Emergency Department Technician

This position is from 7:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.

Responsible for meeting the basic needs of the patient by providing skilled levels of bedside patient care in collaboration with the primary care nurse. The ED Technician provides assistance to other members of the health care team in order to provide quality patient care. Reports and documents all changes in the patient’s condition to the primary care nurse in a timely manner. Promptly notifies the charge nurse, Nurse Manger or Director of Nursing of departmental problems. Is accountable for all ED nursing care he/she delivers and is responsible for adhering to all applicable standards of emergency care. Assists in the teaching of students rotating through the Emergency Department. Performs clerical duties necessary to the functioning of the department. Must be energetic and motivated to support the success of a growing service.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (% of time)

Essential Functions: The following are essential job accountabilities and performance criteria:

Position Accountabilities

1) Provides care that is directed toward meeting the psychosocial and physical needs of patient.

Criteria

A) Carries out the patient’s plan of care as it relates to the patient’s physical needs and under the direction of the Registered Nurse of ED Attending Physician.

B) Assists with the ongoing monitoring of ED patients by taking vital signs at least every hour and reporting changes and/or abnormal readings to the primary care RN.

C) Maintains knowledge of and operates equipment used in patient care safely.

D) Completes unit clerical duties including the coordination of unit activities, transcription of orders, medical record maintenance and serving as a unit receptionist.

E) Retrieves patient care items that are not routinely available on the unit.

F) Prepares rooms prior to patient arrival and after discharge.

G) Completes a Patient Belongings Inventory sheet on all patients being admitted or transferred.

H) Notifies security for inventory of all patient “valuables” so that they can be stored properly.

I) Directs prompt and courteous attention to the needs to patient’s, families, and visitors.

J) Escorts and/or provides transportation assistance via stretcher or wheelchair to various areas of the hospital at the direction of the primary care nurse or ED Attending Physician.

K) Engages in service recovery activities referring unusual problems to the Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing.

L) Recognizes needs and initiates appropriate action in regard to maintaining supplies and equipment.

M) Notifies appropriate department in order to maintain a clean safe environment (housekeeping, maintenance, dietary, biomedical, etc.).

N) Functions as a resource person to co-workers, patients/families, medical staff, ancillary personnel and students.

O) Handles emergency situations calmly and in a professional manner.

P) Other functional duties as assigned.

2) Safety and Comfort

Criteria

A) Ensures that side rails are up when indicated (transporting patients, high fall risk, etc.).

B) Assists patients with ambulation, repositions, transfers from stretcher, wheelchairs, cars, etc.

C) Correctly places restraints; observes for constriction of circulation, changes to skin integrity, adequate breathing; knows when and how to change position; provides ROM and skin care, toileting, and opportunities for socialization.

D) Provides primary nurse or charge nurse with patient report prior to leaving unit.

E) Operates equipment correctly and safely.

1. Cardiac monitor – turns on/off; alarms- standby; lead placement, entering patient into system.

2. Laryngoscopes, blades and handles.

3) Vital Signs/Measurement:

Criteria

A) Completes Point of Care Testing (bedside blood glucose, pH, urine pregnancy).

B) Obtains vital signs including temperature.

C) Weighs patients as appropriate.

D) Measures intake and output.

4. Respiratory Care:

Criteria

A) Assists with setting up oxygen delivery systems such as nasal cannula or mask.

B) Monitors pulse oximetry.

C) Completes tracheostomy care.

D) Performs suctioning as necessary (oral and tracheal).

5. Wound Care:

Criteria

A) Controls bleeding of open wounds as directed by RN or ED Attending physician.

B) Prepares lacerations for closure:

1) Cleans wound as instructed by ED Attending physician.

2) Sets up equipment and supplies at the patient bedside.

3) Assists physician as necessary during procedure.

4) Dresses wounds as instructed.

C) Performs dressing changes (sterile and clean).

6. Bowel and Bladder Elimination:

Criteria

A) Administers enemas.

