Anesthesia Technician

: The Anesthesia Technician is an integral member of the anesthesia patient care team. Their role is to assist licensed anesthesia providers in the acquisition, preparation, and application of the equipment and supplies required for the administration of anesthesia. In this role, the Technician contributes to safe, efficient, and cost-effective anesthesia care. The Technician will provide support in anesthesia for routine and complex surgical cases. They are responsible for preparing and maintaining patient monitoring devices and anesthesia delivery systems before, during and after anesthesia. The Technician prepares the Operating Room with equipment and supplies to support the daily workload with little guidance. This position may assist anesthesia providers and other caregivers with patient care. This position does not directly manage any other caregivers.

Essential Functions And Duties

Conducts routine anesthesia machine checks as outlined by the Food and Drug Administration.

Prepares anesthesia equipment for general, monitored anesthesia care, or regional cases.

Consults Operating Room Schedule to determine necessary equipment, preparation, and timing for indicated procedures.

Assists Licensed Anesthesia Provider in clinical settings outside of the Operating Room as needed.

Functions as first line in trouble shooting situations involving anesthesia machines, anesthesia monitors, and equipment related to anesthesia.

Maintains inventory of emergency carts; Difficult Airway, Pediatric, Malignant Hyperthermia, Regional Block, Intra-Lipid kit, fiber optic scopes, TEE, and Massive Transfusion device.

Safely disposes of Anesthesia generated biohazard waste according to institutions protocol.

Conducts general disinfecting, cleaning, and handling of anesthesia equipment and instruments according to manufacture recommendations.

Provides support in areas of pressure monitoring, auto transfusion and laboratory functions.

Tracks and maintains anesthesia equipment, specialty carts, kits, and inventory.

Participates in advance training and educational programs.

Performs duties under the direct supervision of a licensed anesthesia provider and/or Registered Nurse (RN).

Provides support for routine surgical cases by assisting in the preparation and maintenance of patient equipment and anesthesia delivery systems before, during and after anesthesia. Operates a variety of mechanical, pneumatic and electronic equipment used to monitor, evaluate and manage the patient undergoing anesthesia.

Performs first level maintenance on anesthesia equipment such as cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, calibrating and testing, troubleshooting, requisitioning and recording of inspections and maintenance.

Cleans, sterilizes, disinfects, stocks, orders and maintains the routine anesthesia equipment and supplies.

Maintains and organizes the anesthesia environment, equipment, and supplies to facilitate department functions.

Participates in creating a healing environment that supports all aspects of the care environment and the wholeness of each individual, patient and caregiver.

Participates in creating intentional relationships and demonstrates focus attitudes and behaviors that enhance the care experience.

Provides a therapeutic presence in service to others by purposefully responding to the needs of patients in a caring way, including introducing oneself and explaining role in patient’s care, asking the patient his or her preferred name, sitting with the patient to determine his or her care goals, active listening, and communicating effectively and appropriately through touch, eye contact, etc.

Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients and guests.

Documents equipment maintenance in compliance with hospital policies and regulatory agencies.

Supports the vision, mission and values of the organization in all respects.

Supports Lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.

Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.

Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate.

May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.

Education

Required: High school diploma or GED.

Preferred: Graduate from an approved ASATT program or an accredited educational program with an associate degree minimum OR complete an ASATT approved advancement / recertification program.

Licensure/Certification/Registration

Required: AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification.

Preferred: Anesthesia Technician or Technologist certification from the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians. Certification as a paramedic through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians or current certification as a paramedic through the Oregon Health Authority.

Experience

Required: One (1) year of operating room experience, experience as an EMT, or experience as a medical assistant in a procedural area (such as a surgery center).

Preferred: Two (2) years of experience as an anesthesia technician.