Certified Anesthesia Technician

Job Summary

Assists the Anesthesia provider under the supervision of the Chief of Anesthesiology, or designee. Practices in accordance with the legal scope of practice and within established standards of care, policies and procedures.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assembles basic anesthesia set up and equipment. Performs daily anesthesia machine check and subsequent leak tests between cases, including room set up. Removes disposables from OR at end of case. Troubleshoots the anesthesia machine and physiological monitors. Actively participates in problem identification and resolution. Collaborates with the anesthesia provider to develop individualized plan of care that reflects clinical findings. Prepares machine for malignant hyperthermia when needed.
• Assists the anesthesia provider with direct patient care: Insertion of difficult venapuncture-infant, child, adolescent and adult, induction, fiberoptic intubation, provides cricoid pressure as needed for intubation, positioning patient for anesthesia blocks, emergency C-sections and labor & delivery, responds to Code Blue, Code Pink, etc. with Anesthesia care team. Manages work assignments to ensure completion of patient care activities. Sets up invasive monitoring equipment in routine and emergency situations: Swan-Ganz catheter, arterial line, central venous pressure line, PA catheter, and cardiac output. Assists with direct patient care under the direction of the Anesthesia provider. Performs patient care activities, within the scope of practice, considering age related needs of the patient as assigned. Assists with obtaining lab specimens and ABGs, picks up and delivers, awaits results, as indicated. Coordinates patient monitoring and equipment availability with PACU and Critical Care units. Works with perioperative team to facilitate a prompt OR turnover. Assembles anesthesia equipment and supplies needed for general/regional anesthesia. Prepares anesthesia procedure trays as requested. Removes and disposes of all supplies and equipment, following procedures done by the Anesthesia provider. Performs cleaning, sterilization and decontamination of all non disposable anesthesia related items. Performs terminal cleaning for all equipment, as scheduled and as needed. Keeps sufficient stock of supplies and non scheduled drugs in anesthesia workroom, machines and carts. Reviews for outdated medications. Coordinates with Pharmacy for out of stock drugs. Utilizes working knowledge and operation of all equipment and monitors. Performs routine checkout and upkeep of the anesthesia monitoring equipment, as needed. Inspects instruments and equipment for damages and sends for repair or troubleshoots as needed. Coordinates with Biomedical Engineering for maintenance and repair of anesthesia monitoring equipment, as needed. Ensures adequate back-up of monitoring equipment at all times. Maintains record/documentation of equipment maintenance and repairs done in the department. Maintains inventory of all disposable and non-disposable equipment, including all supplies and orders as needed. Maintains supply in emergency carts and boxes, such as code blue, malignant hyperthermia, fluid resuscitation/code purple, and fiberoptic/difficult airway. Assures a clean, orderly and functional work environment. Participates in evaluation and recommendations for new equipment. Maintains working relationship with approved vendors. Organizes work to minimize the use of overtime. Identifies and assists in systems improvements that need simplification or correction. Utilizes payroll and non-payroll resources to their maximum potential. Consistently demonstrates a professional, supportive attitude. Initiates and supports new ideas and actively assists others. Confronts difficult or conflict situations constructively and seeks appropriate assistance. Actively participates in departmental professional development. Participates with the assessment of current and future learning needs and development of an annual educational plan. Supports a collaborative labor-management environment. Applies precautions; keeps a safe environment for self and others. Practices customer service standards as defined by the service area, medical center, and specific department. Perform other duties as assigned Consistently supports compliance, the Principles of Responsibility, and Kaiser Permanentes Code of Conduct. Maintains and protects patient confidentiality. Adheres to applicable federal, state and local laws and regulation, accreditation and licenser requirements and Kaiser Permanentes policies and procedures.