B) Performs straight catheterizations.

C) Records output on nursing documentation tools.

7. Hygiene:

Criteria

A) Provides hygiene and grooming as needed.

B) Mouth care as needed, especially for the NPO patient.

C) Rounds frequently to ensure that patient’s toileting needs are met. Provides perineal care after toileting.

8. Specimen Collection:

Criteria

A) Obtains:

1) Midstream (clean-voided) urine specimen

2) Sterile urine specimen from an indwelling catheter

3) Blood specimens by venipuncture

4) Stool specimens

5) Sputum specimens

B) Labels all specimens at the patient’s bedside after correctly identifying the patient.

C) Utilizes the appropriate personal protective equipment when handling body fluids.

9. Clerical:

Criteria

A) Answers phone within 3 rings identifying self, title and unit. Does not keep caller on hold for extended periods of time.

B) Provides directions to physicians, hospital personnel, and visitors to patient’s room, adhering to visiting policy.

C) Notifies admitting of the arrival of new patients.

D) Answers pneumatic tube promptly and returns carriers to the appropriate area.

E) Reports critical lab values to appropriate personnel.

F) Enters orders into the computer accurately.

G) Calls departments to order tests, procedures, and consults that cannot be ordered through the computer.

H) Utilizes appropriate backup systems in the event of computer downtime.

10) Safety/Infection Control: Performs job in accordance with safety and infection control policies.

Criteria

A) Practices standard precautions and disposes of hazardous wastes per established guidelines.

B) Maintains a safe, clean, comfortable, and therapeutic environment for patients, families, and employees in accordance to hospital standards.

1) Maintains a clutter free environment.

2) Keeps personal conversations/background noise to a minimum.

3) Adheres to dress code.

C) Reports risk management concerns.

D) Assumes responsibility for completing all annual mandatory requirements by due date:

1) Bi-annual TB screening

2) Annual Ethics and compliance training

3) Annual safety training

4) Required information security course

5) Annual Abuse and Neglect training

6) Annual blood borne pathogens training

7) Coursework as assigned in .Edu

8) Annual competency, including age specific

E) Obtains report from RN and informs nurse of changes in patient’s condition

F) Communicates concerns or patient complaints to Charge RN and other team members as appropriate

G) Documents all procedures and care concisely and legibly on chart

H) Identifies problems, gathers pertinent data, suggests solutions, communicates using appropriate lines of authority, and works toward problem resolution

I) Empties soiled linen hampers in a timely manner

11) Service: Provides service excellence to the customers of Saint Louis University Hospital by delivering timely, high quality care in a courteous, and respectful manner.

Criteria

A) Demonstrates care and courtesy.

1) Provides prompt, respectful, courteous service.

2) Meets physical, spiritual, psychological and emotional needs of patients and families as directed by RN.

3) Responds to call lights promptly.

4) Apologizes for mix-up and delay.

B) Communicates effectively and maintains confidentiality.

1) Listens to staff, patient, family concerns and addresses needs within scope of responsibility.

2) Explains procedures and all education in a manner that staff, patient, familiy understands.

3) Allows time for questions.

C) Demonstrates competence and collaboration.

1) Provides accurate change of shift report.

2) Provides quality care in accordance to standards.

3) Shares knowledge with other departments to facilitate work flow and continuity.

D) Provides cost effective services.

1) Uses resources wisely.

2) Recommends changes in practice that increases efficiency and minimizes waste.

3) Assists EMS in the inventory, labeling, storage and retrieval of equipment left in our department.

12) Personal Accountability: Demonstrates accountability for own job performance.

Criteria

A) Adheres to and incorporates all customer service standards in patient care and work practices.

B) Participates in additional learning experiences to increase competence including:

1) Staff meetings

2) Mandatory in-service’s and educational programs

3) Evaluation of self-performance by identifying strengths and areas for improvement

C) Assists in identifying and implementing nursing unit goals

13) Performance Improvement (PI): Incorporates Performance Improvement into one’s job performance.

