Emergency Department Technician

About the Role

This position is responsible for providing patient care and assisting health care providers in performing assigned patient procedures within scope of training. The role receives general supervision from RN, APN, PA, or Physician.

Responsibilities

• Performs assigned procedures including, but not limited to:
  • Electrocardiogram testing (EKG)
  • Wound cleansing
  • Initial, repeat, and orthostatic vital sign measurements
  • Application of monitor leads
  • Specimen collection
  • Transport of stable telemetry or non-monitored patients to nursing units
• Performs blood glucose testing, phlebotomy, saline lock insertion, IV discontinuation, and Lobby Management Clinician duties after training, per state and facility guidelines for adult patients and pediatric patients twelve years of age and older.
• Sets up, prepares patients, and assists with patient exams and minor surgical or health procedures, such as:
  • Lumbar punctures
  • Sterile instrument and field preparation
  • Suturing lacerations
  • Chest tube insertion
  • Closed fracture reduction
  • Pelvic examinations
  • Restraint application
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Applies orthopedic devices, including pre-manufactured and plaster splints under physician direction.
• Provides communication and updates to RN, Physician, or other providers regarding perceived reactions or changes to patients’ condition.
• Accurately records information in the patient record, documents vital signs, procedures completed, and equipment/techniques utilized.
• Monitors supply stock levels and reports needs; maintains appropriate stock levels in medication rooms, exam rooms, bedside carts, and specialty carts.
• Notifies housekeeping, maintenance, biomedical engineering, and others to ensure proper equipment and a safe environment.
• Assists with health unit coordination tasks and reception responsibilities as needed.
• Attends department meetings and educational sessions; assists in orienting and training new ED Technicians.
• Uses problem-solving skills and provides effective communication with patients, families, providers, and ancillary departments.
• Adheres to organizational and department-specific safety, confidentiality, values, policies, and standards.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification required.
• Crisis Management certification required within six months of hire.

Skills

• Knowledge of patient care protocols and practices.
• Knowledge of general patient care methods and regulations.
• Knowledge of patient privacy regulations.
• Skill in attending to patients with care and attention to needs.
• Skill in assisting with complex patient care programs.
• Ability to recognize a patient in distress and follow directions to get assistance.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to complete routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to listen and accurately interpret others’ communication or instructions.
• Ability to speak effectively in front of doctors, nurses, staff, and the general public.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but straightforward instructions.
• Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.