Job Summary:
Under direct supervision, provides functional guidance to assigned staff; incubate patients; analyzes collected specimens; and assist GI/Pulm physicians with endoscopic and bronchoscopic procedures.

Essential Responsibilities:

Obtain patient specimens. Perform venipuncture and skin punctures to obtain blood samples. Perform samples and specimens for lab analysis. Perform routine diagnostic test. Anesthetize patients with topical or aerosol medication.

Assist physicians and medical staff with procedures, diagnostic examinations and treatments. Assist physician in obtaining tissue specimens and biopsies. Assist with protocological procedures (e.g., sigmoid exams). Select and pass instruments.

Record and chart patient data. Interview patients and collect patient data. Consult with physicians concerning test results and alert physicians to positive test results or test abnormalities. Report negative/positive specimens to physician.

Explain test procedures and purpose. Analyze collected specimens for volume, acidity or other standard measures. Assist in obtaining tissue specimens. Assist physician in developing new techniques and procedures. Assist provider in patient examinations and procedures. Consult with provider concerning procedures and patient condition. Follow standard infection control procedures. Lift patients. Modify treatment techniques, which do not require change in physician orders. Monitor and evaluate test readings during procedures. Observe, monitor and evaluate patient condition during and after procedures. Prepare samples and specimens for lab analysis. Prepare and position patients for diagnostic test and medical procedures. Respond to emergencies (i.e., Code Blue) and stat requests. Shave and apply antiseptic solutions to patient skin areas. Take record and monitor patient vital signs. Transport patients to/from procedure area. Assist physician with fluoroscopic examinations. Assist physician in gastroenterology/procedures (for example, endoscopies/bronchoscopies). Assist physician with holding scope during GI procedures. Monitor I.V. solutions. Other procedures may be sclerotherapy, Suctioning, X-ray - fluoroscopic, Photographic, Dilatation - balloon, bougies, blood specimen processing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, culture preparation, cytology, Gastrointestinal/Gall Bladder Examination, Microscopic, Minor Surgical, ovum and parasite examination, polypectomy.

Prepare solutions and surgical tissue specimens. Centrifuge or filter and separate specimens. Dilute specimens. Prepare control slides, clean procedure rooms and work area. Pick up; deliver other specimens to and from laboratory. Assemble and disassemble equipment and instruments.

Ensure equipment is available for procedures and examinations. Adjust equipment in preparation for and during procedures. Check emergency equipment. Prepare procedures and exam rooms. Select and set out appropriate tubings and sterile supplies. Set up instruments and surgical trays. Maintain sterilized supplies, instruments and equipment for surgical procedures. Decontaminate equipment. Removed and inventory equipment and supplies after surgical procedures. Soak instrument. Notify coordinator/charge for repair of equipment. Equipment may include Computer, Washing and Cleaning supplies, closed circuit TV - GI video. Others are heat probe, colonoscope, photographic and related equipment. Inspect equipment and instruments for damage. Maintain equipment in good working order. Perform minor adjustments and/or repairs on equipment. Replace expendable parts on equipment. Test equipment. Notify coordinator/charge for equipment and supplies. Dispose of used syringes and contaminated materials. Inventory equipment and supplies. Replenish supplies and equipment.

Orient and train new or less experienced personnel. Attend conferences, meetings and in-service training programs. Serve as resource person to co-workers by answering procedural questions and assisting in problem solving. Answer telephones and take messages. Conduct in-service training. Assume other activities and responsibilities form time to time as directed. Upholds Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibility and applicable state, federal and local laws. Exhibits excellent customer relations to patients, visitors, physicians and coworkers; shows courtesy, compassion, and respect; conforms to the critical service standards established for the department and the medical group.

Promotes, ensures, and improves customer service to internal/external customers by demonstrating skills which are consistent with the organizations philosophy of providing extraordinary customer relations and quality service. Performs other related duties as required.

Age Related Competencies Skills assessments and validations are utilized to ensure that employees providing patient care to specific age groups (i.e. infants, adolescents, elderly, etc.) are proficient in identifying the special needs and behaviors associated with a particular patient population.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

Six (6) months recent (within the past three (3) years) experience in a GI/Pulmonary setting required.

Knowledge of GI procedures and equipment.

Consistently demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, & behaviors necessary to provide superior & culturally sensitive service to each other, to our members, & to customers, contracted providers, & vendors.

Education

If unable to fill w/ experienced GI LVN, will consider a trainee w/ a minimum of one (1) year recent LVN experience in an acute/ambulatory care setting.

License, Certification, Registration

Vocational Nurse License (California)

Basic Life Support

I.V. Certification

Preferred Qualifications:

GI experience preferred.

Notes:

May travel/work to all Riverside service areas.

Will include weekend and holidays.