Patient Care Tech Ambulatory

Summary

The Patient Care Tech, Ambulatory is responsible for assisting the Pre-op, PACU, Phase Two, Eye Center, and PAT Office. Tasks include: retrieval and assembly of all required documentation for the patient's medical record; obtaining medical data from physician's offices, to include surgeons orders, diagnostic results, etc.; ensuring that records are accurate and complete prior to the end of the workday; providing support by answering telephones and escorting patients from the front lobby to the Preoperative units; performing vital signs, measuring height/weights; assisting with room turnovers; transferring patients via recliner/stretcher/wheelchair; and providing clerical and computer assistance as designated.

Tasks performed are based on accepted medical/surgical standards of care and are performed within the scope of education, training, and experience of the technician. The CGSA will work under the guidance and supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis.

Patient Transport

• Demonstrate competency in transporting patients.

• Demonstrate knowledge in the mechanics and functionalities of recliners and stretchers.

• Perform patient identification prior to transporting.

• Utilize correct body mechanics when moving patients and equipment.

• Notify RN's upon departure and return of patients being transported.

• Do not block entrance to doorways or emergency gas shutoffs during transporting or when storing stretchers, wheelchairs, and other equipment.

Direct Patient Care

• Answer call lights.

• Escort patients to pre-op unit and initiate pre-op instruction/education with patient/families.

• Perform urine pregnancy tests and blood glucose monitoring according to facility policy and anesthesia protocol. Report findings to nursing staff and document results appropriately.

• Demonstrate competency in performing and documenting vital signs, O2 sat intake and output, and oxygen therapy as directed; have documentation reviewed by the RN.

• Assist nursing staff by obtaining patient histories, medical information, and medication lists in a competent manner.

• Retrieve diagnostic lab and other test results for the medical record.

• Maintain current with CPR training and initiate basic definitive care or life support measures as needed under the supervision of a RN.

• Consult with and keep the Charge/contact nurse informed of patient needs.

• Assist nurses with various delegated tasks while maintaining compliance with the applicable established nursing standards.

• Observe/assist patients as indicated; respond to requests; accurately alerts nursing personnel as needed.

• Remove IV's, foley catheters, and drains as assigned.

• Assist patients with ambulating and transporting to vehicle.

• Assist with the use of bedpans, urinals, and bedside commodes/bathrooms.

• Empty and measure drainage from J-Vacs, hemovacs, and foley drainage bags.

Aseptic Technique

• Demonstrate competency and aseptic technique while handling the unit's stock, equipment, and specimen collection.

• Employ sterile technique when assigned to assist with Epidural Steroid Injection procedures.

• Help keep work areas orderly, stocked, and clean.

• Rotate supplies with attention to expiration dates.

• Deliver specimens to CRMC lab area as directed by RN.

• Thoroughly clean equipment/stretchers prior to return to storage area and between patient uses.

Department Specific Duties

• Use equipment according to policies.

• Assess safety of all equipment used and reports malfunctions to the appropriate person.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the costs of resources used in the department's operation.

• Conserve organizational resources whenever possible.

• Promptly report problems and concerns to the Charge Person or RN.

• Adapt well to change in the work environment.

• Prioritize and organize work in such a manner as to achieve maximum efficiency.

• Assist with Epidural Steroid Injection procedures when assigned; maneuver and position C-arm under the direction of a physician.

• When assigned, log all OR specimens sent from SCC to CRMC or outside laboratory services.

• Perform data entry of patient tracking during patient's operative course at the Surgery Center.

Scheduling

• When assigned, competently perform duties of the Surgery Center's OR Surgical Scheduler.

• Avoid conflict scheduling to enhance turnover times.

• Demonstrate familiarity with facility instrument sets and equipment located at the SCC.

• Follow through with questionable cases as they are scheduled.

• Communicate with physician's offices in a timely and helpful manner.

• Offer alternative dates to scheduling to promote the success of the SCC.

• Communicate with the OR Manager as new surgical cases are scheduled that may require special requests.

Professional Standards

• Display and utilize good verbal and non-verbal communication skills as demonstrated by listening carefully, asking appropriate questions, and comprehending pertinent issues.

• Project professional and positive communicative skills to all customers.

• Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services.

• Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care.

• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

• Attend required facility-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Reports to: Clinical Manager

Supervises: None

Responsibilities: Not applicable

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Minimum Required Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

• 2+ years' current hospital or medical office experience preferred.

• Course(s) in medical terminology preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Applicant must have current BLS certification or obtain certification within 90 days of hire.