Emergency Department Tech Outpatient Observation Unit

Banner Health•Mesa, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Outpatient Observation Unit at Banner Baywood Medical Center is a 26-bed dedicated observation unit. This unit primarily cares for patients admitted through the Emergency Department who have negative or borderline diagnostic tests and require further testing and/or observation to determine if inpatient criteria are met or if the patient can be discharged home. Most patients stay for less than 24 hours and are either discharged home or admitted to an inpatient nursing unit. The OOU’s average length of stay year to date is 20 hours with over 500 cases per month. As an Emergency Department Technician, you will work in a fast-paced environment with professional caregivers to provide customer service to the East Valley and utilize your experience and skills with a diverse patient population. This role is ideal for those looking to gain experience with all patients and a wide range of patient acuity levels. Banner Baywood Medical Center is a 342-bed hospital serving the healthcare needs of the dynamic and growing East Valley communities of metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona. It provides complete acute care services and outpatient services including cancer, stroke, women's health, rehabilitation, emergency medicine, and surgery. The Emergency Department has 68 beds, treats over 50,000 patients per year, is certified as pediatric prepared, and designated as a Trauma level 3 emergency room. The hospital also features a comprehensive orthopedic unit and is a leader in neurological medicine. This position is responsible for providing patient care and assisting healthcare providers in performing assigned patient procedures within the scope of training, receiving general supervision from an RN, APN, PA, or Physician.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED or equivalent working knowledge.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Either Emergency Medical Technician–Basic (EMT-B) or higher with state licensure or state certification, or Certified Nursing Assistant in state of practice is required for new hires and transfers.
In Colorado: Either Emergency Medical Technician–Basic (EMT-B) or higher with state licensure or state certification.
Basic computer skills.
Effective communication (written and verbal) skills.
Problem-solving ability.

Nice To Haves

Additional related education and/or experience.

Responsibilities

Under general supervision of the RN, APN, PA, or Physician, performs assigned procedures including, but not limited to: electrocardiogram testing (EKG); wound cleansing; initial, repeat and orthostatic vital sign measurements; application of monitor leads, specimen collection, and transports stable telemetry or non-monitored patients to nursing units.
Where state statute permits, performs blood glucose testing; phlebotomy; saline lock insertion; IV discontinuation; bladder (Foley) catheterization. After training in these advanced skills the ED Tech may perform these functions per state and facility guidelines on adult patients and pediatric patients twelve years of age and older upon direct delegation of the task.
Sets up, prepares patient and assists with patient exam and minor surgical or health procedures within scope of training such as, but not limited to: lumbar punctures; sterile instrument and field preparation, suturing lacerations, chest tube insertion, closed fracture reduction, gastric lavage, pelvic examinations, restraint application, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Applies orthopedic devices, to include pre-manufactured and plaster splints under physician direction.
Performs specimen collection, ensuring accuracy in identification and integrity by using appropriate techniques for all age criteria as required by Lab.
Where state statute permits, performs point of care testing for blood glucose, hemoccult and gastroccult or other tests, and performs quality control checks on point of care equipment as required.
Provides communication and updates to RN, Physician or other providers related to perceived reactions or changes to patients’ condition.
Accurately records information in the patient record, documents vital signs and procedures completed, as well as the equipment and techniques utilized.
Monitors supply stock levels and reports needs.
Notifies housekeeping, maintenance, biomedical engineering, and others to ensure proper equipment and a safe environment is maintained.
Maintains appropriate levels of stock in medication room, exam room bedside carts, and specialty carts.
Assists with health unit coordination tasks and reception responsibilities as needed.
Attends department meetings and educational sessions.
Assists in orienting and training of new ED Technicians.
Uses problem solving skills and provides effective communication with patients, patient families, health care providers and ancillary departments within the organization to provide quality patient care.