GI Tech, Special Procedures Area

Overview:
Assists with pre-procedure preparations and patient positioning. Performs scrub/technical duties for specific procedures under the direction of the physician. Reprocesses equipment and instrumentation following each use, utilizing appropriate techniques and standards. Performs appropriate care to patients of all ages under the direction of a registered nurse. Actively contributes to teamwork of the Special Procedures unit, performing additional duties as needed, including clerical, transport, and other tasks.

Qualifications:
Education:

High school graduate or equivalent is required.

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

Successful completion of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. (SGNA) Associates program and certification is required within one (1) year of job placement.

Current CPR certification is required.

Experience:

A minimum of one year’s experience in a hospital/clinical setting is preferred, unless a graduate of a Surgical Technology program.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Demonstrates basic knowledge and principles of sterile techniques and high-level disinfection.

Possess knowledge of procedures and aseptic practices and applies principles, as applicable, to practice.

Has basic knowledge of instrumentation and its appropriate use.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills required. Professionalism is essential.

Responsibilities:
Performs duties in capacity of GI Technician as prescribed by hospital policies and procedures:

Assists physicians in the performance of patient procedures as assigned in perioperative division.

Sets room for a routine procedure with supplies and equipment, allowing for adequate time for preparation of supplies. Assists in obtaining supplies prior to bringing patient to room.

Sets room for complicated or multi-procedure case requiring many special supplies.

Organizes and maintains a neat, clean room, work/instrument tables.

Assists in checking and troubleshooting equipment.

Checks instrumentation regarding cleanliness and functions. Keeps track of instruments at all times. Attempts reasonable anticipation of sequence of instrumentation.

Properly identifies medication. Handles floor stock medications or medications delivered from pharmacy directly or through the pneumatic tube system. Relocates these medications, in original containers, to designed secure storage locations or delivers directly to appropriate licensed staff.

With the circulator, concurrently verifies the name, concentration and expiration date of medications and fluids passed to the sterile field. Ensures medications and fluids passed to the sterile field are properly labeled with the solution name and concentration. Labels syringes, basins, and all other containers that may hold medications or therapeutic fluids. Clearly communicates with operative team regarding medications in delivery hand-offs and administration.

Relays accurate identification of specimens and cultures.

Organizes and assists in end-of-case clean up. Separates reusable and disposable instruments/equipment during clean-up.

 

Assists in the maintenance of a safe environment for patients and staff:

Checks sterile supplies for proper packaging and dating.

Actively assists in recognizing and reporting breaks in sterile techniques.

Requests assistance of Sterling Processing personnel in preparation of instruments for use on procedures.

Follows protocol for universal blood and body fluid precautions at all times.

 

Assists in the orderly function of the procedures rooms:

Demonstrates flexibility in a team effort. Willingly assists colleagues to facilitate patient care. Assists in orientation of new colleagues.

Checks rooms for, and puts away, excess supplies and equipment.

Assists in checking to-follow cases for completeness and accuracy.

Assists RN with documentation as appropriate.

Actively participates in checking and maintaining assignment by participating as a permanent team member. Reports to assigned room on time.

Prepares and maintains departmental files, business records, patient records, department infection control records and departmental procedural statistics, including their photocopying and distribution under the direction of the Nurse Manager. Participates in updating physicians’ preference lists.

Receives and maintains the appropriate level of departmental equipment and supplies

Takes initiative and seeks appropriate opportunities to update and maintain procedure skills (i.e., requests certain cases and attends in-services).

Understands and follows disaster plan. Follows hospital/unit policies, procedures and behavioral expectations. Uses designated lines of communication and authority.

Attends unit staff meetings, joint commission and other mandatory in-services. Seeks excused absences, by Charge Nurse/Nurse Manager, when needed.

 

Unit Operations:

Handles floor stock medications or medications delivered from pharmacy directly or through the pneumatic tube system. Relocates these medications, in original containers, to designated secure storage locations or delivered directly to appropriate licensed staff.

 

Embodies the Memorial Health Values of Safety, Integrity, Quality, and Stewardship that support our mission and vision.

 

Performs other related work as required or requested.