Anesthesia Technician

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Work requires knowledge of anesthesia practices and aseptic technique as well as the daily organization, stocking, set-up and cleaning of anesthesia equipment and supply environments used in patient care according to departmental and regulatory standards. The anesthesia technician performs duties under the supervision of the licensed anesthesia care providers in a variety of clinical settings including the set-up of IV manufacturer made maintenance fluids, fluid warmers and pressure transducers as well as performance of select Point of Care tests.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Associate degree from Anesthesiology Technology Program

OR High School Diploma or Equivalent AND two (2) years’ experience as an Anesthesia Care Assistant or nursing assistant and/or direct patient care.

2. Obtain Certification in BLS within 30 days of hire date.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties.  Other duties may be assigned.

1. Understands and practices the principles of aseptic technique. Ensures proper disposal of one-time use items. Sets up and spikes IV manufacturer made maintenance fluids (does not include patient specific compound bags from pharmacy). May set up disposable supplies for sterile anesthesia field.

2. Evaluates equipment needs of patients being transferred from critical care units to the OR and OR to Phase I Recovery. Assists with connection of the proper monitoring equipment for patients after the surgical procedure.

3. Ensures basic anesthesia equipment is available in each anesthetic location including emergency airway equipment (i.e.bags, working blades, etc.). Assists anesthesia providers with intubations and other procedures by acquiring supplies, instruments, and lines. Responsible for storage, use and safe handling of bulk and cylinder gases.

4. Assists with line placement by aiding inserter.

5. Checks for expiration dates on disposable supplies. Ensures malignant hyperthermia supplies are available in assigned location.

6. Cleans up a hazardous spill ensuring SDS sheets are followed. Completes required incident documentation.

7. Sets up disposable supplies and assists with all therapeutic pain management applications (Blocks, Bier Blocks, Stellate Ganglion Blocks, Epidural Blocks, Intercostal Blocks, Trigger Point Blocks, etc.).

8. Sets up suction devices. Switches out anesthesia machine tanks and recording paper when needed.  Confirms anesthesia equipment is available for CRNA/resident/MD including confirming power/gas sources & electrical cords are in proper working order; notifying Biomed & hands-on provider of concerns related to equipment & patient safety (i.e. loose sockets);  and ensuring anesthesia equipment is properly cleaned prior to patient care & appropriately connected to emergency power outlets.   

9. Provides Anesthesia support during all emergency situations (difficult intubation, latex allergy patient episodes, cardiac crisis, malignant hyperthermia, etc.) and routine case turnover including anesthesia post case cleaning. At end of day terminally cleans and dusts anesthesia equipment and prepares for next day use.

10. Anticipates anesthesia requirements for scheduled and emergent procedures and has equipment set up without requests from the MD/CRNA. Assumes responsibility for answering anesthesia pages during workday.

11. Sets up IVs, fluid warmers, and pressure transducers. Acquires computer pumps.

12. Monitors the inventory of consumable supplies. Ensures that the anesthesia carts are stocked and the anesthesia area is clean and uncluttered. May transport mobile cart’s medication tray to and from Pharmacy. Reprocesses reusable supplies.

13. Drains and reconnects hoses. Checks and changes soda sorb and tubing’s. Ensures the rotation of stock and the proper storage of electrical equipment.

14. Informs appropriate persons of equipment issues and potential problems. Recognizes need for repair and initiates repair actions. Maintains an equipment repair log and equipment loaner book.

15. Stocks IV bins and utilizes anesthesia exchange carts to stock anesthesia blue bells.

16. May perform Point of Care testing within role scope of practice.  Performs all quality controls for Point of Care testing devices.

17. Provides information for budget preparation regarding needed equipment and supplies. Provides input on cost-initiatives and facilitates those components relative to the Department of Anesthesia.

18. Selects and prepares difficult airway equipment and instruments according to patient needs.

19. Assists within scope of role/practice anesthesiologist, resident, or CRNA with therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Performs, as needed, all core duties of anesthesia care assistant. May function in charge role as assigned.

20. Unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) may have limited access to medications including transport of non-controlled substances and MH kit at the request of a licensed care provider.

21. Partnering with new hire and role modeling scope of practice, assists with an orientee’s duties’ training. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. No known history of malignant hyperthermia.

2. Ability to wear and work in protective gear.

3. Capability of prolonged periods of standing and walking.

4. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and push/pull heavy loaded carts.

5. Possess visual and oral acuity along with manual dexterity and technical ability.

6. Ability to hear audible alarms.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SKILLS & ABILILTIES:

1. Ability to follow directions, both written and verbal, and work with people.

2. Has a thorough understanding of cardiac monitor procedures and equipment.

3. Has a thorough understanding of hemodynamic techniques.

4. Ability to utilize manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFUs) for equipment operation and cleaning.

5. Demonstrates the ability to perform technical duties in complex, clinical situations.

6. Ability to perform work functions in an operating room providing patient care demonstrating proficiency in biologic hazards, infection control, and standard precautions.

7. Ability to prioritize and multi-task; demonstrates task prioritization based on acuteness of patient care needs.

Additional Job Description:

five 8-hour shifts, four 10-hour shifts, or two eight-hour shifts and two 12-hour shifts. Weekend Call is a requirement a few times a month.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Shift:

Varied (United States of America)

Exempt/Non-Exempt:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Company:

WVUH West Virginia University Hospitals

Cost Center:

1706 WVUH HVI Anesthesia

Address:

1 Medical Center DriveMorgantownWest Virginia

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.