Anesthesia Tech

Anesthesia Technician

The Anesthesia Technician plays a vital role in supporting safe and efficient surgical care in a fast-paced clinical environment. This position is scheduled Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM, with rotating on-call responsibilities for weekends and holidays. Ideal candidates are detail oriented, hardworking, and strong problem solvers who take pride in supporting the care team. Success in this role requires a collaborative, team-focused approach while maintaining accountability for personal and professional growth.

Provide support to Anesthesia practitioners and other departments. Assists in room set-up and tear down between cases. Maintain anesthesia equipment, instrumentation and supplies. Provides technical support for anesthesia procedures, lab tests, and equipment. Reports to the Financial Manager of Surgical Service. Must be energetic and highly motivated to support the success of Saint Louis University Hospital.

Position Accountabilities and Performance Criteria (Percent of Time)

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

1) Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, performance improvement program, safety, environmental and infection control standards. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5,) 20%

Criteria

A) Maintains infection control measures: washes hands before and after patient care.

B) Practices universal precautions and disposes of hazardous wastes per established guidelines.

C) Maintains a safe, clean, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families/employees in accordance with hospital standards.

D) Reports risk management concerns to Financial Manager.

E) Assumes responsibility for completing all annual mandatory requirements:

1. Safety/Fire

2. Blood Borne Pathogen

3. Hazardous Communication

4. TB

5. Department Specific

6. Age Appropriate Care (for clinical staff only)

7. EMTALA

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

2) Inspects area daily for compliance with policies, procedures, regulations, and standards and takes corrective action when violations occur. (1, 2, 4, 5) 5%

Criteria

A). Initiates work order for repair of broken equipment or adjust environmental conditions, i.e. adjust heat, replace bulbs etc.

3) Cooperates with other personnel to achieve department, and interdepartmental objectives and maintain good employee relations. (5) 5%

Criteria

A) Cooperates with other departments and their needs in the interest of patient care.

B) Works closely with ACU, OR and PACU and assists them when requested. Communicates difficulties to surgical coordinator/charge nurse when indicated.

4) Ensures that an adequate amount of properly cleaned and / or sterilized equipment and supplies are available for use by the anesthesia department. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) 20%

Criteria (See detailed criteria in Anesthesia Tech handbook)

A) Decontaminate equipment after use.

B) Inventory supplies daily and keeps equipment updated. Report shortages to lead Anesthesia Tech.

C) Cleans carts, storeroom, and anesthesia equipment.

D) Assist physicians in setting up cases.

E) Is aware of age specific needs and can supply the Anesthesiologist with appropriately sized equipment.

F) Provides routine restocking of supplies. (See details in Anesthesia Tech. Handbook) Criteria

G) Assist with line insertion and induction.

5) Performs special support functions as needed in operation of Department of Anesthesia. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7) 20%

Criteria

A) Maintains, calibrates, and monitors lab equipment used by Anesthesia Department.

B) Operational knowledge of anesthesia equipment including:

1. ABG analyzer

2. Forced air patient warmer

3. Pulse oximeter

4. Blood pressure monitor

5. Fluid warmer

6. Anesthesia gas machine

7. Defibrillator

8. Cell saver

9. Anesthesia monitor and cable

10. LifeLog and Spacelab record keeping systems

11.Level One unit

12. Ultrasound unit and TEE probe care

13. Pyxis unit

14. Bronchoscope and light source

15. Meditech PCI module

16. BIS monitor

17. EEG monitor

18. Dymax ultrasound unit

19. Nerve stimulator

20. Pericardial Ultrasound

21. Temporary cardiac pacer

6) Service: Provides service excellence to the customers of Saint Louis University Hospital by delivering timely, high quality care in a courteous, and respectful manner according to customer standards. (1, 3, 4, 5, 6) 10%

Criteria

A) Demonstrates Care and Courtesy

1. Provides prompt, respectful, courteous service.

2. Meets physical, spiritual, psychological, and emotional needs of patients and families.

3. Responds to customer needs promptly.

4. Apologizes for mix-up or delay.

B) Communicates Effectively and Maintains Confidentiality

1. Listens to customers concerns and addresses needs.

2. Explains procedures and all education in a manner that patient/family understands.

3. Allows time for questions.

C) Demonstrates Competence and Collaboration

1. Provides accurate report.

2. Provides quality care in accordance to standards.

3. Shares knowledge with other departments to facilitate work flow and continuity.

D) Provides Cost Effective Services

1. Uses resources wisely.

2. Recommends changes in practice that increase efficiency and minimizes waste.

3. Minimizes overtime and utilizes time well.

7) Quality Improvement (QI): Incorporates Performance Improvement into ones daily work. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 10%

Criteria

A) Participates in discussion of QI outcomes.

B) Collects QI data as assigned.

C) Participates in research activities as indicated.

8) Demonstrates accountability for own job performance. 10% (5, 6)

Criteria

A) Acknowledges authority, responding appropriately to supervisors directions.

B) Participates in additional learning experience to increase competence including:

1) Staff meetings

2) Mandatory in services and other educational programs

3) Evaluation of self and peer performance by identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

C) Is at work as scheduled and begins duties promptly at start of shift.

D) Spends free time in a constructive manner.

E) Asks for assistance when necessary and offers to assist co-workers willingly.

F) On call on a rotational basis to cover departmental needs.

DISCLAIMER: Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Rationale for Essential Functions

1) The performance of this function is the reason the job exists.

2) There are limited employees among whom the performance of this function can be distributed.

3) This function occupies a great deal of the employees time.

4) This function is highly specialized. Employees are hired for the skill/ability to perform this function.

5) Failure to perform this function may have serious consequences.

6) The function was performed by past employees and is performed by current employees.

7) Exposure to blood borne pathogens that require the use of protective equipment

8) Exposure to tuberculosis that requires the use of protective