UW HEALTH JOB DESCRIPTION
ENDOSCOPY TECHNICIAN - OBJECTIVEJob Code: 9935 / FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Mgt Approval: N. Gondzur 6-17 / HR Approval: CMW 6-17
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Endoscopy Technician assists physicians or other providers with procedures performed in the gastroenterology endoscopy setting. Patient populations range from adolescents to older adults and an understanding of age specific needs of these patients is required. Outpatients who present with a wide range of illnesses and complaints are cared for in this endoscopy setting.
The duties are of moderate difficulty which include (but not limited to) the following: preparing and positioning patients for procedures, assisting providers during endoscopy, including biopsy specimen collection, polypectomy and ball on dilation. Pre-cleaning of endoscopes immediately after use in the procedure room is expected. Other duties include restocking of procedure room supplies and monitoring of supply par levels. Specialty equipment used in this setting includes a video endoscopy system and various cautery modalities. Troubleshooting of all equipment is an expectation of the Endoscopy Technician. Strict adherence to infection control practices and use of personal protective equipment is expected because of the high exposure rate to blood and body fluids and the possible exposure to chemicals used in the reprocessing of instruments.
Most patients undergoing endoscopic procedures receive some form of moderate sedation which requires the use of monitoring equipment. An understanding of the application of this equipment, basic cardiac monitoring and response to emergency situations is required. The sedated patient undergoes a recovery period in which the Endoscopy Technician may be directed by a Registered Nurse (RN) to assist in duties relevant to that setting.
The transfer of patients, transport of patient stretchers and heavy procedure carts, walking, and lifting equipment is an expectation. Standing in one position during procedures for extended periods of time is not uncommon.
Participation in clinical activity such as Improving Organization Performance is expected. For billing purposes the Endoscopy Technician informs the procedure nurse or nurse coordinator of any accessories used during a procedure. Some duties may be performed independently with intermittent supervision by the Nurse Clinician. Ultimately the Endoscopy Technician reports to the Nurse Manager.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Prepare and Assist with Gastroenterology Procedures
1. Completes room set-up with appropriate equipment and supplies needed for the procedure. Anticipates additional needs the provider may have during the procedure.
2. Introduces self and uses two patient identifiers to correctly identify the patient to ensure the correct procedure is being performed.
3. Demonstrates the ability to provide care relative to the patient’s specific needs.
i. Demonstrates the ability to collect data reflective of the patient’s age specific needs.
ii. Demonstrates the ability to interpret relevant information needed to identify care needs of age group.
4. Ensures patient confidentiality, and patient visual and auditory privacy are maintained at all times.
5. Demonstrates recognition of patient’s emotional and physical needs and the ability to provide a supportive environment.
6. Shows recognition of and respect for differences in cultural, spiritual and socioeconomic backgrounds.
7. Understands that the stress of illness may alter patient behavior and the ability to follow through on the plan of health care; interacts respectfully in all situations including those where the patient and/or family display anger or distress.
8. Participates in instructing the patient about the procedure being performed including preparation, rationale and expectations. Knowledge is required of the plan of care. Adapts patient instruction to patient need. Consults with the provider or registered nurse as needed.
9. Demonstrates knowledge of aseptic technique in setup of trays and special sterile equipment, and while performing and assisting with procedures requiring aseptic technique.
10. Assists the provider in completion of the procedure. Procedures vary in complexity depending on diagnostic vs. therapeutic.
11. Participates in supporting the patient during the procedure. May offer coaching and relaxation techniques.
12. May assist the Registered Nurse with patient monitoring (vs., observation) during and following procedures when appropriate.
13. Promotes patient welfare and independence by communicating through words and actions an understanding of patients’ feelings and reactions to the Healthcare environment.
14. Communicates to the Registered Nurse accurate patient observations, interventions and outcomes of care. Informs the RN of the equipment and accessories used quantity, size and equipment settings etc. to be documentation in the medical record. Participates in specimen collection and handling. Correctly labels specimens according to hospital policy. .
15. Assists RN with transport of sedated patients to the recovery area may escort patients to specific locations for discharge.
16. Develops understanding of basic gastrointestinal anatomy.
17. Provides emergency care to patients when necessary using basic life support protocols (CPR certified) until registered nurse and/or physician staff arrives.
18. Performs telephone reminder calls for procedures and provides limited procedure information under RN supervision.
19. Assists staff in other work areas when needed or directed, after receiving appropriate orientation.
B. Technical Equipment Knowledge
1. Demonstrates proper handling and use of various types and sizes of video endoscopes including: colonoscopes, upper endoscopes, flexible sigmoidoscopes, and enteroscopes. Understands theory and safely when using cautery modalities including monopolar, bipolar and argon plasma coagulation and their various probes.
