Department Technician

Under indirect supervision, performs patient assistance, technical, and clerical activities; provides direct patient care by assisting with preoperative admission and postoperative discharge processes. Communicates with patients and family regarding surgical start times, delays, admission, discharge activities, and other educational information. Works cooperatively with staff and other departments to maintain pre- and post-operative standards of nursing care.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates admission of patients for preoperative preparation; receives patients, secures belongings, and admits to appropriate bed space.
• Reviews patient orders and routine pre- and/or post-operative requirements; determines resources and key processes for facilitating diagnostic testing, transfer, and equipment needs.
• Informs Operating Room Services of patient arrivals; coordinates patient preparation times and notifies patients of changes in surgery report times according to daily work schedules and operating room progress.
• Performs and assists with specific tests and procedures (e.g., 12-lead EKG, blood glucose via meter, shave prep, application of monitoring and therapeutic devices).
• Assists with activities of daily living and other physical preparations for surgery, considering age, physical/mental limitations, and patient condition.
• Reports pertinent observations and patient/family status to nursing staff; ensures nursing staff is aware of patient/family needs.
• Provides information and teaching to patients and families in a friendly and courteous manner; assists in keeping patients and families comfortable and informed of surgical times and delays.
• Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse events in patients/visitors; ensures emergency patient care equipment is maintained and ready for use.
• Assists with patient admission to Phase I Recovery by providing nursing staff with monitoring and therapeutic supplies, patient data, and chart forms; assists with physical restraint to protect disoriented patients.
• Assists with ambulating and provides appropriate nourishment during Phase II Recovery.
• Transports patients for diagnostic tests and within Operating Room Services as needed.
• Assists in the patient discharge process; obtains patient belongings, monitoring, therapeutic, and other supplies necessary for transport; notifies patient’s ride for same-day discharges; facilitates pickup of take-home medications; provides instructions and information as needed.
• Prepares stretcher and work area for further patient care needs.
• Utilizes universal precautions when assisting with patient care; maintains a clean, safe, and well-equipped environment for patients and staff.
• Maintains confidentiality of all patient and work-related information.
• Ensures patient data appropriate to the specific work area is provided via patient registry.
• Assists with preparation and maintenance of all current surgical documents.
• Receives incoming phone calls, faxes, PTS contents, and email; relays information to coordinate department workflow and patient care.
• Facilitates communication of needs to other healthcare members and/or departments during unit/patient emergencies.
• Organizes and updates the census board; facilitates communication with other departments for appointments and bed assignments.
• Operates computers for order entry, specific patient information, general inquiry, word processing, and electronic mail.
• Establishes and maintains an efficient ordering system; orders office and patient care supplies; sustains records of pending non-stock and stock requisitions; notifies supervisor of received items or problems with the ordering system.
• Receives supply orders; distributes supplies to appropriate locations; labels equipment as needed.
• Picks up, delivers, and/or returns records, supplies, equipment, x-rays, and specimens to and from other departments in the clinic or hospital.
• Picks up and distributes unit mail and paychecks.
• Initiates work orders for General and Biomedical Maintenance, telecommunications, and private repair companies; maintains records of work orders in progress and sends records of completed work orders to supervisors.
• Maintains current information at the nurses' station (e.g., phone numbers, provider codes, on-call schedules); ensures easy access to chart forms, requisitions, and department forms; removes outdated memos from clipboards and bulletin boards.
• Adds or deletes new/revised policies and procedures to manuals.
• Facilitates data collection for census statistics and the Quality Improvement Program.
• Records minutes of unit meetings as assigned.
• Supports standards of pre- and post-operative nursing care; adheres to policies and procedures of the organization and Surgical Services.
• Demonstrates knowledge of emergency response, safety, and infection control policies.
• Participates in the economical utilization of supplies; maintains open communication with co-workers and supervisors.
• Handles multiple activities in a calm and constructive manner.
• Participates in unit staff meetings; collaborates with team members to improve department performance and provide quality patient care services.
• Assists in the orientation, training, and development of new technicians.
• Recognizes own educational needs and seeks knowledge to increase skill and ability.
• Demonstrates sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities in the area of specialization.
• Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide care and/or service appropriate to the age groups served.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent related experience.
• One (1) year of experience in a healthcare setting, including experience or successful completion of a training program (pre-hire, post-hire, or on-the-job) in the area of specialty, if applicable, or equivalent related education.
• Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in adaptability, change management, customer service, influence, interpersonal relations, oral communication, problem-solving, quality management, results orientation, systems thinking, teamwork, and written communication.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in word processing, spreadsheet, and database PC applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, customers, outside vendors, and on the telephone in English.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English.
• Ability to follow and give instructions; strong mathematical ability, attention to detail (e.g., organization, prioritization, proofing), concentration, and alertness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recent experience in surgical services, same-day surgery, or post-operative recovery areas.

Schedule

• Shift: Variable
• Workdays: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
• Working Hours: 05:00 AM – 06:30 PM
• Job Schedule: Call-in/On-Call

Pay

$25.03 - $27.81 per hour. Kaiser Permanente strives to offer a market-competitive total rewards package and is committed to pay equity and transparency. The posted pay range is based on possible base salaries for the role and does not reflect the full value of the total rewards package. Actual base pay determined at offer will be based on labor market data, internal alignment, and a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.