ENDOSCOPY TECHNICIAN

US:NV:Carson City Endoscopy

Full Time Variable Shift

Summary

As a part of a endoscopy team, under the supervision of a Charge RN, Supervisor, or Nurse Manager, assists in providing optimal preparation and care of the endoscopy patient in accordance with patient needs, physician order, CTRH policy and standards of patient care to facilitate the safe and effective completion of invasive diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures. The Endoscopy Technician possesses knowledge of aseptic technique, human anatomy, more advanced/complex/high-risk endoscopic procedures, techniques, and technology. Endoscopy Technicians are responsible for: The care and handling of highly complex, fragile and delicate endoscopes and equipment; Direct and indirect patient care activities; clinical, clerical, materials management and housekeeping; Promoting the values and functioning in a manner aligned with Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare goals for quality care, patient/client satisfaction, professional standards, scope of the law, cost containment, efficiency, safety and collaborative team effort. The Endoscopy Technician assists with training of new/less experienced endoscopy staff. Participates in QI. Demonstrates ability to prepare and set up for more complex endoscopic procedures and assist physicians and nurses during higher risk/low volume procedures. Acts as resource person for the specialty. Must share in department call coverage.

Qualifications

Required:

• American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers within 90 (90) days of hire or position entry
• Must be able to work in a stressful environment, have good manual dexterity, be able to work rapidly and demonstrate good interpersonal communications skills.
• Successful completion of on the job training with documentation of orientation and all competencies met including assisting with Therapeutic ERCP and EUS

Preferred:

• Minimum one (1) year previous clinical experience in an endoscopy technician role
• Endoscopy Technician certificate
• Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (HSPA) certificate
• Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER) certificate

Essential Functions

• Prepare, organize and set up endoscopy procedure rooms for scheduled, urgent, emergent and add-on cases. This includes ensuring all equipment, instruments, accessories and supplies are available, functioning, assembled and pre-tested.
• Anticipate the needs of the physician and RN during more complex, high-risk or low-volume endoscopic procedures (e.g., ERCP, EUS, stent placement, advanced interventional GI/biliary/pancreatic procedures) and provide real-time technical assistance (equipment manipulation, imaging/video support, instrument handling) as directed.
• Independently function within scope of the position; serve as a resource and mentor to less-experienced Endoscopy Technicians.
• Assist in procedure turn-over: room clean-up, preparation for the next case, restock, re-set, equipment checks, instrument count reconciliation.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of infection prevention and control principles, aseptic technique, manufacturer's instructions for use (IFUs), and regulatory standards (e.g., Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA), Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)).
• Perform proper cleaning, pre-cleaning, leak-testing, manual or automated high-level disinfection/sterilization of flexible endoscopes and accessories and maintain accurate documentation/records.
• Monitor and maintain reprocessing equipment (e.g., Automated Endoscope Reprocessors (AERs), automated washer/disinfectors), high-level disinfectant solution efficacy, sterilizers, fluid/filtration changes, filters, documentation of cycles and loads; coordinate repair or escalation when equipment malfunctions or fails.
• Assess equipment function and condition; perform routine preventive maintenance of scopes and accessories, identify those requiring service/repair, coordinate with Clinical Engineering/biomed and maintain service logs.
• Maintain accurate par-level inventory of high-cost scopes, accessories, instrumentation, supplies and consumables for endoscopic procedures. Initiate ordering, restocking and manage stock-room/decontamination room/par level with charge nurse/manager.
• Ensure supply chain and equipment readiness for both routinely scheduled and emergent case demands; expedite procurement of loaner or replacement equipment as needed.
• Assist RN/physician with patient preparation (pre-procedure, sedation support, positioning, monitoring transports) and post-procedure recovery/transfer as needed, according to department policy and under supervision.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with physicians, RNs, nursing assistants, material management, sterile processing department (SPD), and other team members. Serve as a collaborative team member and resource.
• Uphold the organization's values and departmental goals for quality care, patient satisfaction, safety, cost-containment, efficiency, and teamwork.
• Actively participate in departmental quality assurance/quality improvement (QI) initiatives, including monitoring adherence to reprocessing standards, infection control audits, equipment performance data, and procedure-room turnaround times.
• Serve as a resource and subject matter expert for less experienced endoscopy staff; assist with orientation, in-service training, competency validation, and ongoing professional development.
• Assist with evaluation/trial of new endoscopy-related equipment and supplies; provide feedback and participate in acquisitions/implementation in collaboration with department leadership.
• Support departmental needs for variable scheduling including emergent case turnover/after hour equipment support, weekend or holiday coverage as necessary.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.