About the position
The Lead Endoscopy Technician plays a crucial role in the Endoscopy department, working under the supervision of the Specialty Coordinator/Registered Nurse. This position is integral to the coordination of nursing care for patients undergoing endoscopic procedures. The technician is expected to be knowledgeable about gastrointestinal and pulmonary diseases, assisting during various endoscopic procedures while ensuring patient safety and comfort. The role involves direct interaction with patients, preparing the procedure room and necessary equipment, and providing support to physicians and nurses throughout the procedure. The technician is responsible for handling specimens, maintaining and reprocessing equipment, and ensuring compliance with infection control standards. In addition to the core responsibilities, the Lead Endoscopy Technician oversees the daily operations of the shift, ensuring that all Endoscopy Technicians are performing their duties effectively. This includes implementing new processes to enhance service delivery, providing feedback to leadership regarding team performance, and offering coaching and mentoring to staff. The Lead Technician also coordinates the training and orientation of new Endoscopy Technicians and develops in-service training on new procedures and equipment. Maintaining an inventory of endoscopic supplies and notifying leadership of any supply needs is also a key responsibility of this role. The position requires a commitment to lifelong learning and staying updated on current practices in gastroenterology. The Lead Endoscopy Technician must communicate effectively with both patients and the interprofessional team to ensure quality care and continuity throughout the patient's experience in the Endoscopy department.
Responsibilities
- Completes tasks as delegated by RN within defined role functions and documented competency.
- Assists in data collection to identify the patient's needs, problems, concerns or human responses (e.g., vital signs).
- Implements, prioritizes, and communicates safe therapeutic care for patient throughout the patient's Endoscopy experience.
- Assists, under the direction of the GI Registered Nurse, in the implementation of the established plan of care.
- Communicates changes in patient status as appropriate.
- Performs safety checks to verify proper equipment functioning.
- Prepares suites or rooms according to endoscopic procedure requirements.
- Assists the physician and GI Registered Nurse before, during, and after diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- Is knowledgeable about Saline, India Ink, Omni Paq on the sterile/procedural field and verifies all labeled medications with the RN.
- Administers medications via the endoscope (ONLY saline, India Ink, Omnipaque) during a procedure at the direction and under the direct supervision of the physician.
- Reprocesses and maintains equipment according to standards of infection control, policies/procedures and manufacturers' instructions.
- Provides and maintains a healthy and safe environment for the patient and staff by complying with regulatory agency requirements and standards set forth by professional organizations and institutional policies.
- Acknowledges the diversity of patients.
- Participates in lifelong learning (e.g., continuing education).
- Maintains knowledge of current practice issues related to the field of gastroenterology.
- Complies with legal and practice standards inherent in patient care (e.g., patient's bill of rights).
- Participates in performance improvement activities as directed.
- Collaborates with the interprofessional team to ensure quality and continuity of care.
- Communicates effectively with patient and interprofessional team to ensure quality and continuity of care.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Oversees daily operation of the shift for other Endoscopy Technicians.
- Implements new processes to improve delivery of services.
- Provides feedback to leadership regarding work and team member performance. Provides coaching and mentoring as needed.
- Coordinates training, orientation & precepting of new Endoscopy Technicians. Coordinates and develops staff in-services and training on new procedures and equipment for various endoscopic procedures.
- Maintains inventories of endoscopic equipment and supplies. Notifies leadership of supply ordering needs, specifically for ERCP and EUS supplies.
Requirements
- High School graduate or equivalent required; Certified Nursing Assistant, military, or vocational training program preferred.
- BLS certification required.
- Healthcare experience required.
- Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) certification required within 6 months of hire.
- Minimum of 1 year endoscopy experience required for PRN.
- Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience in Endoscopy Technician role required.
- Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) Advanced Associates Program certification required within 6 months of hire.
