SUMMARY:
Performs assigned nursing care under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. Assists with unit specific tasks to maintain equipment and environment involving m anually brushing and leak-testing scopes; operating automated scope washer. Packages equipment for sterilization. Troubleshoots scope washer malfunctions and arranges for repairs. Identifies and selects appropriate scope for each procedure.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Provides sensitivity to patient’s comfort and privacy and expresses interest in their progress.
Provides direct patient care by assisting physicians with examinations, procedures and other processes related to direct patient care.
Identifies and cares for specimens.
Obtains and documents patient vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, weight, respiration and pulse.
Monitors clinical condition of patients and reports changes to appropriate personnel.
Cleans and prepares rooms between procedures to ensure minimal turnover time. Returns supplies, instruments and equipment to proper location.
Maintains an adequate supply level in procedure rooms cleans and stocks procedure rooms.
Identifies and selects appropriate scope for each procedure.
Answers call lights in a timely manner.
Assists with the instructional needs of patients and offers support by explaining information regarding techniques to assist with patient comfort during procedures.
Evaluates outcomes of patient care, consults with registered nurse as required and adjusts nursing care processes as necessary to ensure optimal patient care; participates in the development and implementation of the patient care plan.
Enters patient information into computer; enters patient charges accurately.
Safely assists patients during discharge.
Packages equipment for sterilization.
Performs biological and chemical monitoring in accordance with quality assurance standards.
Responds quickly and appropriately to chemical spills in the GI Lab.
Adheres to TMC organizational and department-specific safety, confidentiality, values, policies and standards.
Performs related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION: High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
EXPERIENCE: Six (6) months of patient care experience preferred; preferably experience in a GI Lab.
LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :
· Knowledge of patient care protocols and practices.
· Knowledge of general patient care practice, methods and regulations.
· Knowledge of patient privacy regulations.
· Skill in attending to patients with care and attention to needs.
· Skill in assisting with more complex patient care programs.
· Skill in cleaning, processing and care of scopes used in the GI Lab.
· Ability to recognize a patient in distress and follow directions to get assistance.
· Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
· Ability to complete routine reports and correspondence.
· Ability to listen and accurately interpret others’ communication or instructions to take appropriate action.
· Ability to speak effectively in front of doctors, nurses, staff and the general public.
· Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
· Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
· Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
· Ability to understand and relate to theories behind several related concepts, concentrate on fine detail with constant interruption, and able to remember multiple tasks / assignments given to self and others for long periods of time.