Respiratory Therapist (Anesthesia Tech)- Anesthesia

Company: Arnot Ogden Medical Center
Location: Elmira
Posted on: June 10, 2021

Job Description:

MAIN FUNCTION:

A Respiratory Therapist/Anesthesia Technician who contributes to safe efficient and cost-effective anesthesia care by providing support in anesthesia for routine and complex surgical and other invasive and non-invasive procedures by assisting the Anesthesiologist/Anesthesia Provider with specified duties in the Operative Services area as well as other areas where anesthesia services are provided. Must be knowledgeable and provide safe care to all patients requiring respiratory and anesthesia services. Is accountable for own actions concerning direct and indirect care of the patients. The Anesthesia Technician is accountable for the acquisition, preparation and application of the equipment and supplies required for the administration of anesthesia. They provide this service by preparing and maintaining patient monitoring devices, anesthesia delivery systems, blood gas analyzers, ventilators and other related equipment before, during and after anesthesia. The Anesthesia Technician reports to the Anesthesia Manager, Unit Director and Administrative Director of Perioperative Services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Quality

1. Participates in department Quality Improvement and Risk management activities.

2. Participates in overtime coverage situations as reasonably requested.

3. Maintains current BCLS certification and possibly ACLS and PALS.

4. Is responsible for daily preventative maintenance of the blood gas analyzer, running quality controls, and taking corrective actions as indicated.

5. Follows the guidelines for DNV and CMM and the Department of Anesthesia and adheres to National Patient Safety goals.

Technical Skills

6. Explains purposes of procedures or treatments, tests and equipment to the patient.

7. Conducts physicians prescribed treatments of a routine nature operating intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) machine, various oxygen devices and nebulizers in order to administer prescribed medicinal vapors and gases, humidity, and various oxygen concentrations to the respiratory system of the patient.

8. Demonstrates the ability and knowledge to suction patients utilizing proper safety and infection control techniques.

9. Performs arterial puncture, operates the blood gas analyzer measuring and determining acid base balance efficiency of ventilation, and metabolism of the respiratory system.

10. Sets up, operates, and monitors ventilators when the patient's respiratory system is incapable of adequate spontaneous ventilation.

11. Reports an adverse reaction and/or changes in patient's status to the RN and/or Anesthesiologist.

12. Ensures adequate maintenance of ventilators during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.

13. Maintains the availability of equipment in each operating room. Demonstrates detailed technical knowledge and trouble shooting ability for anesthesia delivery system, scavenger system, gas analyzer, EKG, pulse oximeter, auto transfusion, rapid infusion devices/blood warmers, patient warming devices, neuromuscular devices, infusion pumps and syringes and TEE setups.

14. Processes respiratory and anesthesia equipment, cleaning, sterilizing and packaging as required.

15. Assists the Anesthesiologist with difficult intubation by making available, assembling and assisting with fiberoptic endoscopic equipment

16. Assists the physician with nerve blocks, line placements i.e. swan ganz, central venous, arterial lines, or others as indicated by preparing and assembling transducer lines and equipment necessary or requested. Has a working knowledge of hemodynamics and can perform cardiaccalculations.

17. Maintains anesthesia carts - cleaning and restocking.

18. Maintains all gas cylinders, regardless of type - checking, supplying and cleaning.

19. Assists the Anesthesiologist or RN in the transport of patients to/from the department providing oxygen during the transfer.

20. Assists the Anesthesiologist in any area where anesthesia services are provided.

21. Anticipates need for invasive monitoring according to daily OR schedule. Sets up invasive lines and assists the Anesthesiologist with i.e. swan ganz, central venous, arterial lines, or others as indicated. Assists with preparation and draping of patient May assist with placement of EKG leads, pulse oximeter, BP cuff, positioning and prepping, IV solution and tubing set-up and set up of IV warming devices as needed.

22. Performs cell saver as required, assists anesthesia provider with volume infusions as directed during intraoperative volume resuscitations.

23. Functions as a laser operator as needed.

24. Demonstrates speed and timeliness in all duties, particularly for emergencies' and trauma procedures.

Education/Training

25. Attends continuing education courses to increase knowledge base - both mandatory and personal.

26. Acts as preceptor for training new personnel and/or for staff development purposes.

Communication

27. Demonstrates effective communication methods and skills using the lines of authority appropriately.

Working Relations

28. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with staff and all members of the health team.

Problem Identification

29. Practices effective problem identification and resolution skills as a method of sound decision making and assists the manager in promoting effective interpersonal and interdepartmental relationships by adopting a team approach to work. Maintains professional attitude when serving patients, physicians, employees and visitors using the AIDET process. Accepts constructive feedback and demonstrates effective communication with all contacts.

Documentation

30. Records all pertinent information regarding treatments on the respiratory care records and patient chart.

31. Assists the Perfusionist with documentation, acquiring supplies, medications, performing blood gas analysis and other indicated laboratory tests during the cardiac surgery procedures.

Report

32. Gives a full report to next shift personnel.

Priorities

33. Sets priorities appropriately.

34. Participates dependably in call coverage for anesthesia assistance, intraoperative auto transfusion, laser operation. Maintains complete and accurate records for a;; procedures .

Emergency Situation

35. Performs efficiently in emergency situations following appropriate unit and Arnot Health procedure while remaining calm.

Time and Attendance

36. Follows the Time/Attendance Policy established by the Arnot Health.

Safety

37. Checks and maintains anesthesia machine and equipment prior to surgery start and post-operatively as required. Performs quality controls as indicated per OR Structure Standards.

38. Performs calibration, preventative maintenance and repair of respiratory and anesthesia equipment as needed.

39. Makes regular rounds, checking patient's oxygen equipment and ventilators as well as spot checking other respiratory and anesthesia equipment on a timely basis.

40. Checks suction prior to the patient's procedure.

41. Calibrates and checks all monitoring equipment used in the respiratory and anesthesia care of the patient, i.e. ECG, BP, SAO2, gas analyzers and all others as indicated.

42. Checks the anesthesia machine in all areas where anesthesia is provided for nitrous leaks and the proper removal of waste anesthesia gases.

43. Demonstrates and awareness and application of safety issues as identified within the institution.

Standard Precautions

44. Performs procedures using personal protective equipment per Arnot Health policy.

Age Appropriate

45. Provides age appropriate care.

Other

46. Attends all annual mandatory educational programs.

47. Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interacting with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer's needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience with the Arnot Health.

48. It is understood that this job description lists typical duties for the classification and is not to be considered inclusive of all duties which may be assigned.

EDUCATION:

1. Licensed as a Respiratory Therapist by the State of New York or eligible.

2. Credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist by the NBRC or eligible. Within 12 months of obtaining the NYS Technician License.

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of one year experience as a respiratory therapist which includes working with intensive care patients.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:

Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire date. Advance Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required within 1 year of hire date.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to meet the demands of an active position, including reaching above head, extensive walking, stooping, standing, lifting and moving heavy objects. Physical dexterity with arms, legs and hands bilaterally. Hearing and eyesight within normal range.

EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

Category I. Tasks that involve exposure to blood and body fluid or tissue.

A.D.A Essential Functions

Keywords: Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Syracuse , Respiratory Therapist (Anesthesia Tech)- Anesthesia, Other , Elmira, New York