General Summary: A non-exempt position responsible for preparing the procedure rooms for cases, assisting physicians and the nursing staff during procedures, and maintaining a safe and clean procedure environment in the ambulatory surgical center.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

1. Helps RN to gather medical history information. Provides patient care as outlined by state Nurse Practice Act, including nursing assessments, taking vital signs, and assisting in procedures as directed.
2. Assists patients with activities such as ambulation, transfers, dressings, grooming, and nutrition. Transports patients safely using appropriate equipment such as wheelchairs.
3. Observes patient condition and immediately communicates changes/concerns to RN, LPN, or Clinical Nurse Manager.
4. Follow emergency procedures including using CPR if necessary.
5. Helps stock department equipment and supplies.
6. Rotates in scope room with disinfecting, sterilizing and performing checks. Maintains equipment’s integrity. Documents steps taken performing these tasks as required.
7. Responsible for room set up, assisting physician as needed during procedure and cleaning following procedures ensuring infection control techniques are followed.
8. Other duties as assigned.

Experience: Minimum two years of experience as a nursing assistant. Experience in gastroenterology and surgical assistance preferred.

Other Requirements: Ongoing BLS certification.

Performance Requirements:

Knowledge:

1. Knowledge of basic nursing skills with emphasis on gastroenterology procedures and care.
2. Knowledge of ways to help RNs and physicians in the ambulatory surgery care setting and to maintain a safe working environment.
3. Knowledge of body mechanics.

Skills:

1. Skill in appropriately taking vital signs.
2. Skill in effectively transferring and transporting patients.
3. Skill in maintaining a clutter-free, organized surgical care area.

Abilities:

1. Ability to respond flexibly to changing workload or patient assignments.
2. Ability to use department supplies and equipment in a cost-efficient, effective manner.
3. Ability to communicate effectively as a health care team member.
4. Ability to demonstrate full range of motion, eye–hand coordination, manual/finger dexterity and agility.
5. Ability to, at a minimum, read, write, and document English at a high school level.
6. Ability to read numbers and perform basic arithmetic calculations.

Equipment Operated: Standard medical equipment, including pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitor, and wheelchairs. Gastroenterology equipment including, but not limited to, endoscopes, scope processors/light source, forceps, snares, electrocautery, leak tester, high level disinfecting processors.

Work Environment: Ambulatory surgery center. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, biohazards, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to an ambulatory surgical setting.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Varied activities including standing, sitting, walking, turning, stooping, reaching, bending, and lifting – supporting debilitated and/or unsteady patients. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds. Must hear and see well enough to obtain and document information accurately. Must communicate well enough to answer questions and converse over the telephone to be thoroughly understood.

Occasional stress is related to patient load.