Surgical Technician

Description

POSITION SUMMARY
Assists surgeon during operative and invasive procedures.  Assures operating suite is adequately prepared for procedure.  Monitors PAR level of all surgical instruments and supplies.  Cleans and sterilizes all surgical instruments.  Participates in departmental staff meetings and performance improvement activities.

CORE FUNCTIONS

1. Adapts procedures to meet individual needs of pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients for treatment. Anticipates needs of surgeon during intraoperative phase.

2. Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

3. Follows written procedures for steam sterilization; knows responsibilities and the necessity for chemical and biological monitoring. Is fully responsible for care of instruments/equipment during intra/postoperative phase, including cleaning and processing of instruments.

4. Accurately completes operating room counts (instruments, sponges, needles and any other countable items); follows proper procedure in case of incorrect count; reports all discrepancies to circulating nurse and surgeon and/or corrects immediately. Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments/procedures.

5. Regularly collaborates with other members of the nursing team, in order to maintain equipment and supplies for surgical procedures. Sets up, scrubs and prepares for procedures at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled time, unless otherwise directed by Circulating Nurse or Nurse Manager. Prepares room in a timely manner with all anticipated instruments, sutures, supplies and equipment for each individual surgical procedure.

6. Utilizes initiative; strives to maintain steady level of productivity; self-motivated. Organization and management of activities reflects due consideration for the needs of the department.

7. Always maintains an orderly and sterile instrument table for the purpose of efficiency; follows department standard set-up.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENT FACTORS

DP - Typical Direct Patient Care environment:
Able to stand, walk, bend, squat, reach, and stretch frequently.
Possess physical agility and adequate reaction time to respond quickly and appropriately to unexpected patient care needs.
Needs adequate hearing and visual acuity, including adequate color vision.
Requires fine motor skills, adequate eye-hand coordination, and ability to grasp and handle objects.
Able to use proper body mechanics to assist patients in ambulating, transferring in and out of bed, chair or wheelchair.
May be required to lift up to 50 pounds.
Must use standard precautions due to threat of exposure to blood and bodily fluids.
Needs ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on telephone.
May require periodic use of personal computer.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma/GED or equivalent working knowledge.

Requires a current Certified Surgical Technician Certification or must obtain within 6 months of Hire. BLS Certification is required.

Additional certification or continuing education may be required based on area of practice.

Requires a knowledge level typically obtained with one (1) year of OR experience.

Relates throughout the interview process the experience, training and education needed to perform the job.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Additional related education and/or experience preferred.