Criteria

A) Identifies problems, participation in data collection when requested, suggests solutions, communicates using appropriate lines of authority and works toward problem resolution.

B) Participates in the performance/process improvement process.

C) Incorporates Performance Improvement and Commitment to Quality (C2Q) results into job performance.

D) Offers suggestions for improvement of unit activities.

E) Participates in discussion of PI C2Q data outcomes.

F) Collects PI C2Q data as assigned.

G. Participates in research activities on the nursing unit as appropriate.

14) Age Appropriate Care: Provides age-appropriate care to:

__x__ Infant _x__ Child __x__ Adolescent __x__ Adult __x__ Geriatric (15%)

Criteria

A) Demonstrates knowledge and skills of normal growth & development necessary to provide services to the age of the patient served by the department.

B) Demonstrates ability to assess and interpret age specific data to identify patient needs.

C) Utilizes communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses to service and interaction.

D) Involves family or significant other in decision making related to services provided.

E) Demonstrates ability to provide service needed for the age groups routinely served by the department assigned.

15) Specialized Care: Provides specialized care to patients at high risk for injury.

Criteria

A) Restraint Care

1) Initiates/evaluates alternatives to restraint prior to application.

2) Applies restraints consistent with the approved procedure.

3) Monitors and assesses patient’s response throughout the restraint period at the appropriate intervals.

4) Provides specified patient care (toileting, skin care, hydration, feeding, etc.) on a timely basis.

5) Provides for trail release and removal of restraint as soon as possible.

B) Pain Management

1) Follows pain management plan of care, e.g.: repositioning, message, immobilization, music therapy etc.

2) Reports patient complaints of pain to the nursing staff and/or physician.

C) Abuse Assessment

1) Is aware of abuse recognition criteria and incorporates it into assessments.

2) Reports signs of possible abuse/neglect to the physician & Risk Management, and recommends appropriate consultations (psychiatric, Social Work) for evaluation.

DISCLAIMER: Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Rationale for Essential Functions

1) The performance of this function is the reason the job exists.

2) There are limited employees among whom the performance of this function can be distributed.

3) This function occupies a great deal of the employee’s time.

4) This function is highly specialized. Employees are hired for the skill/ability to perform this function.

5) Failure to perform this function may have serious consequences.

6) The function was performed by past employees, and is performed by current employees.

7) Exposure to blood borne pathogens that require the use of protective equipment.

8) Exposure to tuberculosis that requires the use of protective equipment.

Job Specifications

MINIMUM PREFERRED/ EDUCATION: High school diploma required. Advanced education in allied medical or health care programs preferred. Successful completion of Basic Life Support course required.

MINIMUM PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Previous experience in health care, including performance of vein -puncture, EKGs and basic assessment skills, preferred.

REQUIRED LICENSURE/ CERTIFICATION: None

WORKING CONDITIONS: Stressful working environment requiring ability to prioritize assignments. Exposure to confidential data, including patient records and incident reports. Contact with supervisors, medical staff, house staff, referring hospital personnel, nursing services, students, volunteers, patients, families, visitors, personnel from outside agencies, administrators, pre hospital care providers and personnel from other internal departments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Prolonged extensive or considerable standing/lifting. Lifts, positions, push and/or transfers patients. Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, lifting, pushing, pulling 100plus pounds. Ability to demonstrate patience when dealing with difficult people and situations. Ability to anticipate potential crisis or deterioration of patient condition and assist in preventing impairment of life processes and normal body functions, as the situation requires. Must have the ability to assist with emergency care and the management of patients including assisting with the institution and maintenance of basic life support.

Employee___________________________________________Date____________

Supervisor__________________________________________Date_____________

Department Director __________________________________Date_____________

Administration_______________________________________Date_____________

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. An individual working in their job classification must also perform specific tasks upon request by supervisor personnel. Furthermore, the duties and responsibilities for this job classification are subject to change at the discretion of the medical center.