Surgical Technologist

ROLE SUMMARY

Note: Statements included in this description are intended to reflect in general the duties and responsibilities of this classification and are not to be interpreted as being all-inclusive.

TITLE: Surgical Technologist

DEPARTMENT: Surgery

REPORTS TO: Manager Operating Room

OTHER INTERNAL CONTACTS: Physician, Center Personnel

EXTERNAL CONTACTS: Patients, Sales Representatives

JOB SUMMARY:

The surgical technologist serves as a member of the healthcare team and provides technical support to the surgeon, registered nurse, and anesthesiologist in the operating room. Assumes appropriate responsibilities in the perioperative area i.e. scrubbing, assist scrubbing, maintaining sterility of sterile field, assist RN circulator, setting up and breaking down surgical procedures, pulling and putting away supplies, equipment and environmental service duties. Performs other duties as requested. Requires high degree of responsibility, confidentiality and discretion. Remains calm and effective in stressful situations and provides support in emergency situations. Ensures safe, effective and efficient patient care to achieve desired patient outcomes and optimal patient satisfaction. Able to prioritize, organize, multi-task, and take direction. Demonstrates attention to accuracy and detail. Supports the organization's mission and vision. Promotes teamwork and functions as a team member providing care that encompasses compassion, collaboration and trust. Possesses a moral obligation to promote the welfare, health and safety of the patient, and to advocate on the patient's behalf whenever necessary.

Job Domains

Planning

• Ensure proper supplies, equipment, and instruments are ready for use.
• Clean operating room between cases.
• Restock operating rooms as necessary to meet par levels.
• Assist other operating rooms for coverage.
• Prepare cases for next day.
• May operate sterilizer, lights, suction machine, and other designated equipment.
• Ensure patient, procedure, operative site, positioning and equipment correspond.

Scrubbing

• Know principles and methods of sterilization.
• Perform hand scrub according to policy and procedure.
• Arrange instruments and supplies for surgical procedure. (counting before and after procedure for inventory purposes).
• Maintain integrity of instruments and sterile field.
• Ensure proper counting of sponges, instruments, and sharps.
• Assist in gowning of other personnel and draping of patient.
• Anticipate surgeon's needs.
• Pass instruments to surgeon and/or assistant as appropriate.
• Communicate needs to circulators to ensure efficient and uninterrupted progress of procedure.
• Support Endo cases as directed.
• Prepare and preserve specimens.
• Verify name, strength, expiration date and dosage of medication with circulator; confirm and label and place on surgical field.
• All other duties necessary to maintain work environment, function and performance.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of nursing policies and procedures in compliance with licensure and accreditation.
• Knowledgeable of suture, technique and retracting.
• Knowledge of surgeon preferences, procedures, instrumentation, and equipment.
• Verbal skills to effectively listen and communicate.
• Math skills to count sponges, sutures, sharps and instrumentation accurately.
• Reading skills to read preference cards, charts and instructions.
• Demonstrate competency of age specific criteria.

Physical Characteristics

• See well enough to read written/typed material, monitors, gauges, printouts, computer screens, etc.
• Speak well enough to communicate with physicians, coworkers, patients and families.
• Hear well enough to interact with all contacts and hear alarms and monitor signals.
• Mobility to stand, walk, run, and respond quickly and carefully within the confines of the operating room and also in emergency situations.
• Mobility to bend, stoop, pull, and lift.
• Good eye/hand coordination.
• Ability to push/pull carts, beds, and other equipment.
• Ability to physically assist patients.

Education/Experience

• Graduate of approved school of Surgical Technology and certified by examination from the Association of Surgical Technologists.
• One year of current experience required in the OR setting.
• Ortho/Total Joint experience required.
• Annual completion of specified mandatory in-services.

Additional Characteristics

• Ability to work flexible hours to meet Center's needs.
• Have ability to problem solve and to stay calm under stress.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment.
• Respectful of co-workers, physicians, patients, and leadership.
• Cooperation with a spirit of teamwork.

APIC Standard for risk exposure: Level 4

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending