Anesthesia Technologist (Tech) (Houston)

At Houston Methodist, the Anesthesia Technologist position is responsible for performing all anesthesia technician job duties and/or specialized responsibilities as a regular part of their normal job responsibilities. This position also assists with Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) equipment management, which includes operation, distribution and tracking of mechanical circulatory support systems and functions as the clinical resource subject matter expert support for mechanical circulatory support systems. The Anesthesia Technologist position assists with support of patients with ventricular assist devices and intra-aortic balloon pumps. This position assists in transportation of VAD patients to diagnostic testing and procedures and provide support in staying with patients during inpatient and outpatient procedures as a trained MCS healthcare provider. Duties for this position may be varied and may include many of the following: train and mentor staff, participate in the development of skills and performance of staff, and other responsibilities of a similar nature and level.

FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Associate's degree in Anesthesia program or equivalent health-related field OR two additional years of experience in lieu of degree
• Completion of an intra-operative blood salvage training program preferred

EXPERIENCE

• Three years’ experience as an Anesthesia Tech
• One year experience operating a cell saver machine or anesthesia equipment, or clinical laboratory instrumentation preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• Cer.A.TT - Certified Anesthesia Technologist (ASATT) - American Society of Anesthesia Technologists & Technicians_PSV and
• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Anesthesia Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents
• Demonstrates ability to collaborate effectively in an interprofessional team
• Demonstrates organizational, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to function independently and as a team member
• Ability to manage a varied and busy work environment
• Demonstrates high level of motivation to teach others and to participate in activities to improve patient care
• Must reflect a professional appearance and demeanor
• Must possess excellent customer service skills

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Orients, guides, and mentors team members consisting of Anesthesia Technicians and support staff, to help build confidence and competency in skills, knowledge, and abilities. Serves as a resource and trainer for staff in anesthesia support activities.
• Collaborates with all members of the interprofessional patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
• Communicates clinical information clearly and professionally as needed to physicians, operating room staff and nurses. Role models to team members effective communication skills, assisting in their development of such skills. Facilitates problem resolution.
• Initiates contributions towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists with ventricular assist devices in intensive care and acute care to assess operation of the device.
• Assists with insertion of intra-aortic balloon pump catheters. Rounds on patients with intra-aortic balloons in place to assess operation of the device.
• Works independently, exercising sound judgment and executing above average clinical skills on challenging anesthesia procedures, patient care situations and in all monitoring and anesthesia locations including but not limited to operating rooms, catheterization laboratories, intensive care units, and other patient care areas where anesthesia is performed.
• Assists the anesthesia providers and other members of the patient care team as needed in the provision of patient care before, during and after procedures. Drives department activities to improve department score for patient satisfaction, through peer-to-peer accountability.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Focuses on the quality and patient safety in all tasks surrounding auto transfusion. Recommends improvements as needed.
• Performs intra-operative auto-transfusion according to established policies. Monitors instruments and takes corrective action if necessary. Monitors multiple cases simultaneously when applicable.
• Processes QC specimens to be evaluated. Conducts quality audits, performs, evaluates, interprets, and documents operational checks of equipment within established guidelines.
• Prepares, tests, and operates the following equipment in accordance with standard practices to serve patients: Autologous Autotransfusion (Cell Saver), Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP).
• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety. Reports “near misses” and inputs error promptly into documentation system to improve processes and identify trends.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks and provides leadership to team members on effective and efficient utilization of time, minimizing incidental overtime.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in committees and task forces as assigned, ensuring that critical objectives are clearly explained, and action items are appropriately performed. Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs as a Technologist and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Associate's degree in Anesthesia program or equivalent health-related field OR two additional years of experience in lieu of degree
• Completion of an intra-operative blood salvage training program preferred

EXPERIENCE

• Three years’ experience as an Anesthesia Tech
• One year experience operating a cell saver machine or anesthesia equipment, or clinical laboratory instrumentation preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• Cer.A.TT - Certified Anesthesia Technologist (ASATT) - American Society of Anesthesia Technologists & Technicians_PSV and
• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of America’s “Best Hospitals.” As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist’s primary academic affiliates are among the nation’s leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.