Ambulatory Care Technician

Summary

The Ambulatory Care Technician is responsible for assisting in the Pre-Admission Testing Department for direct patient care under the guidance and direction of a Registered Nurse, and for orienting and assisting in the training of new staff and students. The Ambulatory Care Technician must be competent and apply knowledge in aseptic technique, laboratory services, EKG, and orthopedic and minor surgical procedures.

General Responsibilities

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis; other tasks may be assigned.

• Demonstrate skill and judgment necessary to implement interventions and procedures necessary for total patient care as delegated by the RN

• Perform concepts of aseptic technique according to the hospital policy and procedures and the aseptic technique competency:

  • Wipe down all treatment surfaces in unit with approved solution

  • Open supplies for minor surgical cases not more than 30 minutes prior to scheduled time of surgical procedure

  • Report break in aseptic technique immediately to the Charge Nurse

  • Discard contaminated items immediately and notify Charge Nurse

• Collect necessary instruments and supplies and anticipate additional supplies or equipment; maintain stock of supplies and equipment

• Assure the procedure room is properly prepared prior to the case

• Achieve workable organizational techniques; keep mayo stand, floor, and operative field clean and dry as procedure permits

• Control own movements to maintain sterile environment and deter risk of infection

• Handle specimens properly in accordance to established policies

• Properly dispose of sharps, trash, linen, and sponges

• Consult with and keep Charge Nurse apprised of needs and problems regarding case

• Follow established routines and utilizes supplies and equipment in a cost-effective manner

Clinical and Technical Duties

• Demonstrate the ability to operate equipment in the Emergency Department and Observation/Outpatient Procedure Unit

• Demonstrates competency in operating electrocardiogram equipment by:

  • Calibrating machine and loading graph paper

  • Competently determine orthostatic blood pressures

• Perform blood glucose monitoring, urine pregnancy test, urine dipstick, and Guaiac studies

• Prepare STD/wet prep exams

• Transport specimens to lab as required

• Collect urinalysis according to departmental procedure

• Perform phlebotomy services on all patients

• Prepare specimens to be sent to consulting laboratories

• Read, sort, and distribute requisitions from printers

• Accept and correlate identified specimens with correct order number, and deliver to proper laboratory department

• Interpret physician orders for laboratory testing

• Perform computer data entry for lab specimens

• Obtain blood products from Blood Bank

• Assist physician and/or physician assistant with closed reduction procedures

• Assist physician and/or physician assistant during orthopedic procedures

• Demonstrate crutch walking to patients

• Apply splints

• Work under the direction of the nurse in the Quick Care area to assist with orthopedic procedures (i.e., fractures, sprains)

• Assist in fitting patients with orthopedic equipment

• Assist physician and/or physician assistant with suturing/stapling

• Perform EKG's

• Remove Foley catheters

• May assist with enemas

• Remove IV's and heplocks

• Ensure that vital signs are taken and recorded as directed

• Accurately notify nurse and appropriate health care team of pertinent changes in patient's condition

• Initiate basic definitive care or life support measures under the supervision of an RN

• Input physician orders and document vital signs and procedures performed

• Assist nurse with triage vital signs on patient and charts; reports specific observations to RN

• Communicate appropriate triage data to charge nurse/staff nurse in order for them to determine bed placement

• Bring patients in from waiting areas based on the direction of charge nurse or triage nurse, and prepares them for examination

• Document/report clinical finding to RN in complete fashion

• Initiate care and standards of patient care for specific injuries and illnesses as directed by staff and standing protocols

• Assist EMS/RN staff with transferring of patients to beds

• Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services

• Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Charge Nurse and/or Nurse Manager

• Supervises: None

• Responsibilities: Not applicable

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Minimum Required Education:
  High school diploma or equivalent with post-training as either Certified Nursing Assistant, Paramedic, Shock-Trauma Technician, Phlebotomist, Medical Assistant, or are a Nursing or EMS student

• Preferred Education:
  Not applicable

Experience

2+ years' experience in an acute care facility, corpsman experience, or formal phlebotomy/laboratory/paramedic training; must demonstrate competency in aseptic technique, cardiac arrhythmias, laboratory services, and orthopedic and minor surgical procedures

Certification

Applicant must hold a current BLS and/or ACLS certification.