General Description:

Assists the Anesthesia provider (Physician or Nurse Anesthetist) under the supervision of the Chief of Anesthesiology, or designee in the safe delivery of anesthesia in the perioperative environment. The certified Anesthesia Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.)

Essential Responsibilities:

Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position and expected practice for all Certified Anesthesia Technologists.  Inability to perform these responsibilities with or without an accommodation may result in disqualification from the position. 

• In collaboration with the anesthesia provider(s) the anesthesia technologist is involved with the anesthesia plan of care. Including but not limited to the procurement of equipment and supplies necessary for safe delivery and maintenance of anesthesia specific to the patient need.
• Daily responsibilities include, but are not limited to the setup, application and assistance of: Non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring, induction of anesthesia for general/regional & local anesthesia, fiberoptic intubation, provide cricoid pressure, insertion of routine & difficult venipuncture, positioning of patient for surgery, anesthesia blocks, and emergency procedures.
• Responsible for the daily inspection of anesthesia machines, equipment, and other ancillary devices to ensure cleanliness and operational readiness (i.e. fiberoptic bronchoscope, fluid warmers, anesthetic gas machine).
• Responsible for decontamination of anesthesia machines and sterilization of equipment and devices.  Assembles anesthesia equipment and sets up machines according to established protocol and age appropriate criteria for scheduled cases.
• Ensures OR is cleaned and stocked for ready for use.
• Manages work assignments to ensure completion of patient care activities.
• Prepares the anesthesia machine and airway supplies. In addition to preparing the machine malignant hyperthermia and latex allergies when needed.
• Works with perioperative team to facilitate a prompt room turnover.
• Assembles and assists provider(s) in using anesthesia equipment and supplies needed for general/regional/local anesthesia.
• Utilizing sterile technique sets up and assists with the procedure and placement of invasive monitoring equipment in routine and emergency situations, including arterial line, central venous pressure line, PA catheter, cardiac output and other monitoring adjuncts.
• Assists with obtaining lab specimens and ABG's. Is competent in the use of & quality assurance for Point of Care testing equipment.
• Assists anesthesia provider with patient preparation, electrode placement, use of ultrasound/nerve stimulator devices, and performs mechanical task of pressing syringe plunger, as directed by the anesthesia provider, to instill medication during regional blocks.
• Operates cell salvaging, intra-aortic balloon pumping and TEE devices as required.

Has understanding of medications commonly used in anesthesia including; purpose, proper storage, generic and proprietary names and labeling requirements.

Orders and replenishes anesthesia medications and supplies; maintain adequate records of receipt and issuance of supplies and equipment.

• Maintains adequate level of volatile anesthesia gases. Properly stores and distributes medical cylinders.
• Provides charged transport monitors for all patients and assists with the safe transport of the patient.
• Observes and reports equipment malfunctions or unsafe environment to biomedical engineering
• Duties may vary based on assigned area and may include patient transport, assistance with difficult intubations and input on process improvement.
• Maintains ASATT required credentialing to retain Cer.A.T.T.
• Practices in accordance with the legal scope of practice and within established standards of care, policies and procedures as outlined by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT Scope of Practice, 2015). Maintains professional decorum and code of ethics as outlined by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologist and Technicians (ASATT, 2010). Actively participates in departmental professional development and mentors anesthesia students
• Applies precautions; keeps a safe environment for self and others.
• Adheres to applicable federal, state and local laws and regulation, accreditation and licenser requirements and Kaiser Permanente's policies and procedures.

General Responsibilities:

• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: 

Minimum requirement:  Associates degree and certification as an Anesthesia Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.)

Preferred:  Associates Degree in Anesthesia Technology

Experience:

Minimum requirement: none.

Preferred requirement: One (1) year experience in the surgical setting working as a Certified Anesthesia Technologist.

License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s) Required:

American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians – Cer.A.T.T. Verification required

Current Basic Life Support issued by the American Heart Association required upon hire.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support – ACLS (American Heart Association) upon hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  The Anesthesia Technologist is proficient in the acquisition, preparation, and application of various types of equipment required for the delivery of anesthesia care. This individual possesses the complex knowledge of anesthesia and psychomotor abilities necessary to assist licensed anesthesia providers in the full spectrum of anesthesia services—considering all physiological conditions. The anesthesia technologist is highly proficient in anesthesia and is able to use knowledge of surgical procedures, physiology, and pathophysiology to assist the anesthesia provider in the delivery of anesthesia. The technologist knowledge and training in anesthesia equipment equips them to help diagnosis and troubleshoot intraoperative events affecting the patient and anesthesia care. As well as but not limited to, operating Intra-Aortic balloon pump, Intra-Operative Cell Salvage, securing intravenous access, operating rapid infusion devices such as Belmont and Level 1 and assist provider in proper procedure for checking blood and blood products. Consistently demonstrates a professional, supportive attitude.

The anesthesia technologist demonstrates independent judgment, which is required for correct and rapid response to the ever-changing patient care environment. The Anesthesia Technologist exhibits professionalism in patient and staff interactions. Anesthesia technologists are qualified to  work in a variety of clinical settings, including hospital operating rooms, interventional and diagnostic radiology, labor and delivery units, intensive care units, emergency rooms, outpatient procedure suites, and ambulatory surgery centers.

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