ANESTHESIA TECHNICIAN

About the role

SEIU73 The Anesthesia Technician provides technical and clinical support to Cook County Health (CCH) anesthesia professionals. This includes the handling and sterilizing of medical equipment, stocking supplies used by anesthesia providers, maintenance and cleaning of equipment, providing transport oxygen cylinders, facilitating the start of operative cases (transporting, positioning, and placement of basic monitors on patient(s) under the direction and supervision of an anesthesiologist.

Responsibilities

• Reports at the start of the shift and after each task, as assigned.
• Must receive pager communications.
• Ensures daily stocking of par stock and unpacking of disposable items upon arrival.
• Changes breathing circuits, lays cables, Electrocardiogram (ECG) leads, and pulse oximetry sensors prior to each case.
• Ensures availability of transport oxygen cylinder, regulator and facemask or Ambu bag.
• Assists in the transporting and positioning of patients, placement of monitors, and other tasks at the start of each case, in assigned Operating Rooms as directed by the Anesthesiologist.
• Periodically checks Operating Rooms to obtain equipment, as needed by the Anesthesiologist.
• Reports malfunctioning equipment to the supervisor, and if directed, to the Department of Clinical Engineering.
• Transports blood for blood gas and electrolyte analysis.
• Performs preventative maintenance on anesthesia machines and ventilators (Limited).
• Repairs anesthetic machines and ventilators (Limited).
• Maintains other monitoring equipment.
• Assists in application of pulse, arterial, ultrasonic and venous monitors and blood warming and ventilating equipment.
• Cleans anesthesia equipment after each case and conducts thorough periodic cleaning as directed by the supervisor.
• Under the direction of the supervisor, tracks and records inventory.
• Available during emergencies, as directed by the Anesthesiologist.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required (Must provide proof at the time of interview).
• Five (5) years of experience working in an operating room or procedural area environment is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five (5) years of experience as an Anesthesia Technician.
• Certification by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians.

Veteran Preference: Honorably discharged Veterans with at least 6 months continuous service receive preference; must self‑identify as a Veteran on the application and provide DD 214, DD 215, NGB 22, or a State ID/Driver’s License indicating Veteran status at interview.

Physical and Environmental Demands: This position functions within a healthcare environment requiring adherence to hospital and department safety policies (PPE, hand washing, engineering controls, etc.). The incumbent must be able to constantly stand, walk, bend, transfer and position patients and equipment, work in a fast‑paced stressful environment, and work evening, night, and weekend shifts as needed.

Skills

• Knowledge of basic concepts of sterility.
• Knowledge of basic concepts of infection control and universal precautions.
• Knowledge of basic techniques used in packaging and sterilizing equipment and supplies.
• Knowledge of care, handling, and maintenance of anesthesia machines, gases, and related equipment, including electronic equipment.
• Knowledge of physiological monitoring devices and equipment.
• Awareness of serious consequences in errors in performance.
• Manual dexterity to handle and manipulate supplies, instruments and equipment.
• Vision correctable to acceptable limits for reading records, ampules and monitors.
• Willingness to work under close supervision and direction.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Patience and tact in dealing with patients and co‑workers.
• Willingness to perform a variety of repetitive tasks without concern for possible unpleasant conditions.
• Rapidity and accuracy in performance of job tasks.
• Ability to constantly stand, walk and bend during work periods.
• Ability to transfer and position patients and equipment.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, stressful environment.
• Work evening, night, and weekend shifts as per departmental needs.

Benefits

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: