Anesthesia Technician II, Full-time, Rotating

Description

The Anesthesia Technician II reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Anesthesia Technician II provides perioperative technical and clinical support to the members of the anesthesia team for all anesthesia procedures.

Seeking skilled and dedicated individuals who thrive in the fast-paced environment of the operating room. As an Anesthesia Technician, you will play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of our healthcare facility, working closely alongside Anesthesia providers to ensure seamless procedures and patient care. You will receive comprehensive training to develop a strong foundation in anesthesia technology, ensuring the safety and comfort of patients undergoing surgical procedures. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience and insight into the dynamic field of healthcare while making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients. If you are passionate about healthcare and eager to contribute your skills to a collaborative team, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities:

• The Anesthesia Technician II works as a member of the surgical team, providing patient care under the direct supervision of a licensed anesthesia provider. Clinical responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:
  • Cell Saver-Blood Salvage (sets up and runs machine during surgery).
  • Blood draws from patient lines (e.g. ACT-Clotting time, ABGs, venous samples, type & cross).
  • Immediate emergency response - provide clinical and technical support.
  • Assists with patient transfer (to and from the OR bed). Removes jewelry (e.g. rings/collaborating with circulating nurse re: OR protocol).
  • Assists with patient positioning (especially arm placement and security).
  • Places monitoring equipment (e.g. ECG leads, BP cuff, BIS Sensor, Pulse Oximeter probe).
  • Assists with intubation, which may include the following at the direction of the anesthesiologist ensures all necessary equipment available & in working order, applies cricoid pressure, assists with fiberoptic intubations, provides jaw thrust, tongue pull, pulls stylet, inflates ET cuff, secures airway, or manually ventilate while the anesthesiologist confirms placement).
  • Prepares patient for access line placement and invasive monitoring (e.g. preps patient, prepares sterile field / equipment, prepares arterial lines, central venous lines, additional peripheral vascular lines, cardiac catheters, femoral lines, unilateral ventilation, fiberoptic TEE probe management).
  • Assists the licensed anesthesia provider in confirming patient identification.
  • Verifies blood products per hospital policy (Blood Administration 5.91) with the hospital approved health care professional who will be transfusing the blood product.
  • The Anesthesia Technician II does not transfuse any fluids including blood products.
  • Under the direction of the licensed anesthesia provider assembles IV fluids for infusion, including blood products.
  • The Anesthesia Technician II does not transfuse or monitor infused fluids.
  • Provides patient security (e.g. during placement of spinal & epidural catheters, during intubation and extubation, during induction/intubation, and during extubation/recovery from anesthesia).
  • Patient Transport.
• Anesthesia Equipment:
  • Prepares, disinfects, and troubleshoots all anesthesia-related equipment and supplies for anesthetic procedures. This includes but is not limited to the following: Anesthesia Machines (e.g. Draeger Narkomed GS, Draeger Apollo, Datex-Ohmeda ADU, Draeger Mobile Machine and Tiro).
  • Performs anesthesiology-related point-of-care testing.
  • Monitors (e.g. GE Marquette Patient Monitor, Capnography and Gas monitors, Aspect BIS Monitor).
  • Drug Infusion Pumps (e.g. Alaris, Hospira).
  • Blood Infusion Equipment (e.g. Belmont).
  • Hotline-Fluid warming equipment.
  • TEE-Echo Probe.
  • Intubation equipment, including fiberoptic bronchoscopes and video laryngoscopy.
  • Gas cylinders.
  • Breathing circuits.
  • Assists with movement of equipment and supplies to support room turnover and readiness.
  • Maintains appropriate inventory levels of supplies and equipment related to anesthesia care.
• Offsite:
  • Provides clinical and technical support to anesthesia staff wherever needed in the institution (e.g. ICUs, IR, MRI, GI, CT, EP, ED).
  • Serves as a resource for anesthesia to staff in other departments. 
• Attend in-services for continuing education/maintenance of competency.
• Orients new staff to the Anesthesia Technician role.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.
• The Anesthesia Technician II position is 24/7 coverage, and all positions are rotating to meet the needs of the department and hospital.

What we Offer:

• A supportive and collaborative work environment with a team dedicated to patient care and excellence.
• A pathway to gain direct, hands-on healthcare experience that is crucial for medical school and a career in medicine.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within Northwestern Medicine, including workshops, seminars, and mentorship.
• AA/EOE.

Qualifications

Required:

• 1-2 years of technical healthcare experience
• Exhibit exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Possess excellent time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines consistently.
• Display a positive attitude and willingness to collaborate with team members to achieve goals.
• Physical ability to lift, push, pull and move at least 35 lbs.
• Basic Life Support (required upon hire) through the American Heart Association. NM offers renewal of BLS certification for employees.

Preferred:

• Certified Anesthesia Technician
• Completion of bachelor’s degree
• Individuals motivated to advance their career in the medical field