Blood Gas Technician

Overview

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA

This position is responsible for collection and analysis of arterial blood, performing routine and moderately complex laboratory testing using manual and automated methods (at the benchtop and point-of-care) to assist with patient diagnosis and treatment. The incumbent provides assistance in determining patient's acid base and ventilatory status, various chemistry profiles and performs minor equipment maintenance. This position is responsible for providing direct patient care in ambulatory and critical care environments.

Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Collects blood samples using direct arterial entry, arterial lines and capillary finger and heel sticks on adults and neonates.
• Performs specialized assays or procedures via various analytical methods using benchtop and point-of care analyzers.
• Evaluates analytical results for error or unexpected values and competently engages provider or care teams to determine validity.
• Prepares and performs quality control at prescribed intervals and evaluates quality control results versus established tolerances, troubleshoots required maintenance if needed and validates the method before returning analyzers to use for patient care.
• Maintains laboratory work records.
• Responds to and provides point-of-care lab services for various critical paged events (e.g. Brain Attack, Trauma, ED Critical, Neuro Emergency, STEMI).
• Evaluates, troubleshoots problems and makes decisions related to specimen preparation, procedures for preparation and specimen quality.
• Notifies appropriate physicians or providers of STAT or critical patient lab results.
• Enters lab results into the computer and forwards test results to the patient chart.
• Performs oximetry readings using a Pulse Oximeter to non-invasively measure oxygen saturation.
• Assists in the operation of the lab by delegating assignments and prioritizing work.
• Assists in orienting new employees regarding essential functions, workflow and sampling techniques.
• Performs and documents equipment maintenance, calibrations and quality control checks.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Demonstrated potential ability to perform the essential functions as outlined above.

• Demonstrated human relation and effective communication skills.

• Ability to provide care to the population served.

• Ability to coordinate with other departments, clinicians or patients effectively to ensure accurate information and specimen integrity to facilitate rapid diagnosis or treatment.

• Ability to troubleshoot and recognize technical problems as they arise, seeking assistance from the supervisor when controls fail and results are not as expected.

• Ability to work unscheduled hours and rotate on-call responsibilities.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least one (1) year of college education in a biological, chemical or physical science program, or at least one (1) year of experience in a patient care environment.

Licenses Required

• Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.

Qualifications (Preferred)

Preferred

• Previous experience in direct patient care and blood gas procedures.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

• This position involves intermediate working conditions in a healthcare setting that may exert up to 50 pounds and may consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving patients or objects, such as medical equipment, while providing patient care. Workers in this position may be exposed to infectious diseases and may be required to function around prisoners or behavioral health patients.

Physical Requirements