GI Tech Trainee (Gastrointestinal Assistant)

Department Overview

The GI Technician assists the RN and Physician by being an expert with the technical components, supplies and equipment involved in Endoscopy procedures. In addition to assisting the provider throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic procedure the GI Tech sets up and turns around the room pre and post procedure. The GI Tech assists with Endoscopy procedures in the ICU and Operating Room as needed and is responsible for transporting appropriate equipment to set up in these other locations. The GI Tech is also responsible for pre cleaning and decontamination of the endoscope.

 

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

Function/Duties of Position

Procedure Preparation and Room Setup:

• Review daily procedure schedules and provider/nurse preferences to anticipate needs.
• Prepare procedure rooms with the required instruments, equipment, and supplies based on case requirements.
• Verify the sterility, integrity, and functionality of all instruments and supplies. 
• Ensure all equipment is functioning properly before and during use.
• Assemble and arrange equipment and materials for scheduled endoscopic procedures

Intra-Procedure Support:

• Assist the provider by manipulating equipment during procedures as requested.
• Hand instruments, equipment, and supplies to the provider or nurse, responding quickly to their needs.
• Scrub hands and adhere strictly to infection control protocols throughout the procedure.
• Monitor patient status and promptly report any changes or complications to the provider or nurse.
• Support patient care alongside the endoscopy team before, during, and after procedures.
• Assist with the operation and troubleshooting of endoscopic equipment, including scopes, monitors, video systems, and electrocautery devices.

Specimen Handling:

• Assist in obtaining specimens during endoscopic procedures.
• Correctly preserve/collect, label, and transport specimens to the laboratory according to protocols.

Post-Procedure Decontamination and Room Turnover:

• Safely remove and transport used endoscopic equipment to designated areas for cleaning, high-level disinfection, or sterilization.
• Dispose of all single-use and contaminated materials (e.g., sponges, gloves, blood, and irrigation fluids) following infection control and hazardous waste protocols.
• Thoroughly wipe down all surfaces in the procedure room, including furniture, light fixtures, monitors, walls, and floors, using hospital-approved disinfectants.
• Ensure complete environmental cleaning and decontamination of the room to uphold infection prevention standards.
• Remove any unused or unnecessary supplies and prepare the room with the essential items required for the next procedure.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Accurately document relevant procedure data in the patient’s medical record.
• Record supplies and instruments used, and report patient charges accordingly.

Supply and Equipment Maintenance:

• Clean and disinfect endoscopes and related instruments according to established unit protocols, ensuring compliance with decontamination and infection control standards.
• Inspect scopes and equipment for damage before and after use; handle and store equipment appropriately to prevent any potential damage.
• Maintain all equipment in proper working condition and promptly report any malfunctioning items to the charge nurse or manager.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and collaborate with Clinical Technology Services or external repair technicians for complex repairs or servicing.
• Prepare instruments for sterilization, including proper packaging for autoclaving, and receive processed instruments from Central Sterile Processing.
• Perform routine safety and compliance checks (e.g., eyewash stations, refrigerators, and equipment functionality) and document results as required.

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• Completion of a Sur