UHC - Anesthesia Care Tech

Minimum 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

Core Duties and 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
• Assists with 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.)
• Assists 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
• Assists 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
• Monitors the 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
• Partnering with new hire and role modeling scope of practice, assists with an orientee's duties' training

Physical Requirements

• No known history of malignant hyperthermia
• Ability to wear and work in protective gear
• Capability of prolonged periods of standing and walking
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and push/pull heavy loaded carts
• Possess visual and oral acuity along with manual dexterity and technical ability
• Ability to hear audible alarms

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to follow directions, both written and verbal, and work with people
• Has a thorough understanding of cardiac monitor procedures and equipment
• Has a thorough understanding of hemodynamic techniques
• Ability to utilize manufacturer's instructions for use (IFUs) for equipment operation and cleaning
• Demonstrates the ability to perform technical duties in complex, clinical situations
• Ability to perform work functions in an operating room providing patient care demonstrating proficiency in biologic hazards, infection control, and standard precautions
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task; demonstrates task prioritization based on acuteness of patient care needs

Schedule

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40