62100-6, Surgical Technologist

Essential Functions:

• Attention to Detail
  • Prepares room in a timely manner with anticipated instruments, sutures, supplies and equipment for each individual surgical procedure.
  • Demonstrates competence in management of specimens under the direction of the surgeon.
  • Assists in draping of patients for surgical procedures.
  • Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments/procedures.
  • Maintains a safe environment for patient, co-workers and self, per hospital policies and procedures.
  • Checks all equipment/instruments needed, prior to each procedure to ensure proper functioning.
  • Sets up, scrubs and prepares for procedures prior to scheduled time, unless otherwise directed by Circulating RN or Surgery Director.
  • Performs services requiring technical or manual skills under the direction of Circulating RN.
  • Anticipates and hands instruments and supplies to the surgeon during the procedure.
  • Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon.
  • Ensures proper operation of sterilizers prior to use per surgery schedule.
  • Conducts sterility assurance testing upon opening the department.  Records results in appropriate log book.
  • Inspects steam autoclaves and other sterilization technology for visible signs of malfunction and reports to Surgery Director and Plant Operations.
  • Processes or oversees, all contaminated instruments and supplies returned to the Sterile Processing Department.
  • Applies knowledge of sterilization principles to correctly wrap or package items for sterilization.
  • Performs general cleaning of department surface areas, racks, shelves, storage cabinets and storage area.
  • Knowledgeable regarding handling and care of instruments, tray preparation and special procedure items.
  • Properly loads, operates and cleans sterilizers per manufacturer’s instructions for use.
  • Receives and delivers supplies, monitors and maintains PAR levels.
  • Participates in surgical time-out
  • Assists with documenting charges
• Dependability
  • Accurately completes surgical counts (sharps, sponges, instruments); follows procedure in the event of an incorrect count; reports count discrepancies to Circulating RN and Surgeon.
  • Ensures patients right to privacy; closely observes patient upon the direction of the RN Circulator, or Director of Surgical Services.
  • Adheres to aseptic technique when opening sterile supplies and setting up procedures.
  • Processes all items for disinfection and sterilization appropriately per manufacturer’s instructions for use.
  • Conducts biological monitoring per recommended standards.
  • Assembles instruments and prepares all applicable supplies for sterilization using appropriate packaging materials and systems.
  • Monitors sterility of items for; event related breaches and expiration dates of manufactured items.
  • Adheres to dress code.
• Self Control
  • Works closely with Surgery Director and assists with orientation of new staff.
  • Performs other related duties as may be assigned.
• Integrity
  • Interacts professionally with patient and family, surgical team, and other health care providers.
  • Provides patient with explanations and verbal reassurance to minimize anxiety.
  • Supports a culture of safety by observing hand hygiene, standard precautions and safety manages biohazardous material.
• Stress Tolerance
  • Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
  • Maintains an orderly and sterile instrument table for the purpose of efficiency; follows department standard set up.
  • Damp dusts furnishings prior to the first case of the day, assists with room turn over between procedures and organizes room for end-of-case clean up.
  • Assists with processing department supply charges and any other clerical work related to Surgical Services.
• Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function calmly under stressful situations.
  • Accepts feedback in a positive manner to improve job performance and department operations.
• Independence
  • Communicates effectively with the Surgeon and perioperative team to ensure patient safety.
• Initiative
• • Maintains a good working relationship and effective communication both within the department and other departments for the benefit of the patient
• Cooperation
  • Anticipates needs of surgeon by reviewing preference card and during surgical procedures.
  • Participates in departmental performance improvement activities.
  • Decisions made reflect knowledge of facts, care required and good judgement
• Compliance
  • Promotes and adheres to the provisions of the compliance program.
  • Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the facility.
  • Complies with all organizational polices regarding ethical business practices.
  • Promotes and adheres to the TVHS core values and Standards of Behavior.