About the position
The Emergency Room Technician (ERT) position at Kaiser Permanente in San Marcos, CA, is a critical role that involves assisting physicians and nurses in the examination, treatment, and special procedures within the emergency department. Under direct supervision, the ERT will apply splints to patients as authorized by the Chief of the Orthopedic Department and perform various patient care duties in the clinic and emergency room, adhering to established policies and procedures. This role requires a proactive approach to patient care, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and effectively to support the medical team and enhance patient outcomes. The ERT will be responsible for a range of therapeutic and diagnostic patient care functions, which may include sterile techniques such as the removal and application of dressings and splints, cleansing and irrigating wounds, and preparing patients for examinations. The technician will also assist in emergency situations by positioning and draping patients for diagnostic examinations and minor surgical procedures. Special procedures such as peritoneal lavage, lumbar punctures, thoracotomy, and thoracentesis may also be part of the responsibilities. In addition to direct patient care, the ERT will manage logistical tasks such as organizing treatment areas, answering phone calls, performing CPR, conducting 12-lead EKGs, and maintaining adequate stock of supplies. The role emphasizes the importance of customer service, requiring the technician to demonstrate skills that align with the organization's philosophy of providing extraordinary customer relations and quality service. The position is on-call, primarily during evening shifts, and requires flexibility to work weekends as needed.
Responsibilities
- Assist physicians and nurses with examination, treatment, and special procedures in the emergency room.
- Apply splints to patients as authorized by the Chief of Orthopedic Department.
- Perform therapeutic and diagnostic patient care functions requiring sterile techniques.
- Explain standard self-care procedures and orient patients to Medical Center policies.
- Assist with various diagnostic examinations and minor surgical procedures.
- Complete necessary arrangements for surgical and examination procedures.
- Answer incoming phone calls and take appropriate action.
- Perform closed heart massage (CPR) and 12-lead EKGs as directed.
- Obtain complete vital signs and clothing list on patients.
- Issue and adjust crutches and canes, instructing patients in proper techniques.
- Coordinate instrument cleaning and processing with Central Processing.
- Pick up and deliver items between various departments.
- Direct and transport patients to appropriate rooms or areas in the ED or Medical Center.
- Maintain adequate stock of supplies and report needs to Charge Nurse/Clinical Supervisor.
- Prepare gurneys/beds and stock patient items at heads of beds.
- Maintain a clean work area, including utility rooms and supply rooms.
Requirements
- Minimum six (6) months recent experience in a health care/patient contact setting required.
- High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) required.
- Proof of successful completion of an anatomy course within the last three (3) years, or six (6) months recent Emergency Room Technician/EMT experience, or two (2) years recent experience in Kaiser Permanente Emergency Department required.
- Emergency Medical Technician Certificate (California) OR National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic Certificate OR National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians EMT Certificate required.
- Basic Life Support certification required.
- Successful completion of Kaiser Permanente Orthopedics demonstration/validation of ability to apply all types of splints within the probationary period.
Nice-to-haves
- Minimum two (2) years Emergency Department or Emergency Medical Services experience preferred.
