Endoscopy Technician - Gastroenterology - Full Time

Guthrie Enterprise•Ithaca, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Guthrie is seeking an Endoscopy Technician for their Gastroenterology department at the Ithaca City Harbor location. This full-time position offers on-the-job training for individuals looking to start a career in surgical services or expand their endoscopy experience. The technician will provide patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, support physicians during procedures, maintain equipment, and assist in training new staff. Continuous updating of clinical skills and knowledge through ongoing education is expected. The role involves assisting nursing staff with patient preparation, vital signs, and documentation. A key responsibility is the independent care and maintenance of endoscopes, including cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and troubleshooting. The technician will also support physicians during diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies, potentially manipulating equipment like snares and biopsy forceps. Other duties include assisting with new staff orientation, transporting patients and specimens, and demonstrating flexibility in work assignments to ensure efficient patient care flow. The position requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, maintaining patient confidentiality, and prioritizing patient needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent is required.
CPR/AED certification is required.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in the surgical services and/or endoscopy is desired.

Responsibilities

Provide patient care in the Endoscopy Center and Hospital under RN supervision, following Guthrie standards.
Support doctors during procedures.
Clean and maintain equipment.
Help train new staff.
Continually update clinical skills and knowledge through ongoing education and self-study.
Assist nursing staff in patient care by preparing the patient for the procedure, lifting, turning and positioning patients, observing confused patients, assisting patients with mobility, obtaining vital signs, providing beverages/crackers, obtaining finger stick blood glucose, documenting and completing forms, and discontinuing IV catheters.
Independently care for and maintain endoscopes, including understanding their anatomy, utilizing and maintaining equipment according to guidelines, performing gross cleaning, high-level disinfection, and sterilization, and maintaining records of equipment used.
Recognize emergency situations and initiate proper action.
Support the philosophy and objectives of the Endoscopy Center.
Work collaboratively with and at the direction of a Registered Nurse in giving patient care.
Assist the physician with various procedures, including manipulation of polypectomy snares, biopsy forceps, and other accessory equipment.
Assist in the orientation of new staff.
Participate in the teaching and supervision of students or other qualified observers.
Transport patients, specimens, IV pumps, and pick up medications from the pharmacy.
Assist physicians and nurses with Endoscopy procedures (e.g., upper Endoscopy, colonoscopy, manometry, ERCP) with competency.
Attend staff meetings at least 70%.
Demonstrate flexibility in work assignments to facilitate efficiency and flow of patient care.
Willingness to work either in Endoscopy Clinic or hospital Suite.
Demonstrate initiative in completing tasks by utilizing time between procedures and/or endoscope care to stock supplies, clean and straighten, disinfect and make up clean stretchers, empty laundry bags, and help other Endoscopy staff with patient care as needed.
Demonstrate willingness to accept non-routine work assignments.
Demonstrate positive interpersonal interactions with co-workers, physicians, and other members of health center staff.
Demonstrate respect, consideration, and a non-judgmental attitude for patients.
Maintain patient confidentiality.
Prioritize tasks, so that patient is always the main focus.
Utilize excellent phone skills, using the Guthrie Health System phone guidelines.
Notify Lead or Nurse Manager of concerns related to patients, staff, or other departments.