JOB SUMMARY This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job. The Anesthesia Technician is responsible for clinically supporting the activities of the Department of Anesthesia. Activities include: provision of supplies and equipment as well as performing a variety of tasks including indirect patient care that help ensure the safe and cost effective delivery of anesthetic patient care. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned. Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings. Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct. * Actively participates in quality control, quality assurance and preventative maintenance activities. * Assists in the evaluation of new products by providing feedback regarding use. * Assists with record keeping and patient charges. * Assures replacement or repair of malfunctioning equipment. * Attends and participates in equipment and supply inservices, evaluations, and staff meetings. * Contributes in a positive manner to unit and department; supports team culture. * Correctly checks and sets up all equipment and supplies utilized by the Department of Anesthesia including anesthesia machines, monitors, invasive lines, non-controlled pharmaceuticals and other tasks as requested by Anesthesia. * Identifies and shares recommendations for containing costs in assigned area. * Maintains an effective working relationship with staff, managers, physicians, patients and their families. * Maintains and services equipment by cleaning, and if requested, by sterilizing, assembling, and testing, troubleshooting, requisitioning and receiving of inspections and maintenance. * May assist the anesthesia provider with intra-operative fluid management including volume resuscitation. * Participates in the monitoring and documenting of quality improvement issues * Participates on unit, department or hospital committees as requested. * Performs housekeeping/stocking duties in order to maintain a clean, safe work environment. * Practices aseptic techniques according to established standards of care and infection control policies. * Prepares and maintains patient monitoring devices and anesthesia delivery systems before, during and after anesthesia. * Prepares and operates auto transfusion equipment. * Proactively uses the problem solving process to identify, prevent or resolve inter-or intra-departmental problems. * Properly disposes of non-controlled pharmaceuticals. * Responsible for self-assessment of skill level and seeking resources to learn new skills, equipment, or procedures to maintain currency in position. * Supports administrative decisions and assures implementation and compliance with all department, institutional and regulatory policies and procedures. * Works with clinical educator to orient new staff members and students to the role of anesthesia technician as requested.