Endoscopy Tech II

Major Responsibilities

• Support patient continuum of care and provide safe patient care. Initiate or collaborate with team for all safety initiatives such as timeout process, traceability of all equipment used and reporting of safety events.
• Provide efficient patient transport to, within and from the unit.
• Handle lab specimens in a proper, efficient manner. Assist in collection, labeling and transportation of specimens to and from the Lab.
• Assist in pre and post procedure care of the patient under the guidance of a registered nurse.
• Assist with procedures under the guidance of the registered nurse. Expand knowledge base of procedures to include more complex procedures after specific training is done and only under the guidance of a RN.
• Set up rooms and equipment in preparation for the patient.
• Communicate pertinent information to the charge person.
• Provide efficient equipment transport to, within and from the unit.
• Assist in recovery area under the guidance of an RN by taking vital signs, transporting, assisting patients with dressing and undressing for procedures, and removing IVs.
• Clean and decontaminate endoscopes according to SGNA standards to provide a safe environment for patient care. Demonstrate independent function in ensuring that soiled instrumentation or equipment delivered to the department is decontaminated in a manner that prevents cross-contamination or damage. Competency is demonstrated through observation and annual competency. Wear protective attire when performing decontamination.
• Follow standards of asepsis.
• Follow established procedures to ensure decontamination is complete following SGNA guidelines.
• Set up decontamination equipment for operation and ensure proper function and work flow throughout the shift.
• Maintain a neat and clean work area at all times.
• Report improper equipment operation to person in charge in a timely manner.
• Handle infectious waste according to hospital policy.
• Troubleshoot scope problems on a regular basis for potential problems.
• Function in a lead capacity while assisting the unit with other duties as assigned. Order supplies and maintain adequate inventory (outside and interdepartmental).
• Demonstrate a proactive role by precepting new associates within Endo to learn the scope cleaning, maintenance and decontamination techniques per SGNA guidelines.
• May assist with call backs to patients post procedures while referring calls to the nurse when appropriate. Assist with phone calls.
• Assist with the secretary role as needed.
• Demonstrate intermediate knowledge of computers by sending and retrieving information (e.g. Olympus system).
• Assist with assembly and disassembling of patient charts.
• Precept new employees and assist with the yearly competency testing of associates on the unit.
• Perform high level disinfection in a safe and effective manner. Use appropriate testing for purpose of monitoring the function of the high level disinfection equipment on every cycle and document the results on the log.
• Observe and assess the operation of each unit for every cycle by interpreting the recorder data provided.
• Place each item in the processor with appropriate setup to ensure high level disinfection.
• Report malfunction to charge person and Biomedical engineering immediately.
• Perform chemical and biological monitoring per the departmental protocol. Validate and record equipment testing. Demonstrate appropriate follow up on repairs.
• Ensure that all the components of the equipment are present, assembled and ready for use each time the equipment is used or at the end of the shift per item protocol.
• Test equipment for correct function following established procedures.
• Send equipment and scopes for repair after consultation with the charge person. Keep accurate records of repairs and maintenance per policy.
• Communicate with Biomedical department when repairs of the endoscopes are necessary.

Education/Experience Required

• High school education or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years Endoscopy Tech experience.
• This position requires experience working side by side the surgeons during EUS and ERCP interventional cases.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Knowledge of computer keyboard preferred.
• Good communication skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Good interpersonal/customer service skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Current CPR certification.
• SGNA certification within 6 months of hire date.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be willing to work with exposures to body fluids, waste and chemicals, radiation, hazardous materials, and life threatening diseases.
• Ability to cover call on evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work rotating shifts with variable shift start time.
• Ability and flexibility to deal with changing environments.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies.
• Ability to respond to codes in the clinical settings.
• Very heavy lifting: up to 100 pounds occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds frequently and/or in excess of 20 pounds constantly.
• Ability to communicate with patients, physicians and other team members.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with established time constraints.
• Ability to work in demanding situations.
• This position can recognize needs and behaviors of the following age groups: adolescent, adult, and older adult. Evidence of this can be shown by recognizing levels of development and modifying approach and exhibiting communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses.
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015: Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.