Gastrointestinal Assistant

Department Overview

The GI Technician assists the RN and Physician by being an expert with the technical components, supplies and equipment involved in Endoscopy procedures. In addition to assisting the provider throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic procedure the GI Tech sets up and turns around the room pre and post procedure. The GI Tech assists with Endoscopy procedures in the ICU and Operating Room as needed and is responsible for transporting appropriate equipment to set up in these other locations. 24 hour call once per week as well as one weekend every 6 weeks is a requirement of this position. The GI Tech is also responsible for pre cleaning and decontamination of the endoscope.

The Gastrointestinal Assistant, or GI Tech, supports healthcare providers by independently performing or assisting in diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal and endoscopy procedures. They also maintain and prepare the supplies, GI-specific equipment, and instruments needed for these procedures. GI Techs care for patients of all ages presenting to the Endoscopy Unit with a wide range of illnesses and complaints. In addition to assisting the endoscopist during procedures, the GI Tech is responsible for setting up the procedure room and ensuring it is ready both before and after the procedure. They coordinate the transportation of supplies and equipment for the endoscopy procedures and perform pre-cleaning and decontamination of the endoscope. The GI Tech assists with endoscopy procedures in various care settings, including intensive care units, operating rooms, and interventional radiology, demonstrating the technical skills necessary to support the endoscopist. 

This position requires 24-hour call once per week and one weekend every six weeks

Function/Duties of Position

Procedure Preparation and Room Setup:

• Review daily procedure schedules and provider/nurse preferences to anticipate needs.
• Prepare procedure rooms with the required instruments, equipment, and supplies based on case requirements.
• Verify the sterility, integrity, and functionality of all instruments and supplies.
• Ensure all equipment is functioning properly before and during use.
• Assemble and arrange equipment and materials for scheduled endoscopic procedures.

Intra-Procedure Support:

• Assist the provider by manipulating equipment during procedures as requested.
• Hand instruments, equipment, and supplies to the provider or nurse, responding quickly to their needs.
• Scrub hands and adhere strictly to infection control protocols throughout the procedure.
• Monitor patient status and promptly report any changes or complications to the provider or nurse.
• Support patient care alongside the endoscopy team before, during, and after procedures.
• Assist with the operation and troubleshooting of endoscopic equipment, including scopes, monitors, video systems, and electrocautery devices.

Specimen Handling:

• Assist in obtaining specimens during endoscopic procedures.
• Correctly preserve/collect, label, and transport specimens to the laboratory according to protocols.

Post-Procedure Decontamination and Room Turnover:

• Safely remove and transport used endoscopic equipment to designated areas for cleaning, high-level disinfection, or sterilization.
• Dispose of all single-use and contaminated materials (e.g., sponges, gloves, blood, and irrigation fluids) following infection control and hazardous waste protocols.
• Thoroughly wipe down all surfaces in the procedure room, including furniture, light fixtures, monitors, walls, and floors, using hospital-approved disinfectants.
• Ensure complete environmental cleaning and decontamination of the room to uphold infection prevention standards.
• Remove any unused or unnecessary supplies and prepare the room with the essential items required for the next procedure.Documentation and Reporting:
• Accurately document relevant procedure data in the patient’s medical record.
• Record supplies and instruments used, and report patient charges accordingly.

Supply and Equipment Maintenance:

• Clean and disinfect endoscopes and related instruments according to established unit protocols, ensuring compliance with decontamination and infection control standards.
• Inspect scopes and equipment for damage before and after use; handle and store equipment appropriately to prevent any potential damage.
• Maintain all equipment in proper working condition and promptly report any malfunctioning items to the charge nurse or manager.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and collaborate with Clinical Technology Services or external repair technicians for complex repairs or servicing.
• Prepare instruments for sterilization, including proper packaging for autoclaving, and receive processed instruments from Central Sterile Processing.
• Perform routine safety and compliance checks (e.g., eyewash stations, refrigerators, and equipment functionality) and document results as required.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in stent logs, cleaning logs, and other relevant records.
• Serve as the unit expert on endoscopic supplies, tools, and instruments, with a thorough understanding of their use, maintenance, and storage.
• Provide mentorship and support to new staff or colleagues who are unfamiliar with endoscopy equipment and protocols.
• Stock procedure rooms and carts with necessary supplies and equipment, monitoring for any outdated or expired items.
• Communicate inventory needs to the materials coordinator and assist with the restocking and reordering of consumable supplies as directed.
• Coordinate equipment sharing with other facilities, including borrowing and lending, tracking returns, and arranging transportation logistics.

Patient Care and Procedure Support:

• Prepare patients for endoscopic procedures, ensuring their comfort, privacy, and understanding of the process.
• Provide pre- and post-procedure education and instructions to patients, addressing their questions and reinforcing physician guidance.
• Assist with medication preparation for administration by licensed personnel, adhering to safety and verification protocols.
• Obtain biological specimens and prepare them appropriately for examination or transport to the laboratory.
• Perform assigned diagnostic procedures, including:
  • Gastric analysis
  • Esophageal motility testing
  • Gastric pH testing
  • Clo-test for H. pylori detection
  • Occult blood testing
• Assist in passing tubes, such as nasogastric, motility, and drainage tubes, under the direction of a physician or nurse.
• Complete all required documentation and paperwork before, during, and after procedures, ensuring accurate recording of patient data, supplies used, implants, and procedural charges.
• Assist with patient scheduling and conduct reminder calls as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Completion of a Surgical Technology program from a community college; OR

• One year of experience, within the last five years of clinical or hospital-based GI procedure unit or a surgical procedure room setting including assembling supplies and instruments; preparing room for procedures; and participating as a member of the procedural team.

• Training position must meet these qualifications within 12 months of start date. 

• Positions within person patient care: BLS certificate within 30 days of hire or prior to independent practice, whichever comes first.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Knowledge assembling supplies and instruments; preparing room for procedures; and performing as a member of the procedural team.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications

• One year experience as GI Tech or scrub tech
• Familiarity with therapeutic procedures (ERCP, EUS, DBE, POEM, ESD, EMR, etc), bronchoscopy procedures (Bronch, EBUS, ION, etc.), and equipment (Spyglass, Aloka/EUS machine, Olympus, etc.).
• SGNA GI Assistant Certification

Additional Details

Constant exposure to usual hospital environmental conditions. Exposure to x-ray and fluoroscopy.

Exposure to cleaning chemicals as well as high level disinfectants. Possible exposure to body substances.Must be able to ride tram daily.Must be able to arrive to OHSU within 30 minutes of being paged when on call.

Benefits:

• Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
• Sick Leave- up to 96 hours per year
• 8 paid holidays per year
• Substantial Tri-met and C-Tran discounts
• Additional Programs including Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]