Endoscopy Technician

Main Function

Under the guidance and/or direction of an RN or physician, assists in nursing care and the preparation of endoscopy patients according to the standards and policies of the Medical Center and department. Reports to the Unit Director.

Duties And Responsibilities

Communication/Coordination

• Demonstrates effective communication/coordination methods and skills, using established lines of authority.
• Collaborates/utilizes team approach with other members of Endoscopy Suite staff and other AOMC departments.
• Organizes and prioritizes workload.
• Answers telephone calls and relays messages appropriately.
• Communicates patient needs or changes in patient’s condition to the appropriate person (e.g., RN, physician, or other member of the health‑care team).
• Contributes to the maintenance of effective, coordinated communications between the patient, nursing, physicians, office staff, Patient Registration Services, and other AOMC personnel.
• Utilizes AOMC information systems/computers and fax machines as required by the department.
• Utilizes positive interpersonal skills in all forms of communication.
• Reports any irregularities in routine which she/he feels need more evaluation and problem‑solving to the RN and/or Unit Director.

Data Collection/Clerical

• PHYSICIAN ORDERS: Brings to the attention of the RN any orders requiring clarification. Enters appropriate code into the computer for the purpose of ordering testing and services accurately and promptly.
• RECORDS: Participates in obtaining and documenting data such as vital signs, alerts RN to findings as appropriate, documents and completes all necessary forms and records thoroughly, concisely, and timely according to nursing department standards. Assists in scheduling patients for the Endoscopy Suite and in preparing charges for performed procedures, entering such information into the computer system. Maintains procedure and policy books, adding new material as distributed.
• REPORTS: Maintains workload statistics as required.
• EQUIPMENT: Cleans and maintains equipment in good working order according to manufacturer’s recommendations and department standards. Keeps updated on new equipment. Prepares requisitions for equipment repairs and assists with inventories.
• SUPPLIES: Orders and maintains a quota of supplies. Charge Nurse and/or Unit Director review and sign. Notifies Charge Nurse or Unit Director of supply status.

Technical Skills

• Assists in assembling and setting up the Endoscopy Room with supplies, instruments, and other equipment for the procedure. Tests and prepares all equipment.
• Knows the function/use, maintenance/care of endoscopy equipment and instruments.
• Applies principles of microbiology, sterilization, disinfection, and modes of disease transmission to promote an infection‑free environment.
• Knows and understands the principles of sterile technique and their application in varying measures.
• Applies the principles of instrument processing and sterilization, knows the function and use of high‑level disinfectant processors, including pre‑cleaning equipment.
• Assists in the preparation of the patient for endoscopic procedures.
• Assists the physician with various procedures, including sigmoidoscopy, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, biopsies, polypectomy, and bronchoscopy.
• Properly handles, labels, and routes specimens obtained during procedure per accepted standards to prevent loss and damage.
• Assists the RN in post‑procedure care of the patient: obtains fluid and food for patient as appropriate, observes patient, and reports any changes to RN.

Patient Rights

• Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to patient/family/SO rights as identified within the Medical Center.
• Demonstrates professional actions (including conversations) when in patient/family/SO/visitor sight or hearing.

Safety

• Functions with an awareness and application of safety issues identified by the Medical Center.
• Follows universal precautions, wearing gloves and protective equipment as required. Disposes of all biohazardous material according to institutional policy.
• Maintains a clean and orderly work environment.

Emergency Situations

• Recognizes an emergency situation and initiates proper action plan. Performs efficiently in emergency patient situations following established protocols, remaining calm, informing the appropriate person, and assisting as requested.

Self-Development

• Attends continuing education and staff meetings, including mandatory and scheduled in‑services; maintains a record of all educational activities and staff meetings; attends and participates in staff meetings and utilizes appropriate channels to resolve problems.
• Seeks validation of knowledge base, skill level, and decision‑making as necessary; seeks guidance in areas of question; continues to seek assistance when performing an unfamiliar procedure.

Teaching/Other

• Participates in teaching others according to policies and procedures when assigned and reports progress to Charge Nurse and/or Unit Director.

Goals

• Participates in the development and attainment of Endoscopy and Self goals. Demonstrates awareness of the need for self‑growth by assessing strengths and weaknesses and establishing written goals.

Staffing

• Remains flexible in staffing patterns and resolving staffing conflicts. May include taking on‑call hours at the discretion of the manager/director.
• Cross‑trains to the Preadmission Center and/or Same Day Surgery as needed.

Special Projects

• Participates in performing special projects or duties.

Age-Appropriate Care

• Provides age‑appropriate care to adult population.
• Attends all annual mandatory educational programs as required by the position.
• Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interacting with them in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer’s needs both psychologically and physically, and taking the initiative to maintain communication to provide a secure and pleasant experience with the Arnot Health.
• It is understood that this job description lists typical duties for the classification and is not to be considered inclusive of all duties which may be assigned. Demonstrates willingness to accept non‑routine work.

Education

High school diploma required. Medical Assist, Sterile Processing Technician, or Surgical Technician preferred.

Experience

None required.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Requirements

Required within 90 days of hire date.

Qualifications

Excellent ability to communicate effectively – both written and verbal. Demonstrated positive interpersonal relationship skills.

Physical Demands

Some physical effort required. Lifting and moving heavy objects; requires reaching and stooping. Flow of work intermittent, requiring standing on feet.

Exposure Category

Category I. Tasks that involve exposure to blood and body fluid tissues.

A.D.A. Essential Functions

• No specific duties listed.