Surgical Technologist, Full-Time

**STATED SALARY IS STARTING PAY RANGE**

POSITION SUMMARY: The surgical technician is specifically involved with the instrumentation and technical aspects of the operative event. Responsible for rendering professional care to patients undergoing surgical procedures in accordance with established procedures. 

QUALIFICATIONS:            

Education, Licensure and Certification: 

·         A high school diploma or equivalent is required

·         Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program 

·         Must maintain BLS certification

·         Holds and maintain a surgical technologist certification issued by a nationally accredited certifying organization for surgical technologists or obtain such certification within 12 months of graduation of an accredited Surgical Technology program or meet grandfathering clause by providing documentation showing that the person practiced surgical technology during at least two of the three years immediately preceding January 1, 2017

Experience: Prefer at least one (1) year previous experience in surgery or prior “on-the-job” scrub experience

Physical: 

·         Must be able to Sit, stand, and walk continually

·         Frequently bend, climb, reach overhead, carry/push or pull up to 25 pounds, grasping/squeezing

·         Occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 pounds 

·         Must be able to speak and hear normal auditory levels

Mental: Stamina to withstand stress and strain.  Good memory, patient and tactful.  Emotional stability.  Able to both listen and direct. Skill in organization.

Mathematical skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals, and percentages.

Job Skills & Requirements:

·         Comprehensive knowledge of and ability to implement principles of aseptic and sterile technique

·         Understanding of principles of surgical positioning

·         Knowledge of surgical instrumentation and equipment use and care

·         Knowledge of surgical procedures and basics of care to include anesthesia and potential complications

·         Recognition of signs and symptoms of emergency situations and interventions

JOB RELATIONSHIPS: Responsible to the Operating Room Manager.  Does not supervise any other employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:          

·         Identifies, selects and coordinates equipment, instrumentation and supplies required 

·         Assists in preparation of room, room turnover cleaning, and terminal cleaning; restocking as required

·         “Opens” packs and instrument trays

·         Scrubs, gowns and gloves according to procedure

·         Prepares work areas by draping, preparing and testing equipment and organizing instrumentation

·         Assists in establishing, monitoring and maintaining sterile field

·         Assists physician as directed intraoperatively 

·         Keeps field clean and free of used sponges, suture ends and instruments

·         Watches surgeons hand signals and responds appropriately

·         Cares for surgical equipment and instruments and manages supplies

·         Demonstrates knowledge of and adheres to the Code of Conduct and complies with center policies and procedures

·         Demonstrates an attitude that is caring, respectful, sensitive, tactful, compassionate, empathetic, and tolerant

·         Provides a safe environment for the patient

·         Communicates safety concerns appropriately, following Chain of Command

·         Legibly documents when appropriate based on Center policy/procedure

·         Promotes patient and physician satisfaction

·         Uses proper cleaning and sterilization techniques as specific in the policy and procedures and per manufacturer’s instructions for use

·         Practices appropriate aseptic techniques and sterile processes

·         Wears appropriate Personal Protected Equipment (PPE)

·         Observes universal precautions

·         Refers situations beyond ability or function to proper person

·         Attends all required education

·         Regular and predictable attendance

·         Assists with the utilization of protective padding specific to patient’s skin integrity status and position for surgery or procedures and maintains patient’s proper body alignment as determined by procedure

·         Plans for proposed surgical intervention by selecting appropriate equipment and supplies following physician preference

·         Assists RN in the performance of duties assigned 

·         Provides input to the circulating nurse in the identification of patient problems

·         Performs item count to include, but not limited to, sponges, sharps and instruments, pre, intra, and post operatively and takes appropriate action if count is not acceptable

·         Ensures availability of appropriate supplies and equipment intra-operatively

·         Labels medications on the sterile field per Center policy/procedure

·         Initiates corrective action for breaks in sterile technique

·         Handles tissue specimens correctly and accurately according to policy and procedures

·         Follows standards for sharps safety according to facility policy and procedure

·         Follows standard for electrosurgical safety according to facility policy and procedure

·         Follows standards for disposal of biohazard waste according to Center policy and procedure

·         Operates specialty equipment per manufacturer’s instructions for use 

·         Assists with the orientation and training of new personnel

·         Actively participates in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities

·         Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, and in service meetings

·         Actively participates in the time out

·         Works collaboratively with healthcare team

·         Exhibits high level of integrity

·         Participates in staff meetings, in-services, and continuing education as required

·         Performs other related duties, as assigned or requested

ESSENTIAL VALUES, CODES OF CONDUCT

·         Demonstrates knowledge of and adheres to the Code of Conduct

·         Detail oriented

·         Attitude that is caring, respectful, sensitive, tactful, compassionate, empathetic, and tolerant

·         Exhibits mental alertness for quality decision making and exercising good judgment

·         Works well with others – a team player

·         Exhibits high level of integrity

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

·         Days and hours of work vary to meet patient or center needs

·         The Center is a well-lit, ventilated and climate-controlled environment. The Center may require decreased lighting to meet patient care needs or procedure requirements, such as laser rooms and some OR/Procedure rooms

·         Ability to work with medical and office equipment, some of which will have moving parts

·         Noise level is usually quiet to moderate

·         May have exposure to blood and other potentially infectious body fluids and materials or toxic chemicals and cleaning solutions

·         Procedure rooms are often small, and due to equipment may have little room to work around and may necessitate reaching, pulling, pushing

·         Work in close proximity to patients and co-workers