Anesthesiology Technician

WVU Medicine•Fairmont, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This role requires knowledge of anesthesia practices and aseptic technique, as well as the daily organization, stocking, set-up, and cleaning of anesthesia equipment and supply environments used in patient care according to departmental and regulatory standards. The anesthesia technician performs duties under the supervision of licensed anesthesia care providers in various clinical settings. Responsibilities include the set-up of IV manufacturer-made maintenance fluids, fluid warmers, and pressure transducers, as well as performing select Point of Care tests.

Requirements

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.
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.
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.

Responsibilities

Understands and practices the principles of aseptic technique, ensuring 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) and may set up disposable supplies for sterile anesthesia fields.
Evaluates equipment needs for patients being transferred between critical care units and the OR, and from the OR to Phase I Recovery.
Assists with the connection of proper monitoring equipment for patients post-surgery.
Ensures basic anesthesia equipment, including emergency airway equipment, is available in each anesthetic location.
Assists anesthesia providers with intubations and other procedures by acquiring necessary supplies, instruments, and lines.
Responsible for the storage, use, and safe handling of bulk and cylinder gases.
Assists with line placement by aiding the inserter.
Checks expiration dates on disposable supplies and ensures malignant hyperthermia supplies are available.
Cleans up hazardous spills following SDS sheets and completes required incident documentation.
Sets up disposable supplies and assists with all therapeutic pain management applications.
Sets up suction devices, switches out anesthesia machine tanks and recording paper when needed.
Confirms anesthesia equipment availability for CRNA/resident/MD, including power/gas sources and electrical cords, notifying Biomed and the provider of any concerns.
Ensures anesthesia equipment is properly cleaned before patient care and connected to emergency power outlets.
Provides anesthesia support during emergency situations and routine case turnover, including post-case cleaning.
Terminally cleans and dusts anesthesia equipment at the end of the day and prepares it for the next day's use.
Anticipates anesthesia requirements for scheduled and emergent procedures, setting up equipment without direct requests.
Assumes responsibility for answering anesthesia pages during the workday.
Sets up IVs, fluid warmers, and pressure transducers, and acquires computer pumps.
Monitors the inventory of consumable supplies, ensuring anesthesia carts are stocked and the anesthesia area is clean and uncluttered.
May transport mobile cart medication trays to and from Pharmacy and reprocesses reusable supplies.
Drains and reconnects hoses, checks and changes soda sorb and tubing, and ensures proper stock rotation and storage of electrical equipment.
Informs appropriate persons of equipment issues and potential problems, recognizes the 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 the role's scope of practice and performs all quality controls for Point of Care testing devices.
Provides information for budget preparation regarding needed equipment and supplies, and provides input on cost-initiatives.
Selects and prepares difficult airway equipment and instruments according to patient needs.
Assists anesthesiologists, residents, or CRNAs with therapeutic and diagnostic procedures within the scope of the role/practice.
Performs, as needed, all core duties of an anesthesia care assistant and may function in a charge role as assigned.
May have limited access to medications, including transport of non-controlled substances and MH kits, at the request of a licensed care provider.
Partners with new hires, role-modeling scope of practice and assisting with orientee training.