Surgical Technologist- Certified

Purpose

The Surgical Technologist assists the RN during pre-op and post–op, as well as preps the patient and assists the physician to ensure that every procedure being performed is well documented and performed with accuracy. Under the guidance and supervision of the Attending Physician, The Surgical Technologist is an OR team member that is involved in the planning and producing a safe and effective OR experience for patients undergoing surgery.

Accountabilities And Job Activities

• Obtain appropriate sterile and unsterile items needed for procedure
• Review supplies and equipment including scrubs, gowns, and gloves
• Set up sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for procedure
• Open appropriate sterile supplies
• Review patient's chart, identify patient and verify surgery to be performed with consent forms and bring patient to assigned operating room
• Transfer patient to operating table
• Assess patient comfort and safety and provide tactile reassurance to patient
• Assist Anesthesia personnel
• Position patient, while using appropriate equipment
• Apply electrosurgical grounding pads, tourniquets, monitors, etc., before procedure begins
• Prepare patient skin prior to draping by surgical team
• Perform appropriate counts with circulator prior to the operation and before incision is closed
• Gown and glove surgeon and assistants
• Assist in draping sterile field
• Anticipates additional supplies needed during the procedure
• Keep accurate records during the procedure
• Properly care for specimens
• Pass instruments, etc., to surgeon during procedure
• Maintain highest standards of sterile technique during procedure
• Prepare sterile dressings
• Secure dressings after incision closure
• Assist in the transfer patient to recovery room
• Clean and prepare instruments for terminal sterilization
• Assist other members of team with terminal cleaning of room
• Assist in preparing room for the next patient
  
  

Safety And Sanitation Requirements

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when in contact with the patient, bodily fluids or hazardous materials
• Wear lead when radiological equipment in use
• Clean and sanitize any spills immediately
• Maintain a safe environment for the employees and patients at all times
• Sterilize probes after each use
  
  

Develop And Maintain Personal And Professional Skills

• Attend all mandatory staff meetings per year unless excused as evidenced by documentation
• Attend mandatory in-services and a minimum of two pertinent in-services per year as documented
• Actively participate in performance improvement activities as observed or documented
• Establish realistic professional goals as evidenced by the annual performance evaluation
• Actively keep abreast of departmental and organizational activities
• Demonstrate flexibility in response to unexpected change in workload or situations as observed
• Serves on committees and/or participates in changes of policy and procedures that affect the operation of services as documented
• Assist in the orientation of new personnel as directed
• Support the mission and goals of the company as observed
• Address all emails within 24 hours as documented
• Perform other duties as required
• Demonstrate safe and cost-effective practice
• Consistently adhere to OSHA bloodborne pathogen guidelines; apply universal precautions per company standards as observed
• Consistently utilize proper body mechanics as observed
• Accurately complete incident reports within the shift of occurrence and immediately communicates critical incidents to the appropriate person per the organizational chart
• Consistently allocate resources to reduce waste and minimize costs as observed
• Consistently complete assigned duties within stated shifts in a timely manner as observed and documented
• Set challenging goals
• Produce quality work in a timely fashion
• Maintain current knowledge and skill
• Participate in quality and process improvement efforts
• Keep the work area clean, safe and secure
  
  

Act Flexibly

Adapt to change

• See the value of different opinions and new ideas
• Change plans and objectives given new direction or priorities
• Handle stressful situations effectively
• Meet Customer Needs
• Meet internal and external customers’ needs
• Find new ways of satisfying customers
• Participate in service improvements efforts
• Listen and respond to customers
• Treat customers with compassion and respect
  
  

Work as a Team

• Work as a team player
• Pitch in to help those in need
• Communicate with others appropriately
• Listen and respond to others
• Handle conflict situations effectively
• Foster trust and respect within the team
• Participate in committees and task forces
  
  

Foster Diversity in the Workforce

• Treat all associates and customers with respect, integrity and dignity regardless of background, race, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or disability
• Treat all associates and customers fairly
  
  

Be Self-directed

• Take initiative and responsibility for actions
• Identify own learning needs and create/implement Learning Plans
• Perform duties according to policies and procedures
• Demonstrate ethical behaviors
• Maintain confidentiality of information
• Maintain licenses and certifications as appropriate
• Fulfill operating unit/clinical competencies
• Use equipment/resources responsibly
  
  

Responding with Age Appropriate Clinical Care (Clinical Jobs Only)

• Respond appropriately to the age appropriate psychological and physical needs of patients
• Understand growth and development needs of the age group with which the associate interacts
• Integrate family/support system into patient care, as appropriate
  
  

You must refer to upper management for approval or final disposition on the following

• Change in procedure
• Difficult patient situations
• Any situation you are unsure of
  
  

Job Scope And Work Environment

This position is subject to:

• Confidential information
• Extended time sitting at a desk, utilizing a keyboard and multiple monitors
• High stress environment due to turnaround requirements
• Daily hours are subject to change on a daily basis due to schedule
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens
• Exposure to electrical and mechanical hazards
• Exposure to anesthetic and other gasses
• Exposure to sharps
  
  

Patient Privacy HIPAA

• Protection of patient privacy
• Patient records and EMR are for treatment use only
  
  

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the essential nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

• BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
  
  

Strive for excellence

Job Requirements

COMPETENT LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS

Skills

MINIMUM LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS

(Typing and special machinery)

• Knowledge of Electronic Medical Record
• Good typing skills
• Good internet navigation skills
• Knowledge of instrumentation used in office (fax, credit card, copy)
• Knowledge of multi-line phone system
• Excellent Verbal and Written Communication skills
• Knowledge of medical terminology with a strong focus on the spine and skeletal system
  
  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (Degrees, Years In Profession)

• 2 years of procedure/surgical room experience within the last 5 years
• High School Diploma
• Surgical Tech Degree, Certification or/and Experience
• OR Technician/Surgical Assistant Degree, Certification or and Experience
  
  

Certification

• CST Certification
• OR Tech/Surgical Assistant Certification
  
  

Special Job Characteristics

• Fast paced work environment with established time constraints
• Must be able to work overtime when required
• Must be able to multitask while maintaining accuracy
• Must work well with others