Anesthesia Technician

Aurora Health Care; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurora Health Care in Milwaukee, WI is seeking an Anesthesia Technician to start and operate anesthesia monitors and related equipment. The role involves sterile technique, assisting with catheter insertions and airway management, and supporting anesthesiologists during procedures.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, 1 year of healthcare experience, and BLS certification within 6 months. Responsibilities include drawing blood, maintaining equipment, and ensuring patient safety

Qualifications

• High School Education completed.
• 1 year of experience in a surgical, medical or related healthcare setting.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 6 months unless exempted by department lead.

Responsibilities

• Starts, operates, and knows the parameters of all anesthesia-related monitors, machines and computers.
• Alerts the Physician to abnormal conditions and assists with clinical support.
• Assists in catheter insertions and line placement with sterile technique.
• Assists Anesthesiologist with intubations and monitors patient status during procedures.
• Draws arterial/venous blood samples for diagnostic testing and records results.
• Performs preoperative autologous blood collection and manages autotransfusion systems.
• Checks ventilators and monitors for proper operation and responds to alarms.
• Collects data sheets, records monitoring status, and communicates with the receiving nurse as needed.
• Adheres to age-appropriate care, following department policies and procedures.

Skills

Sterile technique

Equipment setup

Monitoring

Troubleshooting

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Ultrasound vascular imaging

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)

Autotransfusion system

Intra‑aortic balloon pump

Job description

• Starts, operates, and knows the parameters of all anesthesia-related monitors, machines and computers which include: electrocardiograph (ECG), invasive and non‑invasive blood pressure, body temperature, oxygen saturation, cardiac output, intra‑aortic balloon pump, pulse oximeter, transesophageal echocardiography imaging units, defibrillator, rapid infusers, anesthesia gas analyzers, fiberoptic scopes, autologous blood recovery system, activated clotting time machines, and pacemakers.
• Alerts the Physician to abnormal conditions as they arise and prepares for any clinical support required. Sets up monitoring equipment in the operating room; calibrates pressures and recording systems within the patient monitoring system to ensure and maintain precise readings. Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions or failures and takes necessary steps to promptly return equipment to a safe and reliable operating condition, using backup equipment when necessary.
• Assists in central venous and Swan – Ganz catheter insertion using sterile technique; assists in the insertion of arterial pressure lines during surgical procedures. Configures the monitors for optimum numerical data and waveform interpretation. Operates ultrasound blood vessel imaging device for line placement.
• Assists Anesthesiologist with intubations. Identifies and assembles the various types of intubation blades and fiberoptic bronchoscopes as well as any other special equipment and supplies required for difficult intubation. Keeps Anesthesiologist constantly apprised of the patient's blood pressure and oxygen saturation status. Uses sterile technique, inserts indwelling radial and brachial arterial catheters upon direction of the Anesthesiologist.
• Draws arterial and/or venous blood samples for diagnostic testing and point of care analyses. Accurately transcribes all lab results on patient records. Anticipates when blood samples will be required based on the type of surgery, its normal progression, and associated complications (both common and rare). Alerts Physician of unexpected or abnormal lab values that may require intervention.
• Performs preoperative autologous blood collection using bags prefilled with anticoagulant for postoperative reinfusion. Pauses or terminates collection whenever adverse conditions or hemodynamic intolerance are note or suspected.
• Operates the autotransfusion system for intraoperative blood recovery, processing, and reinfusion. Includes determining the proper mode of operation based on the type of procedure, complexity of the case, and the patient's religious beliefs concerning blood administration.
• Checks ventilators for proper operating efficiency; operates monitor and recording systems. Operates transesophageal echocardiography imaging unit (TEE) and intra‑aortic balloon pumps perioperatively. Efficiently and independently troubleshoots and corrects all machine malfunctions and alarm conditions.
• Collects all data sheets and transports them with the patient, establishes ECG and pressure monitoring at the destination, and reports monitoring status to the receiving Nurse.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age‑specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age‑specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Major Responsibilities

• Starts, operates, and knows the parameters of all anesthesia-related monitors, machines and computers which include: electrocardiograph (ECG), invasive and non‑invasive blood pressure, body temperature, oxygen saturation, cardiac output, intra‑aortic balloon pump, pulse oximeter, transesophageal echocardiography imaging units, defibrillator, rapid infusers, anesthesia gas analyzers, fiberoptic scopes, autologous blood recovery system, activated clotting time machines, and pacemakers.
• Alerts the Physician to abnormal conditions as they arise and prepares for any clinical support required. Sets up monitoring equipment in the operating room; calibrates pressures and recording systems within the patient monitoring system to ensure and maintain precise readings. Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions or failures and takes necessary steps to promptly return equipment to a safe and reliable operating condition, using backup equipment when necessary.
• Assists in central venous and Swan – Ganz catheter insertion using sterile technique; assists in the insertion of arterial pressure lines during surgical procedures. Configures the monitors for optimum numerical data and waveform interpretation. Operates ultrasound blood vessel imaging device for line placement.
• Assists Anesthesiologist with intubations. Identifies and assembles the various types of intubation blades and fiberoptic bronchoscopes as well as any other special equipment and supplies required for difficult intubation. Keeps Anesthesiologist constantly apprised of the patient's blood pressure and oxygen saturation status. Uses sterile technique, inserts indwelling radial and brachial arterial catheters upon direction of the Anesthesiologist.
• Draws arterial and/or venous blood samples for diagnostic testing and point of care analyses. Accurately transcribes all lab results on patient records. Anticipates when blood samples will be required based on the type of surgery, its normal progression, and associated complications (both common and rare). Alerts Physician of unexpected or abnormal lab values that may require intervention.
• Performs preoperative autologous blood collection using bags prefilled with anticoagulant for postoperative reinfusion. Pauses or terminates collection whenever adverse conditions or hemodynamic intolerance are note or suspected.
• Operates the autotransfusion system for intraoperative blood recovery, processing, and reinfusion. Includes determining the proper mode of operation based on the type of procedure, complexity of the case, and the patient's religious beliefs concerning blood administration.
• Checks ventilators for proper operating efficiency; operates monitor and recording systems. Operates transesophageal echocardiography imaging unit (TEE) and intra‑aortic balloon pumps perioperatively. Efficiently and independently troubleshoots and corrects all machine malfunctions and alarm conditions.
• Collects all data sheets and transports them with the patient, establishes ECG and pressure monitoring at the destination, and reports monitoring status to the receiving Nurse.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age‑specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age‑specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Requirements

• High School Education completed
• 1 year of experience in a surgical, medical or related healthcare setting.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Must stand the majority of the workday as well as sit, walk, and lift throughout.
• Must be able to:
• lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• ift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
• carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Working atmosphere may contain fumes and odors from the Operating Room (OR).
• Exposed to chemical, biological, and radiation hazards and, as a result, protective clothing must be worn as necessary.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.