Job Summary:

The Endoscopy Surgical Technician performs under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse, assists physicians or other providers with procedures performed in the gastroenterology and pulmonary endoscopy setting. This position functions as the technical expert, assisting in the performance of the most advanced procedures, as well as performing coordinative activities with other departments. The technician functions in their role with greater independence. This position is the expert resource in the use and maintenance of the highly complex endoscopic equipment and instrumentation used in gastroenterology and pulmonary specialties. The tech collects, labels, and handles all specimens, and provides safe positioning, transferring and transportation of the patients and equipment. Additionally, the tech is responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing all endoscopy equipment. This position functions with a high degree of autonomy and will assume additional responsibilities as delegated by the Department Coordinator or the Director of Surgical Services.

Also, the technician's secretarial functions are cross-utilized in different departments throughout the Surgical Services and Forrest General Hospital. Additionally, the tech provides patient age-specific needs and considerations during the peri-operative phases of care; plus, prepares the procedure room and the equipment while providing support to physicians and nurses during the procedures.

The Prep-Procedure Tech is directly accountable to the Patient Care Coordinator and based on hospital demands the tech may be required to float to other areas or flex off to relieve the hospital of staffing strains.

Performance Expectations:

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles.
• Provides for exceptional patient and coworker experiences by following our standards of practice of always using positive language.
• Demonstrates independence and exercises sound judgment in interactions with physicians and the interprofessional care team.
• Promotes a positive work environment with the Endoscopy team.
• Collaborates with all members of the Endoscopy team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information in a comprehensive manner.
• Exhibits open and professional communication.
• Role models fair and consistent leadership skills for effective team dynamics.
• Performs all the duties of required of an Endoscopy staff nurse.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and abilities needed to provide age appropriate care for the patients served; also, exhibit a basic understanding of the principles of growth and development.
• Possess the skill to interpret the information relative to age-specific needs and provide care.
• Demonstrates predictable skills to maintain a safe and clean work environment.
• Embrace and practice the We C.A.R.E. philosophy in all aspects of patients, visitors, co-workers, employees, and non-employee interactions.
• Display thorough, concise and timely documentation of required data.
• Provides expert assistance to the endoscopist, demonstrating understanding of the patient’s anatomy and abnormalities which could affect the procedure.
• Recognizes emergent situations during endoscopy procedures and demonstrates the ability to set priorities to assist the endoscopy team.
• Demonstrates knowledge and proper handling of specialty equipment and accessories.
• Facilitates proper patient positioning prior to endoscopic procedures and recognizes weight limitations for fluoroscopy table.
• Understands theory and safety when using cautery modalities including monopolar, bipolar and argon plasma coagulation and their various probes.
• Perform procedures in OR setting or at patient bedside including ICU, ED or Radiology. •
• Assist with pulmonary procedures such as bronchoscopy, EBUS, Navigational Bronchoscopy, and chest tube placements.
• Assist with therapeutic interventions such as balloon dilation’s, polypectomy, sphincterotomy, stent placement and gastrostomy tube placement.
• Maintain accurate logs of scope reprocessing and equipment maintenance.
• Inspects scopes and medical equipment after each use to ensure proper functioning.
• Communicates pertinent patient information to all health care team members.
• Assists and communicates directly with physicians during all procedures independently of the nurse.
• Maintains clinical skills by staying up-to-date with ongoing competencies, equipment, and certifications to include telemetry monitoring and Basic Life Support certification.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform all technical skills required for the Endoscopy department by rendering professional care the patients to include: scope care and maintenance, the operation of the cleaning and disinfecting equipment, operation of all procedural equipment, blood sugars, restraints, cleaning, dressing, and ambulating patients.
• Demonstrates clinical knowledge and competency of equipment related to the procedure set up for primary and accessory equipment-assembly & function.
• Demonstrates proficiency of Endoscopy equipment, storage, and maintenance.
• Demonstrates meticulous reprocessing skills of endoscopes and all equipment mandated by manufactures standards.
• Exhibits importance of labeling and cleaning of biohazard contaminate.
• Demonstrates technical aptitude for working, troubleshooting and assisting with multiple pieces of Endoscopy equipment used during procedures.
• Communicates effectively with others in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Adheres to and promotes established values of the organization, i.e., customer service, safety, infection control, and compliance standards.
• Consistently follows FGH policies, procedures, and standards of care when performing duties.
• Possesses the ability to troubleshoot and be versatile in daily activities.
• Sets a positive example to all staff in daily activities.
• Behaviors and interactions demonstrate a positive attitude, personal initiative and motivation to achieve the goals of the department.
• Champions the development and growth of safety culture.
• Demonstrates organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills.
• Participates in all competencies planned for the job role prior to deadlines.
• Complies with the Surgical Services / Endoscopy policy.
• Follows the policies in the Employee Handbook.
• The spreading of rumors and gossip creates unnecessary turmoil, weakens working relationships, and is contrary to the spirit of the hospital and is prohibited.
• Uses “We Care” philosophy in daily communication.
• Works assigned shift and responds when called upon for additional or emergency services.
• Required appropriate use of departments’ communication app.
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other job duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills

Route 1- for Surgical Tech

• High School Diploma/GED
• Graduated an accredited Surgical Tech Program.
• Successful completion of the hospital monitor tech course as directed by the department coordinator within the first 2 years of employment.

Route 2- for Surgical Tech

• High School
• Graduated from accredited License Practical Nurse Program(LPN) and Licensed in MS
• Successful completion of the hospital monitor tech course as directed by the department coordinator within the first 2 years of employment.

Work Experience:

• Preferred Endoscopy tech experience of 2-5 years
• Required graduate or experience as a surgical tech.
• Preferred CNA course completion with a preferred minimum of a 1-year experience.
• Hospital experience preferred.
• Monitor tech experience preferred.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

• Licensed LPN able to practice within the State of MS

• Graduate from a Certified Surgical Tech Program

Additional Certification/Licensure - Obtained based on required timeframe below

• Basic Life Support (Within 30 Days of Employment Required)

Mental Demands:

The tech must have the capability to perform as a team member, cooperate with others, follow directions precisely, demonstrate initiative, and function under stress.