Emergency Room Tech I

The ER TECH I is a part of the emergency department caregiver team, responsible for performing continued assessment, evaluation, and delivery of patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. When assigned to the Monitor Tech role, they are responsible for providing clerical support for the Emergency Department, including entering orders and patient information into the Meditech system, cardiac rhythm monitoring, and limited patient care duties.

The ER TECH I notifies nursing staff of rhythm status and changes, patient orders, and EMS radio reports. They also attend the desk, manage the phone system and patient board, and maintain departmental forms and supplies. The ER TECH I facilitates patient transfers and admissions in coordination with the house supervisor.

The ER TECH I provides safe, prudent patient care in compliance with GRMC standards of nursing care, the New Mexico Board of Nurse Practice Act, and the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). They must have the adaptability to work in a fast-paced and potentially stressful environment.

Additionally, the Tech may be floated to other hospital areas as a resource, as directed by hospital leadership or the House Supervisor. When floated, they are expected to follow the guidance of the Charge Nurse or RN in the assigned department and maintain the same high standards of care and safety.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists with patient care as needed
• Obtains and charts patient vital signs
• Prepares patients for various procedures as directed by the RN.
• Collects specimens for lab assessment, urine, stool and blood draws.
• Handles laboratory specimens such as blood, urine and other bodily fluids
• Places id and allergy bands, using double identifiers for patient safety
• Assists in the application and removal of patient restraints, and provides documentation according to policy and procedure
• Assists with patient ambulation and transfer
• Completes all patient care documentation in a timely manner
• Assists patients with daily routines, such as dressing and toileting
• Splints extremities, applies ace wraps, immobilizers and measures for crutches after completion of competency checklist.
• Provides wound care and dressing changes under the direction of a Registered Nurse.
• Cleans and stores equipment, changes linens, and maintains stock in work areas.
• Answers phone and responds to nurse call system.
• Escorts patients and visitors in and out of the hospital
• Assists nurses and providers with procedures
• Provides information and emotional support to patients and family
• Communicates information to RNs and other ER team members as necessary to include patient issues, changes in condition, and abnormal vital signs in a timely manner.
• Prepares patient care areas; cleans and stocks patient rooms
• Assists to maintain clean and quiet environment for patients and fellow colleagues.
• May be required to perform Basic Emergency Medical Care or first aid as part of his/her job
• Attends 75% of departmental meeting
• Transfers orders from printer to charts in a timely manner. Checks admission for new orders.
• Obtains ER outpatient identification information and prepares forms required for ER record and charges.
• Prepares patient chart for transport, making copies and obtaining all necessary documentation.
• Enters physician’s orders, and required patient data, including discharge diagnosis, times and charges into Meditech system, as well as other required departmental requisitions.
• Obtains diagnostic results and transfers them to patient record.
• Closes ER patient care record and ensures completion by checking for signatures of both physicians and nurses.
• Assures completion of ED Logbook and status of patient disposition.
• Enters and completes data for ER Logbook as required by The Joint Commission (legible and documented in black or blue ink). Utilizes ER patient log for shift and ER Logbook for report indicating location of charts which have not been completed by providers.
• Participates in hospital in-service education and cross-training.
• Performs quality control test on glucose monitor daily.
• Prepares and or obtains any forms/supplies necessary for ongoing departmental operations. Ensures that printers are loaded with paper and cartridges.
• Attends the desk, and manages ER phone system, including incoming calls, nurse triage line & transfer, and locating on-call staff via beepers and or phone. Answers telephone and radio in a timely, pleasant manner.
• Reports gunshot and dog bites reports per protocol.
• Coordinates pediatric lab draws with Lab and RN.
• Manages ER patient board, documenting physician orders to alert nursing staff.
• Assist in additional clinical areas of the hospital as needed.
• All other duties assigned within scope and practice.

DUCATION & TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must possess one of the following qualifications: a New Mexico CNA certification, completion of Level I and II courses from an accredited nursing college, or two years of experience as a Medical Assistant.
• BLS (AHA) required upon date of hire
• PEARS within 3 months from hire date
• GRMC approved EKG course within 3 months of hire and annually

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 1 year experience in a Medical Field preferred