Anesthesiology Technician

About the role

Welcome! We’re excited you’re considering an opportunity with us!

Responsibilities

• Understands and practices the principles of aseptic technique.
• Ensures proper disposal of one-time use items.
• Sets up and spikes IV manufacturer made maintenance fluids (does not include patient specific compound bags from pharmacy).
• May set up disposable supplies for sterile anesthesia field.
• Evaluates equipment needs of patients being transferred from critical care units to the OR and OR to Phase I Recovery.
• Aids in connection of the proper monitoring equipment for patients after the surgical procedure.
• Ensures basic anesthesia equipment is available in each anesthetic location including emergency airway equipment (i.e. bags, working blades, etc.).
• Aids anesthesia providers with intubations and other procedures by acquiring supplies, instruments, and lines.
• Responsible for storage, use and safe handling of bulk and cylinder gases.
• Aids with line placement by aiding inserter.
• Checks for expiration dates on disposable supplies.
• Ensures malignant hyperthermia supplies are available in assigned location.
• Cleans up a hazardous spill ensuring SDS sheets are followed.
• Completes required incident documentation.
• Sets up disposable supplies and assists with all therapeutic pain management applications (Blocks, Bier Blocks, Stellate Ganglion Blocks, Epidural Blocks, Intercostal Blocks, Trigger Point Blocks, etc.).
• Sets up suction devices.
• Switches out anesthesia machine tanks and recording paper when needed.
• Confirms anesthesia equipment is available for CRNA/resident/MD including confirming power/gas sources & electrical cords are in proper working order; notifying Biomed & hands-on provider of concerns related to equipment & patient safety (i.e. loose sockets); and ensuring anesthesia equipment is properly cleaned prior to patient care & appropriately connected to emergency power outlets.
• Provides Anesthesia support during all emergency situations (difficult intubation, latex allergy patient episodes, cardiac crisis, malignant hyperthermia, etc.) and routine case turnover including anesthesia post case cleaning.
• At end of day terminally cleans and dusts anesthesia equipment and prepares for next day use.
• Anticipates anesthesia requirements for scheduled and emergent procedures and has equipment set up without requests from the MD/CRNA.
• Assumes responsibility for answering anesthesia pages during workday.
• Sets up IVs, fluid warmers, and pressure transducers.
• Acquires computer pumps.
• Maintains an inventory of consumable supplies.
• Ensures that the anesthesia carts are stocked and the anesthesia area is clean and uncluttered.
• May transport mobile cart’s medication tray to and from Pharmacy.
• Reprocesses reusable supplies.
• Drains and reconnects hoses.
• Checks and changes soda sorb and tubing's.
• Ensures the rotation of stock and the proper storage of electrical equipment.
• Informs appropriate persons of equipment issues and potential problems.
• Recognizes need for repair and initiates repair actions.
• Maintains an equipment repair log and equipment loaner book.
• Stocks IV bins and utilizes anesthesia exchange carts to stock anesthesia blue bells.
• May perform Point of Care testing within role scope of practice.
• Performs all quality controls for Point of Care testing devices.
• Provides information for budget preparation regarding needed equipment and supplies.
• Provides input on cost-initiatives and facilitates those components relative to the Department of Anesthesia.
• Selects and prepares difficult airway equipment and instruments according to patient needs.
• Assists within scope of role/practice anesthesiologist, resident, or CRNA with therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
• Performs, as needed, all core duties of anesthesia care assistant.
• May function in charge role as assigned.
• Unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) may have limited access to medications including transport of non-controlled substances and MH kit at the request of a licensed care provider.
• Partners with new hire and role models scope of practice, assisting with an orientee’s duties’ training.

Qualifications

• Associate degree from Anesthesiology Technology Program OR High School Diploma or Equivalent AND two (2) years’ experience as an Anesthesia Care Assistant or nursing assistant and/or direct patient care.
• Obtain Certification in BLS within 30 days of hire date.