Emergency Department Tech

Job Summary

The Emergency Department (ED) Tech Level I at Wellstar serves as a multi-skilled caregiver under the direction of a Registered Nurse. This position performs essential patient care functions and technical procedures such as vital signs, 12-lead EKG, bedside blood sugar testing, superficial wound care, oral suctioning, splint application, and instruction of safe ambulation with crutches. The role also involves understanding and practicing aseptic technique for procedures like urethral catheterization, sterile tray preparation, dressing applications, and phlebotomy. Additionally, the ED Tech Level I must operate and observe cardiac monitors, pulse oximetry monitors, and transport patients, unit supplies, equipment, and medications.

Core Responsibilities And Essential Functions

• Provides safe, age-appropriate care to the patient:

  • Obtain and document vital signs; inform nurse if vital signs are abnormal.
  • Perform 12-lead EKG and hand to ED physician.
  • Perform bedside blood sugar testing; inform nurse if result is abnormal.
  • Measure and apply extremity splints as directed by nurse or physician.
  • Instruct patient regarding safe crutch ambulation techniques with return demonstration by patient.
  • Oral suctioning.
  • Superficial wound care.

• Performs procedures using aseptic technique:

  • Urethral catheterization.
  • Sterile tray preparation.
  • Dressing application.
  • Phlebotomy.

• Telesitter Facility Liaison:

  • Tracks, delivers, maintains, and retrieves telesitter carts.
  • Troubleshoots any cart connectivity issues and places an IT ticket if necessary.
  • Performs safe room guideline checks upon initiation and upon every hand-off thereafter.
  • Performs environmental rounds to ensure safe room guidelines are being maintained.
  • Responds to remote telesitter escalation for face-to-face intervention.
  • Notifies Nurse and/or charge Nurse when face to face redirection is required.

• Transport, using good body mechanics as appropriate:

  • Patients via stretcher or wheelchair, ensuring patient safety.
  • Unit supplies.
  • Equipment.
  • Patient medications.

• Maintains patient care area:

  • Monitors patients in restraint/seclusion and documents observations.
  • Observes cardiac monitors to ensure the recognition of arrhythmias (site specific Kennestone ED).
  • Recognize cardiac rhythms and communicate findings to registered professional as appropriate.
  • Provides accurate patient information for each monitor in use.
  • Responsible for cleaning and maintaining monitors and pumps in monitor room.
  • Affirm patient care area is appropriately stocked.

• Complies with all WellStar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.

Required Minimum Skills

• Effective communication skills (verbal and written) required.
• Proficiency with desktop computer required.
• Willingness to be a team-player and a self-starter required.
• Proficiency obtaining vital signs using manual processes required.