Gastrointestinal Technician

University of Maryland Medical System•Bel Air, MD

1d•$23 - $32

About The Position

Under direct supervision, performs advanced technical skills in all endoscopy procedures and reprocessing of scopes and equipment. Handles equipment and items correctly to insure ever present usability and safety of supplies and equipment. Assists in the nursing care and the preparation of the surgical patient by performing routine and delegated duties according to standards and hospital policy. Responds appropriately in urgent and emergent situations. Assists physician directly in esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, Enteroscopy, and other related procedures involving balloon dilations, electrocautery, variceal banding, insertion of esophageal catheters, probes, naso and percutaneous gastric and jejunal tubes, polypectomies, clipping of bleeding vessels, and specimen processing. Performs high level disinfection in accordance with established procedures utilizing AER’s (Automatic Endoscopic Reprocessors). Cleans and restocks endoscopy procedure carts in accordance with departmental procedures Stores scopes and equipment in designated stage areas for distribution. Cleans storage shelves to maintain a clean work environment. Initiates supply returns to ensure accurate inventory levels are maintained. Assists physicians directly with obtaining various patient specimens such as biopsies for culture, Clo tests, pathology and viral studies, brush cytology, microbiology and pH specimens. Sets up, maintains and troubleshoots all endoscopic equipment. Notifies Charge Nurse and Biomed of any problems as indicated. Performs general support services for the unit and patient which may include running unit errands, procuring equipment and taking and relaying messages accurately and correctly. Performs related and delegated tasks that include pre, intra and post procedure care and documentation for the endoscopic patient as needed. Adheres to all divisional and hospital guidelines, policies and procedures. Complies with safety requirements regarding thermal and chemical exposure; wears personal protective equipment when handling chemical sterilant or equipment. Responsible for maintaining appropriate levels of Endoscopy supplies, unboxing and distributing supplies to the recovery area and each procedure room on the same day of delivery. Utilizes par levels to take inventory. Documents all information related to items being high level disinfected identifying to include, date, physician, patient identifier, load/cycle number, and processing technician. This may include computer data entry. Dons and Doffs PPE; loads flexible scopes in AER with correct hook-up. Practices proper techniques in the containment and handling of contaminated scopes and equipment to prevent cross-contamination, in accordance with department standards and accepted safe and sterile handling practices. Demonstrates self-directed learning initiatives and seeks ways to maintain current competency and respond to new clinical opportunities. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Completion of a recognized training program (such as courses provided through the University of Maryland Medical System, community colleges, United States Armed Forces with the attainment of Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Corpsman) or equivalent is required.
BLS certification is required.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of an advanced technical endoscopic skills seminar course is preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs advanced technical skills in all endoscopy procedures and reprocessing of scopes and equipment.
Handles equipment and items correctly to insure ever present usability and safety of supplies and equipment.
Assists in the nursing care and the preparation of the surgical patient by performing routine and delegated duties according to standards and hospital policy.
Responds appropriately in urgent and emergent situations.
Assists physician directly in esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, Enteroscopy, and other related procedures involving balloon dilations, electrocautery, variceal banding, insertion of esophageal catheters, probes, naso and percutaneous gastric and jejunal tubes, polypectomies, clipping of bleeding vessels, and specimen processing.
Performs high level disinfection in accordance with established procedures utilizing AER’s (Automatic Endoscopic Reprocessors).
Cleans and restocks endoscopy procedure carts in accordance with departmental procedures
Stores scopes and equipment in designated stage areas for distribution.
Cleans storage shelves to maintain a clean work environment.
Initiates supply returns to ensure accurate inventory levels are maintained.
Assists physicians directly with obtaining various patient specimens such as biopsies for culture, Clo tests, pathology and viral studies, brush cytology, microbiology and pH specimens.
Sets up, maintains and troubleshoots all endoscopic equipment.
Notifies Charge Nurse and Biomed of any problems as indicated.
Performs general support services for the unit and patient which may include running unit errands, procuring equipment and taking and relaying messages accurately and correctly.
Performs related and delegated tasks that include pre, intra and post procedure care and documentation for the endoscopic patient as needed.
Adheres to all divisional and hospital guidelines, policies and procedures.
Complies with safety requirements regarding thermal and chemical exposure; wears personal protective equipment when handling chemical sterilant or equipment.
Responsible for maintaining appropriate levels of Endoscopy supplies, unboxing and distributing supplies to the recovery area and each procedure room on the same day of delivery.
Utilizes par levels to take inventory.
Documents all information related to items being high level disinfected identifying to include, date, physician, patient identifier, load/cycle number, and processing technician. This may include computer data entry.
Dons and Doffs PPE; loads flexible scopes in AER with correct hook-up.
Practices proper techniques in the containment and handling of contaminated scopes and equipment to prevent cross-contamination, in accordance with department standards and accepted safe and sterile handling practices.
Demonstrates self-directed learning initiatives and seeks ways to maintain current competency and respond to new clinical opportunities.
Performs other duties as assigned.