Certified Surgical Tech

POSITION:                        Certified Surgical Technician

DEPARTMENT:                Nursing

REPORTS TO:                  Nurse Manager 

JOB SUMMARY:               Prepares instruments and supplies to perform procedures according to the physician’s documented preferred routine.  Prepares the operating field for procedures.  Performs routine and delegated duties.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate of an accredited certified surgical technician program, or minimum three years prior experience in an operating room required.
• Current certification.
• Basic Cardiac Life Support required.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Strong organizational skills, detail oriented.
• Proficient at setting priorities.
• Constant and frequent judgment and response, occasionally in response to an emergency, actual events or drills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills – must be able to work independently and as a team member.
• Computer literate preferred (Microsoft – Word, Patient Database Software).
• Maintains Basic Cardiac Life Support certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Require high level of visual and auditory acuity for timely response and patient care activities.
• Ability to move quickly in response to physician and patient needs.
• Ability to stand for long periods, occasionally overhead and low reaching.
• Occasionally exert force up to 50 lbs., frequently up to 20 lbs., and constantly up to 10 lbs.
• Patient care activities may require the ability to exert force up to 30 lbs. constantly, up to 40 lbs. occasionally, and up to 100 lbs. rarely.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Supports the philosophy, goals, and objectives of the Center.

• Supports and performs according to approved policies and procedures.
• Participates as a team member in support of the total peri-operative process.
• Considers patients rights in performance of job duties and responsibilities.

2. Contributes to the progress and development of the approved Continuous Quality Improvement/Risk Management Program.

• Supports Risk Management and participates in programs directed to patient and staff safety.
• Contributes to the quality management process, identifies role and contributions to functional teams.
• Objectively evaluates suggestions, grievances, and processes to identify opportunities to improve performance and quality of care.

 3.  Communicates and interacts effectively with patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers.

• Interactions are respectful and courteous.
• Assist others with their questions or needs.
• Provide excellent customer service to all patients, families/significant others, co-workers, managers, physicians, consultants, and vendors.
• Communicates effectively and professionally, using a translator when necessary.
• Documents information received from the patient and disseminates it to the appropriate people or departments.

4. Maintains and promotes professional competence through continuing education and other learning experiences.

• Participates in committees, conferences, and quality management activities.
• Seeks new learning experiences by accepting challenging opportunities and responsibilities.
• Objectively evaluates suggestions or criticisms and attempts to improve performance or seek further guidance, as needed.
• Attends and actively participates in meetings, committees, in-services, workshops, seminars, and conferences according to job responsibilities and Center requirements.
• Assists with the orientation and training of new personnel and acts as a resource person for patient care problems.

5. Adheres to safety policies and procedures in performing job duties and responsibilities.

• Reports observed or suspected violations, hazards, and noncompliance according to Center policy.
• Observes safety measures in performance of job duties and responsibilities.
• Responds to emergency situations with competence and composure.

6. Interacts appropriately with various age groups.

• Accurately assesses and interprets age-specific patient data.
• Accurately interprets age-specific patient responses to questions and instructions.
• Considers age-specific patient requirements when responding to emergency situations.

7. Performs specified functions to meet the requirements of each procedure approved for the Center.

• Assembles supplies and equipment for scheduled procedures according to physician’s preference card.
• Inspects equipment for proper working condition.

8.  Performs operating room technician functions following prescribed operating/procedure room procedures and principles of aseptic technique.

• Adheres to aseptic technique when opening sterile packages and preparing for procedures.
• Arranges instruments according to routine for the scheduled procedure; confirms that instruments work properly.
• Maintains availability of instruments and supplies to avoid delays.
• Reports observed or suspected breaks in sterile technique and responds according to Center policy.

 9.  Correctly utilizes and cares for supplies and equipment as directed.

• Handles equipment and instruments correctly to provide availability and safety.
• Assists in maintaining adequate supplies in the operating room for immediate access during procedures.
• Assists in work areas by cleaning, storing, packaging, and sterilizing instruments.
• Assists in storing and stocking supplies as directed.
• Maintains and updates instrument cards and surgeon’s preference cards.

10. Responds in a timely manner to meet the needs of the patient and physician. 

• Documents on forms according to Center policy.
• Communicates information about the patient’s status to others responsible for patient care.
• Accurately comprehends and interprets verbal orders and direction.

11.  Performs other duties as directed by the OR Supervisor or Administrator.