Surgical Technologist

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Surgical Technologist functions as a member of the multidisciplinary team providing a safe environment for all age groups of surgical patients; assists the perioperative nurse with patient care; prepares and maintains supplies in the operating room (OR) while maintaining a professional and efficient manner; assures that procedure preparations are based on individual patient and anticipates the needs of the surgeon.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Functions in the scrub role by preparing, organizing, and anticipating needed instruments, supplies, and equipment for safe patient care and operative procedure.

3. *Will not first assist with any procedure; will not do any incision closures.

4. *May apply skin staples when skin edges have been approximated by credentialed physician/PA/APRN.

5. *May apply skin sealant and steristrips as part of the dressing after skin has been closed.

6. *Defines and practices aseptic technique and infection control principles as they apply to the OR.

7. *Safely and efficiently passes surgical instruments and supplies in the operating room (OR) and labor and delivery room (LDR); properly identifies, preserves and manages tissue and fluid specimens and cultures.

8. *Manages supplies, instruments and equipment appropriately according to Medical Center procedure.

9. *Assists the nurse in perioperative care of the patient including transporting and positioning; counts/preps surgical instruments and supplies.

10. *Delivers medications (drugs or biologicals) received in the surgical suite to the appropriate operating room via case cart or medication cart.

11. *Handles and prepares medication for use on the sterile field in the operating room under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and physician.

12. Participates in continuous quality improvement measures to achieve positive patient outcomes; provides patient care in accordance with patient's rights; participates and practices safety through active prevention and precautions; assures personal/visitor safety through measures of prevention and universal precautions.

13. Advances work knowledge by participating in continuing education in-services, reading periodicals/literature and seeking ongoing development opportunities.

14. *Participates in unit-based activities, staff meetings, and committees.

15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk "*". Refer to the Job Description Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.) Attach Addendum for positions with slightly different roles or work-specific differences as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of the principles and practices of aseptic technique.

2. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

3. Knowledge of all types of OR procedures.

4. Knowledge of equipment, instruments, and supplies used in the operating room.

5. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

6. Ability to react quickly and respond appropriately in emergency situations.

7. Ability to effectively interact with patient's family members, multi-disciplinary team members and students.

8. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

9. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

10. Ability to practice proper body mechanics to ensure personal and customer/patient safety.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from a Surgical Technology program required. Surgical Tech Certification desired. Prior experience working as a Surgical Technologist desired.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Certification in Basic Life Support (CPR) required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT) - Characterized as medium work requiring exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.