Anesthesia Tech

Anesthesia Tech

The Anesthesia Technician is responsible for maintaining supplies and equipment in all areas of the hospital wherever anesthesia is administered, i.e. Surgical Services, Labor and Delivery, etc.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis; other tasks may be assigned.

• Demonstrate competency and aseptic technique while handling the unit's stock, equipment, and supplies; always return supplies to their correct location after use and ensure that they are in proper working order, reporting any malfunctioning equipment to the appropriate personnel
• Maintain all stocked supply levels, and reorder them as needed
• Keep the Operating Room area in order, restocking supplies when necessary
• Maintain a log containing the refrigerator temperature
• Keep all anesthesia carts and cabinets labeled correctly and in a neat and orderly fashion; these include each surgical suite, workroom, the Surgical Admitting Unit (SAU}, and Labor and Delivery
• Check all drugs for expiration dates on a monthly basis in the anesthesia machine, anesthesia workroom, refrigerator, Labor and Delivery, and all related anesthesia carts (epidural, airway, etc.)
• Rotate stock to ensure timely use of medications prior to the expiration date
• Order necessary supplies on a daily basis
• Adhere to all infection control and safety standards by adhering to the proper isolation techniques, using good hand washing and aseptic techniques, thoroughly cleaning all equipment (Bair Huggers, infusion pumps, fluid warmers, etc.) prior to returning them to storage and in between each patient use, and performing weekly cleanings of all anesthesia-related equipment
• Utilize the proper chemical disinfection techniques, including cleaning and disinfecting all aryngoscopes and accessories
• Serve as a resource and role model to others in maintaining aseptic technique and infection control by seeking out areas needing attention and performing the necessary cleaning through own initiative on a routine basis.
• Restock all pharmacy supplies and drugs, and ensure stock par levels are consistently maintained
• Properly change patient's medications in Pyxis machine on a daily basis
• Prepare arterial lines and central venous pressure lines utilizing the proper techniques and adhering to aseptic standards
• Assist Anesthesia personnel and physicians when needed by restocking supplies, replacing breathing circuits and all anesthesia-related equipment, restocking rooms between cases with medications, IV fluids, and airway equipment, and cleaning operating rooms between cases as requested
• Properly clean and maintain the following equipment and carts: blood/fluid warmer, Bair Hugger Thermal Unit, ACT Machine, I-Stat Machine, Epidural Cart, Airway Cart, and Malignant Hyperthermia Cart
• Be able to anticipate the needs of the Anesthesia staff before, during, and after operative procedures
• Maintain preparation for emergencies by ensuring extra supplies and equipment are readily available
• Prepare IV solutions and pressure monitoring setups as requested, following the proper procedures and ensuring all equipment is sterilized accurately
• Remain up-to-date on all policies and procedures, educate the new staff members, and hold co-workers accountable for abiding by the established policies and procedures
• Demonstrate an understanding of the costs of resources used in the department and work to conserve resources whenever possible; report wastage to the Unit Director
• Ensure that patient charges are completed in an accurate and appropriately
• Follow the appropriate chain of command when reporting problems and concerns; report problems directly to the Charge Person/ Unit Director/ Nursing Supervisor
• Check assignments no more than five minutes after beginning of shift, and immediately begin to prepare for patients, cases, and/or assigned duties
• Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care
• Attend required hospital-wide orientations, staff meetings, meetings, and in-services

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

Minimum Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent Preferred Education: Not applicable

Experience: Prior experience as an Anesthesia Assistant and/or Technician is helpful; applicants must be able to learn the names of drugs and equipment used in Anesthetic practice.

Required

High School or better in General Studies.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.