Description

OUR AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTERS ARE CMS COVID COMPLIANT

Primary Responsibilities
Operating Room:

• Reviews the type of procedure to be performed, the techniques of the operating physician, and prepares the room accordingly 
• Reviews with the circulating nurse the equipment, instruments, and supplies needed for a specific procedure
• Disinfects all flat surfaces in the operating room prior to setting up for surgical procedure
• Maintains proper aseptic technique during setup; dons gown and gloves accordingly 
• Check sterile indicators in instruments, packs and supplies and prepares back table and mayo stand
• If receiving medication onto the sterile field, checks label for proper medications and expiration date with circulating nurse
• Gowns and gloves surgeon according to protocol upon entry into the operating room
• Assists the surgeon during procedures
• Ensures sterility of surgical field and operating room supplies throughout procedure
• Reports suspected or known breaks in sterile technique immediately to the surgeon and/or circulating nurse
• Keeps instruments free of blood and tissue by cleaning or soaking in sterile water basin after each use
• Confirms with surgeon prior to disposal of any tissue. Pass specimens from sterile field to the circulating nurse as indicated.
• Removes all instruments from surgical care to soiled utility for disinfection and re-sterilization.

Disinfection/Sterilization:

• Demonstrates ability to clean and organize instruments and equipment for wrapping
• Demonstrates ability to package supplies for sterilization
• Demonstrates correct use of washing and sterilizing equipment
• Selects proper mode of sterilization for instruments and equipment
• Demonstrates knowledge of steam sterilization
• Operation of Autoclaves:
  • manual operation of sterilizer
  • proper cycles according to specific contents
  • replenish steam indicator strips as necessary
  • cleaning of cassettes/chamber
• Wrapping and packaging supplies and instruments:
  • CSR wrapping techniques/shelf-life
  • self-seal packs techniques/shelf-life
  • policy for dating and identifying items
  • policy for out-of-date items
• Monitoring Sterilization:
  • daily testing/monitoring procedures
  • documentation of daily usage and sterilization log
  • biological indicators
• Processing Instruments:
  • inspection for defects and/or damage
  • operation of ultrasonic cleaner
  • instrument lubrication
  • proper handling of diamond knives

Patient Care:

• Checks patient identification bed sheet and compares the name with the chart and name label
• Provides physical comfort for the patient 
• Correctly positions the patient to maintain correct body alignment and protect patient equipment 
• Demonstrates awareness of the individual rights of the patient
  • Provides for privacy through maintaining confidentiality
  • Provides for privacy through physical protection
• Provides for patient safety throughout the perioperative process
  • Secures bed rails in “up” position and/or utilizes safety straps accordingly
  • Correctly grounds patient for electrosurgical safety
  • Performs sharp and instrument counts per policy and standards and informs the circulating nurse accordingly; Implements appropriate action when counts are incorrect
  • Assists in the administration of medications correctly and accurately
  • Escorts or transports patients safely

Clinical Functions: Pre-Procedure 

• Assist with the preparation of patients pre-operatively under the direction of the pre-procedure nurse 
• Prepare patients for surgery accordingly (booties, bonnet, blanket, etc.)
• Obtain vital signs and report abnormalities to the nurse as indicated
• Ensures physical comfort of the patient and reports any complaints to the nurse accordingly

Clinical Functions: Post-Procedure 

• Assist with the care of patients post-operatively under the direction of the post-operative nurse
• Observe patient’s condition and vital signs and reports changes to the nurse as indicated
• Ensures physical comfort of the patient and reports any complaints to the nurse accordingly
• Ensures patient has transportation for discharge
• Reviews discharge instructions with patient and responsible adult and provides a written copy
• Assist with the discharge of a patient according to established criteria

Equipment and Supplies:

• Anticipates the need for equipment and supplies
• Assures all equipment is functioning before use
• Removes malfunctioning equipment from use, if applicable, and labels it accordingly
• Removes from service all instruments in need of repair and reports information to appropriate personnel
• Operates equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions
• Operates mechanical and electrical equipment correctly
• Uses supplies judiciously and in a cost-effective manner
• Replaces used supplies in a timely manner
• Communicates/documents provision of equipment and supplies

Infection Control:

• Wears appropriate attire according to facility policy
• Follows universal precautions (i.e. handwashing)
• Uses Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) according to policy and need
• Practices recognized principles of cleanliness and sanitation
• Correctly disposes of sharps
• Correctly handles hazardous and contaminated materials

Emergency Situations:

• Demonstrates the ability to function in emergency situations
  • Ensures that emergency equipment is available at all times
  • Practices lifesaving support measures as needed
  • Demonstrate understanding of emergency equipment and malfunction
• Demonstrates knowledge of fire safety
• Demonstrates knowledge of facility disaster plan

Environment of Care:

• Regulates temperature and humidity as necessary, and records daily as required
• Adheres to electrical safety policies and procedures
• Monitors sensory environment
• Maintains traffic patterns

The information above reflects the general work responsibilities and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements of the job. 

Qualifications

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May involve prolonged periods of standing, sitting, lifting, bending, reaching and the ability to push/pull items weighing 50 pounds or less.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• May be potential exposure to communicable diseases, contaminated blood and body fluids, and hazardous materials.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School/GED Equivalent
• Maintains BLS certification
• Surgical Technican Certification preferred.
• COVID-19 Vaccination or qualified Exemption required

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• The use of kindness, empathy and patience when working with colleagues and patient population
• Attention to detail; ensuring accuracy in work 
• Ability to multi-task and ensure deadlines are met consistently 
• Ability to work as a team member, collaboratively and positively

CUSTOMER SERVICE

• All employees must meet the standards for customer service.
• Effectiveness of working with others, courtesy, tact, friendliness, enthusiasm, caring and helpful nature, comforting style.

ATTENDANCE STANDARDS

• Punctuality, attendance, scheduling of absences.

FLEXIBILITY

• Adjustment to change, resetting of priorities, time management skills, resourcefulness, initiative.

ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follows code of conduct aligned with the mission, vision and values of Quigley Eye Specialists and St. John’s Surgery Center.
• Follows code of conduct /ethics of their profession.