Assists the physician in performing routine and complex gastrointestinal diagnostic procedures.
Provides orientation and training to lower-level technicians.
Delivers pre- and post-operative education to patients.
Reviews procedure schedules and recommends improvements to enhance workflow.
Communicates directly with other hospital departments to:
Schedule patient procedures
Order necessary supplies
Conduct in-service education for hospital staff
Clinical and Procedural Support
Sets up and assists the gastroenterologist with procedures including:
Gastroscopy
Dilatation
Colonoscopy
Electrocoagulation
Flexible proctoscopy
Anoscopy
Peritoneoscopy
Liver biopsy
Sclerosis procedures
Motility studies
Secretin studies
Gastric analysis
Small bowel endoscopy
Transesophageal cardiography
Other related procedures
Assists with specimen collection for laboratory analysis, including:
Biopsy specimens
Cytology samples
Fecal samples
Viral cultures
Duodenal aspirates
Other diagnostic specimens
Operates EKG and other patient monitoring equipment.
May discontinue IV fluids when appropriate.
Initiates and assists with CPR when required.
Administers oxygen therapy.
Monitors patient vital signs during endoscopy and recovery procedures and reports abnormalities to the physician.
Under physician or nursing supervision, may prepare and administer medications.
Equipment Operation and Maintenance
Operates specialized gastrointestinal diagnostic equipment including:
Endoscopes
Light sources
GID accessory equipment
Cautery and photocoagulation devices
Monitoring equipment
Peritoneoscopy equipment
Motility machines
Other related equipment
Performs preventive maintenance on equipment.
Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions when they occur.
Maintains knowledge of inventory standards and equipment locations.
Communicates low inventory levels to the manager and orders needed supplies from other departments.
Properly disposes of broken or damaged equipment.
Patient Education and Coordination
Educates patients about procedures using:
Verbal explanations
Educational pamphlets
Relevant audiovisual materials
Ensures patients’ questions are addressed by coordinating with physicians or nurses before and after procedures.
Verifies that a properly signed consent form is obtained prior to any procedure.
Coordinates with transport staff to pick up and discharge patients from nursing units or hospital departments.
May transport both inpatients and outpatients to and from the GID Lab using a wheelchair or stretcher.
Professional Development
Works with management to develop a professional development plan.
Attends educational in-services and training sessions as appropriate.
Participates in professional activities and organizations to stay informed of current practices and developments.
Documentation and Administrative Responsibilities
Maintains accurate and complete records, including:
Procedure charges
Data sheets
Specimen and laboratory slips
Medications administered
Adverse reactions
Equipment sent for repair
Other required documentation
Coordinates patient scheduling with other hospital departments.
Training and Staff Support
Assists with training new employees in the GID Lab.
Helps train visiting personnel from other hospitals.
May conduct GID-related in-service training for non-GID personnel.
Additional Responsibilities
Performs other related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Two (2) years of experience as a Gastro-Intestinal Diagnostic Laboratory Technician.