Endoscopy Technician I

University of Arkansas System•Little Rock, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans. The Endoscopy Technician assists physicians or other providers with procedures performed in the gastroenterology endoscopy setting. Under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN and Medical Doctor). Patient populations range from adolescents to older adults and an understanding of the age-specific needs of these patients is required. Outpatients who present with a wide range of illnesses and complaints are cared for in this endoscopy setting. Some duties may be performed independently with intermittent supervision by the Registered Nurse.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED
Successful completion of the Endoscopy Technician course within 3 months of hire into this role.
Must have excellent communication skills, ability to follow oral instructions, basic computer skills, strong work ethic, and accountability.
Must be able to lift 100 lbs. to waist height.
Employees in this role must be fitted for, capable of donning, and performing routine tasks in personal protective equipment, to include N95 masks, Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR), or Controlled Air Purifying Respirators (CAPR).

Nice To Haves

Previous Endoscopic Technician or Patient Care Technician experience.
Patient care experience in an acute care setting.
Certification Endoscopic Technician.

Responsibilities

Participates in educating the patient about the procedure being performed, including preparation, rationale, and expectations.
Demonstrates understanding of the plan of care.
Adapts patient instruction to the patient's needs.
Consults with the provider or Registered Nurse as needed.
Demonstrates knowledge of aseptic techniques and infection prevention procedures.
Assists the RN with the transport of sedated patients to the recovery area.
May escort patients to specific locations for discharge.
Communicates accurate patient observations, interventions, and outcomes of care to the Registered Nurse.
Informs the RN of the equipment and accessories used during procedures, including quantity, size, and equipment settings to be documented in the medical record.
Participates in specimen collection and handling.
Correctly labels specimens according to hospital policy.
May assist the Registered Nurse with patient monitoring (vs. observation) during and following procedures, when appropriate.
Provides emergency care to patients when necessary, using basic life support protocols (CPR certified) until Registered Nurse and/or physician staff arrive.
Participates in supporting the patient during the procedure.
May offer coaching and relaxation techniques.
Demonstrates proper handling and use of various types and sizes of video endoscopes, including colonoscopes, upper endoscopes, flexible sigmoidoscopes, duodenoscopies, ultrasound endoscopes, bronchoscopes, and enteroscopies
Inspects all equipment and accessories for defects before use to ensure the highest level of infection prevention.
Understands theory and safety when using cautery modalities, including monopolar, bipolar, and argon plasma coagulation and their various probes.
Performs procedures in the OR setting or at the patient's bedside, including ICU, ED, or Radiology.
Assists with pulmonary procedures such as bronchoscopy and chest tube placements.
Assists with therapeutic interventions such as balloon dilations, polypectomy, sphincterotomy, stent placement, and gastrostomy tube placement.
Demonstrates recognition of patients’ emotional and physical needs and the ability to provide a supportive environment.
Understands that the stress of illness may alter patient behavior and the ability to follow through on the plan of health care.
Assists with the application of monitoring equipment and the setting of parameters and alarms (NIBP, ECG, and pulse oximetry).
Initiates start-up of endoscopy network and photo documentation procedures.
Properly pre-cleans/disinfects endoscopic equipment and accessories before sterile processing.
Stock procedure rooms.
Initiates the reorder of supplies as needed.
Performs telephone reminder calls for procedures and provides limited procedure information under RN supervision.
Other duties as assigned