthesia provider to the patient. Provides accurate documentation for this process and the supplies used.

Quality & Patient Safety

• Troubleshoots and solves monitor and anesthesia machine problems to prevent patient injury, to decrease prolonged anesthesia times, or to prevent delays in cases.
• Assists with regular and difficult intubations whenever necessary and maintains fiberoptic equipment and supplies for difficult intubations.
• Gathers all equipment and supplies for arterial monitoring lines, calibrates the monitor, and assists with insertions as necessary. Sets up cardiac output thermal-dilution catheters, calibrates the monitor, and assists with insertions when requested.
• Cleans and disinfects instruments, monitors, anesthesia machines and other equipment to prevent cross contamination between patients and ensures work area is kept neat, clean, orderly, and safe at all times.

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Assists nursing staff with retrieving medications and case drug bags, and places in appropriate locations for administration by the nurse. Assists in returning medications and drug trays to appropriate locations for return to the pharmacy.

Other Duties As Assigned

• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Qualifications

Education - High School diploma or equivalent