POSITION PURPOSE:
The Anesthesia Technician is a member of the MercyOne Medical Center healthcare team and is under the direct supervision of a registered professional nurse providing holistic, compassionate, individualized, and effective patient care by assisting with patient care that is consistent with the Mission of MercyOne, Vision of Patient Care Services, evidence-based standards of care, and established policies and procedures. Under supervision of the Registered Nurse, the Anesthesia Technician provides technical assistance in preparation of the anesthesia station. Has knowledge of recommended practices for cleaning and processing of anesthesia equipment and basic safety requirements of anesthesia equipment and supplies.
POSITION EXPECTATIONS:
Function in an assistive role under the supervision of the Registered Nurse retaining accountability for one’s own actions and behaviors. Continuously seek out opportunities to improve the quality of patient care delivery through innovative and creative problem solving. Support and participate in shared leadership and interdisciplinary care. Demonstrate ethical conduct and practice consistent with the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (2001). Contribute to the positive image of the nursing profession and enhance the magnetic culture of the organization by modeling professional behavior both in the organization and in the community. Serve as a mentor to students, new nursing assistants, peers, other colleagues, and staff. Embrace change and lifelong learning, taking personal accountability to seek out experiences that enhance the ability to maintain skills and competence in clinical practice and role performance. Seek feedback concerning one’s own practice. Adheres to the principles of caring and expected behaviors outlined in Mercy Medical Center's Model of Caring and Trinity Health's Code of Conduct, fostering a climate where all customers are treated in a manner consistent with MercyOne Medical Center's Mission and Values. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations, Trinity Health’s Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behavior. Performs other duties consistent with purpose of job as directed.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center supports a shared leadership philosophy and encourages nursing staff to demonstrate accountability for their own practice. Therefore, the nursing organization reflects a flat structure. The Anesthesia Technician reports to a Supervisor or Clinical Director, who in turn reports to the Vice President of Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer.
ANESTHESIA TECHNICIAN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under direction of the RN, provides technical assistance in preparation of the anesthesia station, changes ventilators and oxygen/nitrous tanks as necessary. Maintains inventory of supplies and medications on anesthesia cart in all operating rooms and C-section room. Able to identify all anesthesia supplies both adult and pediatric. Demonstrate ability to understand and follow directions. Provide physical, emotional, and spiritual care to the patient population with respect to age specific and culturally sensitive needs as described in the department’s scope of service. Record and report information such as equipment malfunction to Clinical Director or appropriate person. Maintain, assemble, and organize equipment needed for a safe secure environment, is aware of safety precautions necessary for use of anesthetic agents. Complete routine daily assignments. Assist in procedures with anesthesia providers such as block insertion, difficult airway intubations and rapid transfusions. Perform additional duties as requested such as transporting patients and obtaining medications, supplies, and medical records from other departments. Proficient/resource to other operating room staff on anesthesia equipment including but not limited to: gas machines, arterial line blood pressure monitoring, rapid transfusers and the jet ventilator. Preparation of IV solutions under the supervision of the anesthetist or registered nurse. Demonstrate a caring practice by respecting the rights of an individual or group. Demonstrate ability to impact change within your department and with other departments. Demonstrate skills as an effective team member. Respect the confidentiality of an individual or group, unless obligated to disclose under proper authorization or legal compulsion. Maintain a safe environment of care. Communicate care effectively: both verbally and written. Demonstrates knowledge of aseptic technique and sterilization. Demonstrates knowledge of cardiac monitor and its functions. Available in the operating room to assist the RN with patient care as directed. Demonstrates knowledge of all types of anesthesia: general, epidural, spinal, local block. Assigned hours within your shift, starting time, or days of work are subject to change based on the changing needs of the department and/or the organization.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Employee will work flexible hours. In an 8-hour day, the employee must sit for 2 hours, stand for 3 hours, and walk for 3 hours at a minimum. Must be able to work under fluctuating demands. Employee’s job requires frequent (21-50% of work time) squatting, crawling, crouching, kneeling, and balancing, frequent bending/stooping, and reaching above shoulder level, pushing/pulling. Job requires the use of hands for simple and firm grasping and also fine manipulating. Job requires lifting and carrying frequent (21-50% of work time) 11-24 lbs., and occasionally (6-10% of work time) up to 50 lbs. without assistance. May be exposed to marked change in temperature and humidity, infectious diseases, hazardous waste, and chemicals. Must be able to see at a near visual acuity level. Must be able to speak. Must be able to hear speech. Must adhere to applicable organizational requirements on an annual basis for Employee Health Directives.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
The anesthesia technician has a high school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge of medical terminology preferred. Previous experience in an operating room, anesthesia or EMT training preferred but not required.
Education, Licensure and Certification
Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training is required within 6 months of hire and every 3 years thereafter.
Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) will be required within 30 days of hire and every 2 years thereafter.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.