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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Endoscopy Assistant

💰 $18 - $28 per hour

HealthcareAllied HealthMedical SupportGastroenterology

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a meticulous and compassionate healthcare professional looking to make a significant impact in a specialized, procedural setting? We are actively seeking a dedicated Endoscopy Assistant (also known as a GI Technician) to join our state-of-the-art gastroenterology team. In this vital role, you will be the cornerstone of our endoscopy suite, working directly alongside physicians and nurses to ensure procedures are performed safely, efficiently, and with the highest standard of patient care. You will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of our sophisticated endoscopic equipment, from room setup and in-procedure assistance to advanced cleaning and sterilization. If you thrive in a collaborative, hands-on environment and are committed to excellence in patient outcomes, this position offers a rewarding opportunity for professional growth.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Medical Assistant (MA)
  • Sterile Processing Technician
  • Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Advancement To:

  • Lead Endoscopy Technician
  • Certified Endoscopy Technologist (after obtaining CGRN or equivalent)
  • Surgical Technologist
  • Endoscopy Suite Supervisor/Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Operating Room Assistant
  • Central Sterile Supply Technician
  • Interventional Radiology Technologist Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Prepare and set up procedure rooms with all necessary endoscopic equipment, instruments, and supplies prior to the arrival of each patient.
  • Assist physicians directly during a wide range of endoscopic procedures, including colonoscopies, EGDs, ERCPs, and bronchoscopies, by passing instruments and anticipating their needs.
  • Perform high-level disinfection (HLD) and sterilization of endoscopes and related accessories according to manufacturer guidelines and organizational infection control standards.
  • Skillfully handle, label, and document patient specimens (biopsies, polypectomies) for accurate pathological analysis, ensuring proper chain of custody.
  • Operate and maintain complex endoscopic equipment, including video processors, light sources, and irrigation pumps, ensuring optimal functionality.
  • Monitor patients' comfort and vital signs during procedures, promptly communicating any changes or concerns to the registered nurse or physician.
  • Accurately document all procedural data, equipment usage, and disinfection processes in patient electronic health records (EHR) and departmental logs.
  • Provide direct patient care, including positioning, draping, and providing reassurance to alleviate anxiety before, during, and after procedures.
  • Safely transport patients to and from the pre-operative, procedure, and recovery areas, ensuring their comfort and dignity at all times.
  • Troubleshoot minor equipment malfunctions in real-time and initiate service requests for complex repairs to minimize procedural delays.
  • Manage and maintain inventory levels of all endoscopic supplies, instruments, and personal protective equipment, placing orders as necessary.
  • Ensure strict adherence to universal precautions, infection control protocols, and safety policies established by OSHA, TJC, and other regulatory bodies.
  • Set up and manage specialized therapeutic devices, such as snares, injection needles, biopsy forceps, and argon plasma coagulation (APC) units.
  • Verify patient identification, review procedural consent forms, and confirm procedure details as part of the pre-procedure time-out safety check.
  • Maintain a meticulously clean, organized, and safe environment within the endoscopy suite and equipment reprocessing areas.
  • Respond effectively as part of the clinical team during patient emergencies or adverse events, performing duties as directed.
  • Uphold patient confidentiality and privacy at all times in strict compliance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Collaborate seamlessly with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and support staff to ensure coordinated patient care.
  • Conduct and document routine quality control checks on automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs) and other disinfection equipment.
  • Assist with the collection and recording of data for quality improvement projects and departmental research initiatives.
  • Participate in continuing education and in-service training to stay current with advancements in endoscopic technology and techniques.

Secondary Functions

  • Participate in departmental quality improvement projects and patient safety initiatives.
  • Assist in the orientation and training of new technicians and clinical support staff.
  • Contribute to maintaining regulatory compliance documentation for agencies like The Joint Commission.
  • Support the broader clinical team by floating to other areas, such as pre-op or recovery, to assist with non-licensed tasks as needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Endoscope Reprocessing: Expertise in manual cleaning and high-level disinfection (HLD) of flexible endoscopes (gastroscopes, colonoscopes, etc.).
  • Sterile Technique: Knowledge of sterile and aseptic techniques for handling instruments and maintaining a sterile field.
  • GI Procedure Knowledge: Familiarity with the steps and instrumentation for common procedures like EGD, Colonoscopy, and ERCP.
  • Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs), video towers, light sources, and electrosurgical units.
  • Specimen Handling: Proper collection, labeling, and processing of pathology specimens.
  • Medical Terminology: Strong understanding of gastrointestinal anatomy, physiology, and related medical terms.
  • Patient Monitoring: Ability to take and record vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation).
  • Basic Life Support (BLS): Current certification is mandatory.
  • Infection Control: Deep knowledge of universal precautions and transmission-based protocols.
  • Inventory Management: Experience with tracking supplies and using inventory ordering systems.
  • EHR/EMR Systems: Competency in using electronic health record systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner) for documentation.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in cleaning, documentation, and room setup to ensure patient safety.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively and communicate clearly with physicians, nurses, and other staff.
  • Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment and can quickly pivot between tasks.
  • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal skills for interacting with patients and the clinical team.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to think critically and troubleshoot equipment or procedural issues under pressure.
  • Empathy & Compassion: A genuinely caring attitude towards patients who may be anxious or uncomfortable.
  • Time Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and keep procedures on schedule.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.

Preferred Education:

  • Completion of a formal Medical Assistant, Surgical Technology, or Sterile Processing program.
  • Certification as a Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER) or Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Healthcare Technology
  • Medical Assisting
  • Surgical Technology
  • Biology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years in a healthcare setting.

Preferred: 2+ years of direct experience as an Endoscopy Assistant/Technician in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center endoscopy unit.

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