Provide descriptive statements which outline the purpose of the position.
The Gastrointestinal Assistant, or GI Tech, supports healthcare providers by independently performing or
assisting in diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal and endoscopy procedures. They also maintain and
prepare the supplies, GI-specific equipment, and instruments needed for these procedures. GI Techs care for
patients of all ages presenting to the Endoscopy Unit with a wide range of illnesses and complaints.

In addition to assisting the endoscopist during procedures, the GI Tech is responsible for setting up the procedure room and ensuring it is ready both before and after the procedure. They coordinate the transportation of supplies and equipment for the endoscopy procedures and perform pre-cleaning and decontamination of the endoscope. The GI Tech assists with endoscopy procedures in various care settings, including intensive care units, operating rooms, and interventional radiology, demonstrating the technical skills necessary to support the endoscopist.
This position requires 24-hour call once per week and one weekend every six weeks.

• Prepare rooms with appropriate supplies and equipment for all assigned procedures.
• Assist physician to obtain specimens. Appropriately preserve, label, and dispatch specimens to lab.
• Manipulates equipment during procedure as requested by the physician.
• Collaborates with endoscopy team to assist with successful procedure.
• Identify and report to physician/RN any change in patient condition or complication of procedure.
• Assists with trouble shooting GI equipment such as but not limited to: scopes, monitors, video equipment, cautery equipment.
• Documents data as appropriate in medical record and records supplies used and patient charges.
• Provide fundamental components of patient care.
• Provide on call support for procedures after hours and on weekends on a rotational basis.

Patient care

• Provide patients with appropriate pre procedural education including answering questions regarding proper procedure preparation (in person or via telephone).
• Answers patient questions - as deemed appropriate for scope of practice including preparation required for procedure.

Equipment and Supplies

• Clean and disinfect scopes according to unit policies and procedure.
• Maintain equipment in proper working order. Inspect scopes for damage and protect to avoid damage during handling and cleaning.
• Report malfunctioning equipment immediately to charge nurse or manager.
• Send out equipment for repair or work with clinical engineering personnel to trouble shoot equipment or bring in appropriate repair technicians.
• Stock rooms with equipment and supplies.
• Monitor rooms/carts for outdated supplies
• Monitor supplies for outdate and communicate with materials manager regarding inventory needs and reorder consumable supplies as assigned by management.
• Document appropriately on stent logs and  cleaning logs
• Perform routine equipment/eyewash/refrigerator checks and document to maintain compliance.
• Prepares supplies  for autoclaving, receives instruments from sterile processing
• Is the unit expert on endoscopy supplies/instruments/tools and how they are used and maintained on the unit.  Acts as mentor towards others who need to learn about these items.

Coordinate Activities

• Accomplish caseload assignments in a timely manner
• Communicate throughout procedure with provider and RN/
  CRNA.
• Productively utilize unassigned time.
• Complete projects as assigned by management
• Participate in area specific continuous quality improvement program.
• Participate in orientation and in teaching area specific skills.

• Completion of a surgical tech program
  OR
• One year of experience in clinic or
  hospital-based endoscopy/GI or surgical
  procedure room setting.
  Training position must meet these
  qualifications within 12 months of start
  date.
• Knowledge assembling supplies and
  instruments; preparing room for
  procedures; and performing as a member
  of the procedural team.
• BLS, American Heart Association (AHA)

 

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.