POSITION TITLE: Emergency Room Technician

DEPARTMENT: Emergency Room

EMPLOYEE REPORTS TO: ED Manager

SUPERVISES: None

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Per-Diem (Day/Nights)

EMERGENCY ROOM TECHNICIAN JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the ED Manager, Assistant Manager, and on-duty ER Registered Nurses (RNs), the Emergency Room Technician (ERT) plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient operation of the Emergency Department (ED).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the smooth flow of the ED by supporting patients with activities of daily living and providing basic nursing care.
• Maintain the cleanliness, orderliness, and stocking of the ED.
• Transport patients as directed by the on-duty ER RN.
• Perform patient registration and facilitate communication with other Colusa Medical staff, EMS/SO dispatch, and external facilities within the EMT scope of practice.
• EMTs with a current Ambulance Drivers License could be responsible for transporting BLS interfacility transfers (IFT) between GMC, Orchard Hospital, and Colusa Medical Center.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

1. Current EMT.
2. Current BLS certification.
3. Preferred High School Graduate or equivalent preferred.
4. Preferred Ability to read and communicate effectively in English, additional languages appreciated.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to pass the pre-employment physical exam and testing for this position.

JOB EXPECTATIONS:

The Emergency Room Technician (ERT) will provide basic patient care within the scope of EMT or CNA practice, addressing both physical and psychosocial needs. They will maintain the emergency department environment to meet infection control standards. ERTs will work collaboratively and congenially with physicians, nurses, ancillary staff, patients, family members, and visitors to ensure optimal patient care and safety. ERTs are responsible for maintaining all required certifications, completing annual competency requirements, and attending mandatory in-services and skills fairs. They must adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to maintain patient confidentiality. Punctuality, compliance with the Colusa Medical Center (CMC) dress code, and displaying a visible hospital identification badge above the waist are required. At the end of each pay period, ERTs will complete a Time Correction Log for any amendments to their scheduled shifts (e.g., time clock downtime, missed meals, unexpected overtime). They will document tasks, findings, and vitals within their scope of practice in the hospital's Electronic Medical Record (EMR). ERTs must follow Colusa Medical Center’s policies and procedures as set by administration. All ERTs will represent Colusa Medical Center positively and professionally, both on campus and in the community.

SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES:

1. Obtain and record accurate vital signs including temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure (manual or electronic), and pulse oximetry reading on all ER patients. ERTs who complete the annual rectal temperature competency test can perform rectal temps if it is in their scope of practice. Rectal temperatures are to be done on children under age 2 as applicable and requested by the RN on duty.
2. Obtain repeat vitals in accordance with Triage Level Policy or as dictated by the ER RN or MD.
3. Obtain discharge vitals within 30 minutes of patients departing the ED.
4. Complete and organize patient transfer packets including transfer orders form, transfer consent form, medication reconciliation, medication administration record (MAR), QR Imaging form or CD with results, provider note, lab results, triage and nursing notes, and any other information needed for continuity of care.
5. Obtain accurate height and weight on all ER patients utilizing the proper scale for the age and mobility of the patient (newborn scale, standing scale, wheelchair scale, etc.).
6. Connect patients to the cardiac and oxygen monitor.
7. Obtain a 12 lead EKG on patients identified by the ER RN or MD.
8. Perform basic wound cleaning under the supervision of the ER RN or MD.
9. Collect specimens within the EMT or CNA scope of practice.
10. Label, and deliver specimens to the lab in a timely manner.
11. Set up ER rooms for bedside procedures (pelvic exam, wound closure, I&D, eye exams, etc.).
12. Assist with all physical transferring of patients.
13. Assist with safely ambulating patients when approved by ER RN or MD.
14. Empty Foley catheters bags, report and record color and amount of urine emptied.
15. Empty suction canisters and report color and amount of fluid obtained.
16. Empty colostomy bags, report and record color, consistency, and amount of stool obtained.
17. ERTs that have completed ortho-splinting training can perform and assist with application of ortho-glass splints as well as document the type of splint and the limb it was applied to. Proper splinting and CSM must be assessed by ER RN or MD.
18. Promptly report changes in a patient’s condition to the ER RN or MD.
19. Room patients in the ER as assigned by the RN on duty.
20. Perform/assist with dressing/undressing of ER patients while providing privacy.
21. Provide ER patients with gowns and blankets when appropriate.
22. Perform bathing and hygienic care of all ER patients.
23. Assist patients with toileting needs, utilizing the proper method for the patients age or physical/mental needs (toilet, bedside commode, urinal, bedpan, etc.).
24. Direct all patient questions, complaints, and concerns to the responsible RN.
25. Stock the ER department and the ER overflow stock room as well as the specific department needs from the central hospital supply room.
26. Obtain dietary needs for patients in the ER as instructed by the ER RN or MD. Assist with feeding patients as needed.
27. EMTs may perform finger stick blood glucose testing in accordance with the Colusa Medical Center policies/procedure.
28. Complete and compile faxes pertaining to ER patients.
29. Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) under the supervision of the ER RN or MD.
30. Turning down and using approved cleaning methods for ER rooms. Communicate cleaning and infection control needs with EVS.
31. Maintain organization and cleanliness of the ER department.
32. Perform EDT daily equipment operation checks (glucometer QC, Glidescope and supplies, wall suction, etc.).
33. Answer and transfer hospital phone calls to the appropriate personnel.
34. Arrange patient transport with appropriate entity providing basic patient demographics like name, age, sex, and chief complaint/diagnoses. Patient report must be given/received by a nurse or MD.
35. Redirect requests for assistance outside the EMT or CNAs scope of practice to the RN on duty immediately.
36. Check the ED for stock supply items that are expired, remove outdated items immediately and replace them.
37. Respond to emergencies/codes on hospital campus when instructed by the ER RN or MD.
38. Perform patient registration and complete admission paper work in the absence of the ER registration clerk.
39. Sit with high risk (HI, SI, elopement risk, etc.) ER mental health patients, provide a constant line of site and observation while waiting for assessment or placement.
40. ER Techs (EMT or CNA) who have a clean driving record and unencumbered California Driver’s License will utilize the non-emergent discharge van to transport discharged patients to their local stated destination (Willows, Colusa, Orland, etc.).

Working Conditions:

• Environment: Work is performed in a hospital setting, primarily in ER and MedSurg units.
• Physical Requirements: Frequent walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods. May involve assisting with patient mobility and transfers.
• Schedule: Per diem position with varying shifts, including night shifts and weekends, based on departmental needs.