ER Tech

Emergency Department Technician

It's more than a career, it's a calling.

MO-SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital 1201 Grand

Worker Type: Regular

Job Summary: Responsible for meeting the basic needs of the patient by providing skilled levels of bedside patient care in collaboration with the primary care nurse. The ED Technician provides assistance to other members of the health care team in order to provide quality patient care. Reports and documents all changes in the patients condition to the primary care nurse in a timely manner. Promptly notifies the charge nurse, Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing of departmental problems. Is accountable for all ED nursing care he/she delivers and is responsible for adhering to all applicable standards of emergency care. Assists in the teaching of students rotating through the Emergency Department. Performs clerical duties necessary to the functioning of the department. Must be energetic and motivated to support the success of a growing service.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements:

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (% of time)

Essential Functions: The following are essential job accountabilities and performance criteria:

Position Accountabilities

1) Provides care that is directed toward meeting the psychosocial and physical needs of patient.

Criteria

A) Carries out the patients plan of care as it relates to the patients physical needs and under the direction of the Registered Nurse of ED Attending Physician.

B) Assists with the ongoing monitoring of ED patients by taking vital signs at least every hour and reporting changes and/or abnormal readings to the primary care RN.

C) Maintains knowledge of and operates equipment used in patient care safely.

D) Completes unit clerical duties including the coordination of unit activities, transcription of orders, medical record maintenance and serving as a unit receptionist.

E) Retrieves patient care items that are not routinely available on the unit.

F) Prepares rooms prior to patient arrival and after discharge.

G) Completes a Patient Belongings Inventory sheet on all patients being admitted or transferred.

H) Notifies security for inventory of all patient valuables so that they can be stored properly.

I) Directs prompt and courteous attention to the needs to patients, families, and visitors.

J) Escorts and/or provides transportation assistance via stretcher or wheelchair to various areas of the hospital at the direction of the primary care nurse or ED Attending Physician.

K) Engages in service recovery activities referring unusual problems to the Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing.

L) Recognizes needs and initiates appropriate action in regard to maintaining supplies and equipment.

M) Notifies appropriate department in order to maintain a clean safe environment (housekeeping, maintenance, dietary, biomedical, etc.).

N) Functions as a resource person to co-workers, patients/families, medical staff, ancillary personnel and students.

O) Handles emergency situations calmly and in a professional manner.

P) Other functional duties as assigned.

2) Safety and Comfort

Criteria

A) Ensures that side rails are up when indicated (transporting patients, high fall risk, etc.).

B) Assists patients with ambulation, repositions, transfers from stretcher, wheelchairs, cars, etc.

C) Correctly places restraints; observes for constriction of circulation, changes to skin integrity, adequate breathing; knows when and how to change position; provides ROM and skin care, toileting, and opportunities for socialization.

D) Provides primary nurse or charge nurse with patient report prior to leaving unit.

E) Operates equipment correctly and safely.

1. Cardiac monitor turns on/off; alarms- standby; lead placement, entering patient into system.

2. Laryngoscopes, blades and handles.

F) Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

3) Vital Signs/Measurement:

Criteria

A) Completes Point of Care Testing (bedside blood glucose, pH, urine pregnancy).

B) Obtains vital signs including temperature.

C) Weighs patients as appropriate.

D) Measures intake and output.

4. Respiratory Care:

Criteria

A) Assists with setting up oxygen delivery systems such as nasal cannula or mask.

B) Monitors pulse oximetry.

C) Completes tracheostomy care.

D) Performs suctioning as necessary (oral and tracheal).

5. Wound Care:

Criteria

A) Controls bleeding of open wounds as directed by RN or ED Attending physician.

B) Prepares lacerations for closure:

1) Cleans wound as instructed by ED Attending physician.

2) Sets up equipment and supplies at the patient bedside.

3) Assists physician as necessary during procedure.

4) Dresses wounds as instructed.

C) Performs dressing changes (sterile and clean).

6. Bowel and Bladder Elimination:

Criteria

A) Administers enemas.

B) Performs straight catheterizations.

C) Records output on nursing documentation tools.

7. Hygiene:

Criteria

A) Provides hygiene and grooming as needed.

B) Mouth care as needed, especially for the NPO patient.

C) Rounds frequently to ensure that patients toileting needs are met. Provides perineal care after toileting.

8. Specimen Collection:

Criteria

A) Obtains:

1) Midstream (clean-voided) urine specimen

2) Sterile urine specimen from an indwelling catheter

3) Blood specimens by venipuncture

4) Stool specimens

5) Sputum specimens

B) Labels all specimens at the patients bedside after correctly identifying the patient.

C) Utilizes the appropriate personal protective equipment when handling body fluids.

9. Clerical:

Criteria

A) Answers phone within 3 rings identifying self, title and unit. Does not keep caller on hold for extended periods of time.

B) Provides directions to physicians, hospital personnel, and visitors to patients room, adhering to visiting policy.

C) Notifies admitting of the arrival of new patients.

D) Answers pneumatic tube promptly and returns carriers to the appropriate area.

E) Reports critical lab values to appropriate personnel.

F) Enters orders into the computer accurately.

G) Calls departments to order tests, procedures, and consults that cannot be ordered through the computer.

H) Utilizes appropriate backup systems in the event of computer downtime.

10) Safety/Infection Control: Performs job in accordance with safety and infection control policies.

Criteria

A) Practices standard precautions and disposes of hazardous wastes per established guidelines.

B) Maintains a safe, clean, comfortable, and therapeutic environment for patients, families, and employees in accordance to hospital standards.

1) Maintains a clutter free environment.

2) Keeps personal conversations/background noise to a minimum.

3) Adheres to dress code.

C) Reports risk management concerns.

D) Assumes responsibility for completing all annual mandatory requirements by due date:

1) Bi-annual TB screening

2) Annual Ethics and compliance training

3) Annual safety training

4) Required information security course

5) Annual Abuse and Neglect training

6) Annual blood borne pathogens training

7) Coursework as assigned in .Edu

8) Annual competency, including age specific

E) Obtains report from RN and informs nurse of changes in patients condition

F) Communicates concerns or patient complaints to Charge RN and other team members as appropriate