GI LAB TECHNICIAN

Job Summary

 The GI Lab Technician assists with endoscopic procedures under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or physician.

 Essential Job Functions

• Assumes responsibilities of GI Lab Assistant by preparing the procedural labs with appropriate instrumentation, equipment and supplies.
  • Checks supplies and equipment for procedures.
  • Verifies appropriate instrumentation for specific procedures.
  • Arranges the lab and equipment according to routine procedures scheduled.
  • Utilizes supplies and equipment in a cost-effective manner.
  • Properly identifies equipment and accessories and assists physician appropriately.
  • Anticipates needs throughout the Endoscopy procedures.
  • Demonstrates the ability to function independently as a GI Lab Technician with minimal instruction.
  • Follows policy for proper technique in collecting, labeling and logging specimens.
• Maintain a clean and orderly environment.
  • Completes preliminary preparation of the Endoscopy Suite by removing unnecessary equipment and damp dusts flat surfaces.
  • Assists with room clean-up post procedure; places disposable items in appropriate receptacles, isolates needles, blades and sharps to prevent injury to others; prepares endoscopy equipment for decontamination; properly disposes of linen, trash and infectious waste, maintains adequate stock of equipment and supplies.
• Patient Care
  • Assists with patient care procedures when appropriate and according to Standards of Care and Protocols and under the direction of licensed personnel.
  • Meets assigned patient and unit needs.
  • Complies with Standard Precautions.
  • Demonstrates understanding of aseptic technique, infection control and safety.
  • Demonstrates ability to sterilize/disinfect all endoscopy equipment appropriately according to department policy.
  • Participates in unit based cost containment and patient charge practices, when applicable.
• Quality Assessment and Improvement.
  • Demonstrates ongoing awareness of the participation in PI.
  • Responds to improved performance to results obtained from IP monitors.
  • Submits ideas for improvement related to staff educational needs and patient care quality issues.
• Personal Image and Conduct.
  • Dresses in accordance with the hospital dress code presenting a neat, well groomed appearance. Appropriately wears lab coat, scrub jacket or appropriate cover when leaving the department. Wears PPE in appropriate manner.
  • Attends unit-based meetings and/or reads and signs the minutes.
  • Maintains positive working relationships.
  • Uses chain of command appropriately.
  • Participates in the orientation and socialization of new hospital staff.
  • Remains calm and handles stressful situations appropriately.
• Communication
  • Interacts and informs charge nurse or professional nurses of activities, needs and problems related to the unit or patient care.
  • Relates appropriate age-related data in a courteous, accurate and timely manner.
  • Reports requests or concerns of patients, significant others and staff, refers to the appropriate hospital personnel.
• Adherence to Hospital/Department Policy
  • Follows hospital and department policies and procedures.
  • Arrives at work and is ready to begin work at scheduled time.
  • Completes assignments during scheduled work time.
  • Rotates shifts, works weekends and accepts call as required to meet unit needs.
  • Protects patient rights and observes confidentiality of patient information at all times.
  • Observes and respects confidentiality of patients and other healthcare providers.
  • Adheres to safety and infection control policies.
  • Participates in required in services, competency assessments and educational programs.

Specialty Functions

• Prepares the GI Lab procedure room daily, maintaining adequate supplies and equipment to assure continuity of patient care and patient flow.
  • Conducts daily checks of the GI tower equipment to assure proper functioning.
• Cleans and handles all endoscopy equipment according to established policy.
  • Completes a "leak test" and pre-cleaning on all endoscopes following every patient procedure according to established policy. Follows proper protocol when any equipment does not meet established operating criteria.
  • Consistently complies with infection control policies by wearing protective eyewear, gown and approved gloves when cleaning and disinfecting GI scopes.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of the proper procedure to be used in the event of a chemical spill/splash.
  • Efficiently utilizes the AER Washer used to process the GI scopes.
  • Adheres to personal radiation protection and safety measures by wearing appropriate protective equipment and film badge when assisting with procedures performed in x-ray.
• Assists the physician performing the GI procedures.
  • Obtains the proper endoscope requested by the physician, attaches the scope to the GI tower and assures proper functioning prior to each procedure.
  • Obtains appropriate equipment and assists the physician with all therapeutic procedures and skills, if applicable.
  • Properly labels, logs and sends specimens to the lab per established policy, if applicable
  • Demonstrates working knowledge of computer systems

Required Qualifications

•  High School Diploma, GED or higher level of education.
• Completion of a Nurse Aide or comparable program or previous Nurse Aide or equivalent patient care experience.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

Preferred Qualifications

•  ASTCA Certification.
• One (1) year Endoscopy Unit experience.

License, Certification & Clearances

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between Excela Health locations.

LEAN

• Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements. Recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one’s own motivation, morale, performance and professional development. Strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Excela’s missions, vision and values.

AAP/EEO 

• Excela Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Excela Health to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class. Excela Health will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to perform the Essential Functions listed on the Physical Conditions and ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Condition chart below.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.