JOB SUMMARY:
- Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse CNII/CNIII and Nursing management, the Emergency Room Technician will assist the RN and/or physician in patient care procedures and activities. Checks equipment, maintains supply levels, maintains/organizes utility rooms and checks emergency carts, restocking them if needed. Transports patients for admissions, procedures or discharge. Perform venipunctures and capillary punctures to obtain blood samples. The Emergency Department Tech will support the department health care team for delivering appropriate care to the emergency department patients in accordance with established guidelines and procedures; such as obtaining, recording and reporting vital signs as directed, applying splints, cleaning and dressing wounds. Will take preventative measures in delivering patient care, protect patients from falls and other contact injuries, remove and report environmental hazards in the care areas.
- In addition, the Emergency Department Tech may work in the capacity of a Monitor Tech, upon completing assigned competencies, that will observe the telemetry monitors for all patients, print strips per policy, and document/communicate patient’s cardiac rhythm changes to the Registered Nurses-Clin III & Nursing leadership immediately, including notifying the appropriate emergency team (Rapid Response, Code Blue) as determined by patient’s cardiac rhythm.
EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:
- Prior EMT training and/or experience in the health care setting helpful
- Must demonstrate technical competence, professional clinical judgment, communication skills and sensitivity for the emergency room patient population.
- Prior experience in patient care such as taking vital signs and assisting with activities of daily living preferred.
- Strong customer service skills required to communicate with patients, departmental internal/external clients, staff, and physicians.
- Basic knowledge of software used by the department preferred.
- Must possess the ability to effectively coordinate multiple projects, use time management skills, problems solve.
- Able to work independently as well as part of a team in the health care setting.
EDUCATION:
- High school diploma or equivalent
LICENSURES/CERTIFICATION:
- Current and valid California Certified Phlebotomy Technician license
- Current EMT certification or Paramedic certification
- Must successfully complete and maintain BLS certification
- Must successfully complete and maintain LA City Fire Card certification at the time of hire or within the first 30 days of employment
- Must successfully complete and maintain Management of Aggressive Behavior Certification at the time of hire or within the first 30 days of employment
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (These are the essential job functions for this position. The essential functions of this job include, but may not be limited to those listed in this job description. Employees hired for this position must be able to perform the essential function of this job without imposing significant risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others):
- Assists RN in turning, positioning and ambulating patients. Prepares patients for examination. Sets-up and assists in suturing, immobilization, cast application, splinting, dressing, and other procedures. Assures patient privacy at all times.
- Assumes responsibility for own professional development and practice.
- Displays professional commitment and supports the unit team by promoting unity and teamwork among coworkers by maintaining a positive attitude and positive working relationships.
- Identifies the patient using patient identifiers, explains procedures, and labels blood tubes accurately. Obtains urine specimens from patients and correctly identifies specimen per policy and procedure.
- Organize, monitor, and maintain availability of supplies, oxygen tanks, emergency supplies. Keeps accurate inventory of essential equipment and instruments. Keeps utility rooms and hallways organized and free from clutter. Notifies Biomed of broken equipment for repair and maintenance. Utilizes equipment tracking log for equipment leaving the department.
- Performs phlebotomy utilizing standard precautions.
- Performs receptionist functions for the department. Answers all telephone lines and patient calls promptly and politely taking accurate messages as appropriate.
- Prints reports as required.
- Remains aware of current census and maintains accurate documentation on admissions, transfers, and discharges communicating changes in a timely manner.
- Stocks, organize, and set-up patient rooms. Ensures room, bed and bedside table is clean, free of clutter, waste or contamination prior to placing new patient in area.
- Supports the unit team by promoting unity and teamwork among co-workers by maintaining a positive attitude and positive working relationships.
- Transports patient for admission, procedure and discharge by gurney or wheelchair.
- Uses the computer system for order entry and to assist the health team in obtaining needed information.
- Works with Triage personnel to facilitate patient flow through the department.
The following job accountabilities are not unique to this particular job but are common to all jobs at VPH:
Complies with VPH policies and procedures on customer satisfaction and service excellence. Demonstrates professionalism and cultural sensitivity in coordinating activities and communicating with all customers, peers, and the community at large. Conducts self in a professional, respectful and courteous manner during all interactions. Works effectively and collaboratively with others toward common goals.
Communicates accurately, honestly, supportively and in a timely manner with department and interdepartmental team members. Demonstrates effective business writing and oral communication skills, handwriting is clear and legible.
Participates in operational aspects of the department, and maintains/participates in performance improvement activities within the department.
Participates in all departmental specific training, Environment of Care (injury/illness prevention, fire/life safety, hazardous materials, emergency preparedness, utilities management, medical equipment management, safety and security management), infection control (standard precautions, TB Exposure Control Plan, Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan).
Demonstrates knowledge of and follows safety practices. Understands the importance of safety, including patient safety in the work place. Maintains a safe environment for self and others.
Actively participates in the Patient Safety Program, including event reporting. Identifies sentinel events/near misses and responds per defined organization processes. Participates in education activities and process implementation. Demonstrates advocacy for the patient/customer and appropriately acknowledges patients, customers and visitors.
The above statements reflect the essential functions considered necessary to describe the principle content of the job. They are not intended to be a complete statement of all work requirements or duties that may be inherent in the job.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Primarily an inside building/office environment, well lighted and ventilated, which may consist of multiple treatment and/or work sites.
Fast and continuous work pace with variable workload.
Frequent contact with staff and public under a variety of circumstances.Requires ability to communicate clearly (in English) verbally and in writing for effective communication with other staff members, physicians, vendors, community members, patients and patient families, employees and applicants of all socio-economic levels from a diverse cultural and ethnic population.
Subject to many interruptions from multiple calls and inquiries and potentially emotional situations involving accidents, injuries, illness and/or death.
Handles emergency/crisis situations in accordance with Hospital policy.
Answers phones or pages; may carry a phone, beeper/pager, and/or use a two-way radio and is responsible for all hospital properties during the shift.
Occasional travel may be required.
Potential risk of exposure to hazards from chemicals (toxic and non-toxic), flammable materials, gas or electrical or radiant energy or equipment with/without moving parts.
Salary Range: $23.27 - $29.34 per hour
