Emergency Room Tech

Performs a variety of duties in the Emergency Department according to established procedures including assisting departmental staff with patient examinations, orthopedic care, and respiratory care; transporting patients; and maintaining emergency equipment and supplies. Complies with all appropriate safety and infection control standards. Participates in quality assessment and continuous quality improvement activities. Performs all job duties and responsibilities in a courteous and customer-focused manner according to the Hurley Family Standards of Behavior. Works under the direction and supervision of the Emergency Department Nurse Manager or Emergency Department Support Services Supervisor who review work for conformance with established policies, procedures, and standards.

Responsibilities

1. Assists Emergency Department staff with patient examinations and procedures such as gastric lavage, spinal tap, casting, suturing, suctioning, immobilization techniques, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), restraint application and monitoring, and minor procedures.
2. Provides some types of respiratory care; e.g., oral and tracheostomy suction and tracheostomy care (establish trach only) for adult patients and sustained maximal inspiration lung exercises assistance as assigned.
3. Assesses and monitors patients during transport as assigned. Lifts, moves, and positions patients for comfort as needed.
4. Obtains patient vital signs and prepares patient for examination.
5. Provides reports, both orally and in writing, regarding aspects of patient injury or illness, emergency first aid provided, appropriate patient medical history information, etc. to Emergency Department medical staff.
6. Collects, labels, and records specimens and cultures and delivers to laboratory. Performs and reads simple tests on patient specimens as directed.
7. Ensures that emergency equipment and supplies are functional, stocked, and immediately available, safe, and in good working order. Orders, receives, and stores all emergency supplies as needed.
8. Performs routine operational checks of emergency and regular equipment such as defibrillators, octoscopes, monitor cables, and temperature probes. Notifies appropriate department of defective equipment and follows up on repair items.
9. Retrieves emergency equipment from other departments and cleans equipment before sending to sterile processing.
10. Maintains Emergency Department in orderly, clean, efficient, and attractive area for patients, visitors, and Medical Center staff.
11. Assists with orthopedic care such as application and removal of splints, slings, casts, Jones dressings, immobilizers, crutch assemblies, and patient instructions.
12. Assists in trauma room, restraint application, monitoring, and admission and discharge, and patient dressing and undressing. Obtains EKG's. Performs sterile urinary catheterizations. Performs oral care.
13. Assists with admission and discharge and treatment rooms. Assists with patient dressing and undressing. Documents patient care provided per Medical Center EDI policy. Reports changes in condition.
14. Assists with processing DOA's. Completes paper work. Assists with transportation of body to morgue. Confers with nurse and/or social worker for assistance as needed.
15. Draws blood under direction of RN/MLPN. Inserts saline lock, foley, and performs NG tube insertion.
16. Accesses computer information systems for input or retrieval of information.
17. Demonstrates effective judgment and ability to understand, react competently, and treat (if appropriate) the unique needs of patient age groups served.
18. Performs other related duties as required. Utilizes new improvements and/or technology that relate to job assignment.

Qualifications

• High school graduate and/or GED equivalent.
• Three (3) years of experience as a nursing assistant, three (3) years of experience as an Emergency Medical Technician or three (3) years of experience as a Medical Assistant. State of Michigan licensure as a Paramedic preferred. Emergency Department or pre-hospital Emergency Service experience preferred.
• Physical and emotional health sufficient to enable employee to perform the normally assigned duties of the position. Demonstrated clinical competency.
• Demonstrated competency of blood drawing, catheter insertion, and patient monitoring.
• Knowledge of first aid techniques and procedures.
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Ability to perform EKG's.
• Ability to maintain and keep accurate records.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to keep records and make reports.
• Ability to input and retrieve data from computer/information systems.
• Ability to work harmoniously with patients, physicians, supervisors, co-workers, other Medical Center employees, visitors, and the general public.

NECESSARY LICENSE/ CERTIFICATION MERS:

• State of Michigan licensure as a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), OR State of Michigan licensure as a Paramedic, certification by the State of Michigan as a Nursing Assistant, or certification as a Certified Medical Assistant by the AAMA or AMT. Successful completion of Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS).

FUTURE AND ONGOING REQUIREMENTS:

• Must maintain State of Michigan licensure as a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), OR State of Michigan licensure as a Paramedic, certification by the State of Michigan as a Nursing Assistant or certification as a Certified Medical Assistant by the AAMA or AMT. Must maintain Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) Certification.
• Pass arrhythmia certification within 90 days of hire and recertify yearly.