2. Understands the indications for medications or solutions instilled or injected during endoscopic procedures under the direction of a physician. This includes the treatment of bleeding sites or strictures, surgical tattoo marking, and application of topical anesthetics. Follows physician commands to instill or inject medications and solutions safely down an endoscope channel and through an endoscopic accessory placed by the physician (such as injection needles).
3. Understands indication and use of various dilatation modalities including: bougies, over the guidewire dilators, balloons (multiple types), Hegar dilators.
4. Assists with application of monitoring equipment, setting of parameters and alarms (NIBP, ECG and pulse oximetry).
5. Initiates start-up of endoscopy network and photo documentation procedures.
6. Troubleshoots equipment appropriately in the endoscopy setting.
7. Uses airway management equipment appropriately (suction, mask/bag).
8. Safely uses biopsy forceps and aspiration needles for obtaining specimens.
9. Inspects all equipment and accessories for defects prior to use.
C. Indirect Patient Care Activities
1. Properly pre-cleans /disinfects endoscopic equipment and accessories prior to reprocessing. Appropriately handles and uses cleaning and disinfecting solutions and equipment.
2. Demonstrates appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
3. Reports equipment malfunctions to equipment technician or appropriate Manager. Assists Nurse Manager with processing of equipment for repair when designated.
4. Assists in maintaining clinic flow by placing patients in rooms and turning rooms around following procedures etc.
5. Shares responsibility with all endoscopy staff to maintain a safe, clean working environment.
6. Stocks procedure rooms. Initiate reorder of supplies as needed.
7. Assists Registered Nurse in maintaining currency of emergency cart, removing outdated supplies and equipment and replacing as necessary.
D. Endoscopy Team Member
1. Communicates effectively with patients/families and the patient care team.
2. Reports pertinent observations and information, both written and verbal, to appropriate personnel.
3. Demonstrates ability to recognize patient/family concerns and discuss with the appropriate professional staff.
4. Interacts with staff and coworkers in a manner that promotes positive working relationships.
5. Functions as a team member contributing to individual patient care planning.
6. Understands own behavior and how it affects others.
7. Responds appropriately to patient and/or family questions relating to how the patient care team functions.
8. .
9. Participates in orientation and precepting of selected employees.
10. Participates and initiates problem solving and priority setting of daily operational issues.
11. Serves on clinic committees and task forces as requested.
E. Recognize own needs for personal development and continuing professional growth.
1. Recognizes the need for continued growth by attending staff development programs and workshops.
2. Attends and participates in staff meetings.
3. Completes required annual inservice and training programs eg. Safety and infection control, CPR.
Job descriptions represent a general outline of job duties, functions, and qualifications. They are not intended to be comprehensive in nature and other duties may be assigned as appropriate.
ALL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED CONSISTENT WITH UW HEALTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education / Required: High School Diploma or equivalent
Preferred: Formal training or experience in medical specialty (i.e. LPN, MA, Advanced Nursing Assistant).
Work Experience / Preferred: One (1) year experience assisting in GI or pulmonary medical procedures (i.e. flexible sigmoidoscopy, sterile technique, enema instillation).
Basic cardiac monitoring experience.
Licenses/Certifications
/ Required: CPR certification.Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
/ · Knowledge of communication techniques, teamwork, customer service standards and quality improvement.· Knowledge of the use of personal protective equipment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Indicate the appropriate physical requirements of this job in the course of a shift. Note: reasonable accommodations may be made available for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Physical Demand Level / Occasional
Up to 33% of the time / Frequent
34%-66% of the time / Constant
67%-100% of the time
Sedentary: Ability to lift up to 10 pounds maximum and occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as dockets, ledgers and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one, which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met. / Up to 10# / Negligible / Negligible
Light: Ability to lift up to 20 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may only be a negligible amount, a job is in this category when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree. / Up to 20# / Up to 10# or requires significant walking or standing, or requires pushing/pulling of arm/leg controls / Negligible or constant push/pull of items of negligible weight
X / Medium: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting/and or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds. / 20-50# / 10-25# / Negligible-10#
Heavy: Ability to lift up to 100 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds. / 50-100# / 25-50# / 10-20#
Very Heavy: Ability to lift over 100 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing over 50 pounds. / Over 100# / Over 50# / Over 20#
List any other physical requirements or bona fide occupational qualifications: / Must be able to work with solutions/chemicals for cleaning and disinfecting instruments and accessories.
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