GI LAB TECHNICIAN

Independence Health System; Latrobe (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 46,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Independence Health System in Latrobe, PA seeks a GI Lab Technician to assist with endoscopic procedures under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or physician. The role focuses on preparing labs, instruments, and supplies to support safe, efficient endoscopy services.

The position emphasizes infection control, aseptic technique, cost-conscious use of supplies, and maintaining a clean, properly organized GI suite.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Nurse Aide training or equivalent patient care experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, organization and judgment for clinical support.
• Good communication and critical thinking skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare procedural labs with instrumentation, equipment and supplies.
• Maintain a clean, orderly Endoscopy Suite and assist with room prep.
• Assist with patient care procedures under licensed personnel.
• Adhere to infection control and aseptic technique policies.
• Rotate shifts; travel locally between Excela Health locations as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Communication

Infection control

Aseptic technique

Education

High School Diploma, GED or higher

Nurse Aide program or equivalent experience

Tools

Endoscopy equipment handling

Job description

The GI Lab Technician assists with endoscopic procedures under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or physician.

Essential Job Functions

• Assumes responsibilities of GI Lab Assistant by preparing the procedural labs with appropriate instrumentation, equipment and supplies.
  • Checks supplies and equipment for procedures.
  • Verifies appropriate instrumentation for specific procedures.
  • Arranges the lab and equipment according to routine procedures scheduled.
  • Utilizes supplies and equipment in a cost-effective manner.
  • Properly identifies equipment and accessories and assists physician appropriately.
  • Anticipates needs throughout the Endoscopy procedures.
  • Demonstrates the ability to function independently as a GI Lab Technician with minimal instruction.
  • Follows policy for proper technique in collecting, labeling and logging specimens.
• Maintain a clean and orderly environment.
  • Completes preliminary preparation of the Endoscopy Suite by removing unnecessary equipment and damp dusts flat surfaces.
  • Assists with room clean-up post procedure; places disposable items in appropriate receptacles, isolates needles, blades and sharps to prevent injury to others; prepares endoscopy equipment for decontamination; properly disposes of linen, trash and infectious waste, maintains adequate stock of equipment and supplies.
• Assists with patient care procedures when appropriate and according to Standards of Care and Protocols and under the direction of licensed personnel.
• Meets assigned patient and unit needs.
• Complies with Standard Precautions.
• Demonstrates understanding of aseptic technique, infection control and safety.
• Demonstrates ability to sterilize/disinfect all endoscopy equipment appropriately according to department policy.
• Participates in unit based cost containment and patient charge practices, when applicable.
• Quality Assessment and Improvement.
  • Demonstrates ongoing awareness of the participation in PI.
  • Responds to improved performance to results obtained from IP monitors.
  • Submits ideas for improvement related to staff educational needs and patient care quality issues.
• Personal Image and Conduct.
  • Dresses in accordance with the hospital dress code presenting a neat, well groomed appearance. Appropriately wears lab coat, scrub jacket or appropriate cover when leaving the department. Wears PPE in appropriate manner.
  • Attends unit-based meetings and/or reads and signs the minutes.
  • Maintains positive working relationships.
  • Uses chain of command appropriately.
  • Participates in the orientation and socialization of new hospital staff.
  • Remains calm and handles stressful situations appropriately.
• Communication
  • Interacts and informs charge nurse or professional nurses of activities, needs and problems related to the unit or patient care.
  • Relates appropriate age-related data in a courteous, accurate and timely manner.
  • Reports requests or concerns of patients, significant others and staff, refers to the appropriate hospital personnel.
• Adherence to Hospital/Department Policy
  • Follows hospital and department policies and procedures.
  • Arrives at work and is ready to begin work at scheduled time.
  • Completes assignments during scheduled work time.
  • Rotates shifts, works weekends and accepts call as required to meet unit needs.
  • Protects patient rights and observes confidentiality of patient information at all times.
  • Observes and respects confidentiality of patients and other healthcare providers.
  • Adheres to safety and infection control policies.
  • Participates in required in services, competency assessments and educational programs.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Specialty Functions

• Prepares the GI Lab procedure room daily, maintaining adequate supplies and equipment to assure continuity of patient care and patient flow.
  • Conducts daily checks of the GI tower equipment to assure proper functioning.
• Cleans and handles all endoscopy equipment according to established policy.
  • Completes a "leak test" and pre-cleaning on all endoscopes following every patient procedure according to established policy. Follows proper protocol when any equipment does not meet established operating criteria.
  • Consistently complies with infection control policies by wearing protective eyewear, gown and approved gloves when cleaning and disinfecting GI scopes.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of the proper procedure to be used in the event of a chemical spill/splash.
  • Efficiently utilizes the AER Washer used to process the GI scopes.
  • Adheres to personal radiation protection and safety measures by wearing appropriate protective equipment and film badge when assisting with procedures performed in x-ray.
• Assists the physician performing the GI procedures.
  • Obtains the proper endoscope requested by the physician, attaches the scope to the GI tower and assures proper functioning prior to each procedure.
  • Obtains appropriate equipment and assists the physician with all therapeutic procedures and skills, if applicable.
  • Properly labels, logs and sends specimens to the lab per established policy, if applicable
  • Demonstrates working knowledge of computer systems

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED or higher level of education.
• Completion of a Nurse Aide or comparable program or previous Nurse Aide or equivalent patient care experience.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASTCA Certification.
• One (1) year Endoscopy Unit experience.

License, Certification & Clearances

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between Excela Health locations.

Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Essential – Absolute Necessity.

Marginal – Minimal Necessity.

Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.

Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.

Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.

Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.

Physical Condition

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

Extreme Heat

X

Extreme Cold

X

Heights

X

Confined Spaces

X

X

Mechanical Hazards

X

Use of Vibrating Tools

X

Operates Vehicle (company)

X

X

Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices

X

X

Rotates All Shifts

X

X

X

X

X

On-Call

X

X

Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk)

X

X

X

X

X

X

Respirator Protective Equipment

X

X

Eye Protection

X

X

Hearing Protection

X

Hand Protection

X

X

Feet, Toe Protection

X

Body Protection

X

X

Latex Exposure

X

X

Solvent Exposure

X

Paint (direct use) Exposure

X

Dust (sanding) Exposure

X

X

Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure

X

X

X

X

Mist Exposure

X

X

X

X

X

Laser Exposure

X

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Essential – Absolute Necessity.

Marginal – Minimal Necessity.

Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.

Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.

Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.

Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.

Physical Condition

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

X

X

Walking

X

X

Climbing Ladders

X

Standing

X

X

Kneeling

X

X

Squatting (Crouching)

X

X

Twisting/Turning

X

X

Keyboard/Computer Operation

X

X

Gross Grasp

X

X

X

X

Hand/Arm Coordination

X

X

Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)

X

20#

50#

Carry

X

10#

10#

Transfer/Push/Pull Patients

X

X

Seeing Near w/Acuity

X

X

Feeling (Sensation)

X

X

X

X

Hearing Clearly

X

X

Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead

X

X

Reaching Above Shoulder Level

X

Reaching Forward

X

X

Lifting Floor to Knuckle

X

10#

Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle

X

50#

Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder

X

10#

20#

Lifting Shoulder to Overhead

X

10#

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.