The Role of the GI Assistant / Technician in Endoscopy Today Leslie E. Stewart BA, RN, CGRN Nurse Manager of Endoscopy Jersey Shore University Medical Center SGNA Immediate Past President 2012-2013 The Role of the GI Assistant / Technician in Endoscopy Today Objectives: 1. Define the role of the GI Assistant / Technician and their responsibilities on the endoscopy team. 2. List and interpret the needed regulatory and clinical knowledge necessary for maintenance of competency in the EA/ET role. 3. Discuss national certification opportunities for the EA/ET. Role & Responsibilities Historical view of the EA /ET role Today s role definition and scope of responsibilities Market changes role expectations EA/ET placement on the endoscopy team Establishment of entry-level and experienced-level competencies 1
Historical role of the EA/ ET Dr. Rudolph Schindler Gabriele Schindler Diversified roles drive the specialty Loss of opportunity to certify creates an educational void for the EA/ ET Disconnecting from change does not recapture the past it losses the future -Kathleen Norris- Role Definition & Scope of Responsibility SGNA Practice Statements of Role Delineation of the Associate Role SGNA Standard of Clinical Nursing Practice and the Role Delineation Statements Individual State Regulations: Board of Nursing or Board of Medical Examiners 2
EA / ET Role and Placement on the Endoscopy Team Today s healthcare environment has required reassessment of the associate role Role is defined by the practice setting Healthcare market is driving the change Associate personnel are accountable to and perform duties under the direct onsite supervision of the RN Don t Let Anyone Be Fooled! We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things, because we re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. -Walt Disney- 3
Role Clarification Defined SGNA members ask for guidance and direction in defining the EA / ET role Results 2009-2011 SGNA Strategic Initiative to get real answers 2012-2014 SGNA Strategic Plan addresses educational focus Entry-level and experience-level expectations List and Interpretation of Regulatory and Clinical Knowledge Review of minimum entry recommendations in other healthcare specialties for unlicensed assistive personnel Regulatory and clinical consideration of standards Minimum knowledge and competency recommendation Focus on minimum skills in patient care and equipment responsibilities Review: Minimum Entry Recommendations High School graduate or equivalency Previous patient care experience with healthcare training Basic life support (BLS) Strong intrapersonal skills Communication skills 4
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology of the organs of the GI tract Basic knowledge of the respiratory, cardiac, and neurological systems and their impact on the endoscopy patient Knowledge of medical terminology Knowledge of medications frequently used in GI procedures and patient responses Knowledge of GI/endoscopy procedures and related equipment Knowledge of infection control principles 5
Knowledge and understanding of reprocessing standards of endoscope and accessory equipment Knowledge of patient safety in all areas of endoscopy Patient Care: Provide patient care under the direction and delegation of the registered nurse Provide basic patient care meeting the pre, intra, and post procedure needs in a safety focused environment Provide documentation of the procedure equipment and specimens as required Provide effective organization of time according to patient flow and unit needs Patient Care: Provide safe patient positioning, transferring and transportation Provide assistance in the collection and submission of laboratory specimens Provide patient interactive skill with age specific needs and considerations Provide patient confidentiality 6
Equipment Care: Skill in procedure set up of major and accessory equipment-assembly & function Skill in equipment storage and maintenance inclusive of history and maintenance Skill in troubleshooting Skill in reprocessing of endoscopes and all equipment by mandated standards In every moment of one s existence one is growing into more or retreating into less. -Norman Mailer- Mentorship Model Model Encourage Nurture Teach Organizational Knowledge Reality 7
EA/ET National Certification Sources of EA/ET Certification Certification prerequisites and requirements Study and educational opportunities EA/ET Sources of Certification The Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD) www.sterileprocessing.org The International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material and Management (IAHCMM) www.iahcsmm.org EA/ET Certification Prerequisites and Requirements Prior to registration for the examination: CBSPD One of the following must be met: One year experience in processing flexible endoscopes Successful completion of an ET course with a minimum of 60 hours and a grade of 70% Six months of experience in processing flexible endoscopes and a certificate of completion of an endoscopy training program of a least 8 hours in length. 8
EA/ET Certification Prerequisites and Requirements Prior to registration for the examination: IAHCSMM One year of experience Recommendation of experience by employer EA/ET Certification Prerequisites and Requirements CBSPD Examination Outline of Domains Infection Control=12% of Exam Reprocessing Techniques=13% Standard Equipment for Endoscopic Procedures=19% Chemicals=11% Rules and Regulations=10% EA/ET Certification Prerequisites and Requirements CBSPD Domains Safety =14% of Exam Basic Medical Competencies & Performance Standards=7% Record Keeping=4% Specimen Handling=4% Ethical Standards=7% 9
EA/ET Study and Educational Opportunities Syllabus preparation from CBSPD and from IAHCSMM SGNA ET Program I & II (Advanced) EA/ET Orientation & Competency Program in NJ (Text) Mayo School of Health Sciences EA Program in Arizona Independent Medical Center-Based Program Learn-As-You-Go EA/ET Study and Educational Opportunities Collaborative Partners want to help: SGNA ASGE Vendor Partners TJC State Mandates Community College Encouragement The only way any organization can (and any human being for that matter) win in the ring of change is to start developing leadership capacity in everyone -Robin Sharma- 10
Endoscopy Assistant / Technician Education and Competency Consider: EA/ET Certification in Your Future and In the Future Development of Your Endoscopy Team 11