LITTLETON REGIONAL HEALTHCARE

POSITION SUMMARY

JOB TITLE:

Certified Surgical Technologist; CST/CFA

FLSA:

Exempt

Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT:

Surgical Services

GRADE:

SUMMARY AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Following AORN Standards:

Responsible for the delivery of safe, effective and quality patient/family centered care in the operating room. Supports the mission, vision and values of the organization. Works under the direct supervision of the surgeon:

Surgical technologists handle the instruments, supplies and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. Has an understanding of the procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. Remains constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field.

Surgical assistants provide aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. The surgical assistant performs these functions during the operation under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with the hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations.

Primary Responsibilities:

Surgical Technologist:

1. Follows AORN standards
2. Develop and implement plan of care utilizing the following interventions:
   1. Protect the patient from injury caused by chemical, electrical, laser, positioning, thermal sources and extraneous objects.
   2. Perform counts following Hospital policy
   3. Perform interventions necessary to ensure patient's procedure is performed on the correct site and side. Be an active participant in the time-out procedure.
   4. Manage patient specimens in the appropriate manner.
   5. Label and handle medications/solutions appropriately.
   6. Perform interventions to protect the patient from infection.
   7. Sets up sterile table/field with instruments, supplies, equipment and medications/solutions needed for the procedure. Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during procedures. Passes instruments to surgeon during the procedure. Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal cleaning and sterilization.
   8. Assist with room turnover, including cleaning.
   9. Operate laser, as assigned, after orientation and successful completion of post test.
3. Collaborate effectively with other disciplines as appropriate.
4. Participate in quality review and performance improvement projects.
5. Act as a patient advocate - protect patient's rights, dignity and privacy.
6. Use problem and conflict resolution skills to foster effective work relationships with team members.
7. Maintain required competencies. Attend required meeting and educational sessions.

Surgical Assistant:

1. Positioning the patient
   1. The surgeon will convey the exact position that will give the best exposure for the surgical procedure. The surgical assistant will carry out this order. Consideration will be given to the patient's comfort and safety.
   2. Points of pressure shall be padded: elbows, heels, knees, eyes, face and axillary region.
   3. Circulation shall not be impaired, with the exception of the use of a tourniquet.
   4. Nerve damage shall be guarded against
   5. The temperature of the patient should be discussed with the anesthesia provider and methods employed to maintain the desired temperature range
   6. The surgical assistant shall be familiar with common positions related to the surgical procedure and will be able to use the equipment necessary to provide the position
   7. Upon completion of the procedure, the patient shall be evaluated for any possible damage from positioning and will include assessment of the skin. Abnormal conditions will be reported to the surgeon.
2. Providing visualization of the operative site by:
   1. Appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding
   2. Packing with sponges
   3. Digital manipulation of tissue
   4. Suctioning, irrigating or sponging
   5. Manipulation of suture materials
   6. Proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon's view
3. Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis
   1. Permanent
      1. Clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissue
      2. Tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue
      3. Applying hemostatic clips
      4. Placing local hemostatic agents
   2. Temporary
      1. Applying tourniquets after demonstrating awareness of the indication/contraindications for use with knowledge of side effects of extended use.
      2. Applying vessel loops
      3. Applying non-crushing clamps
      4. Applying direct digital pressure
4. Participating in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques as appropriate
5. Using appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes
   1. Utilizing running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or nonabsorbable material
   2. Utilizing subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips
   3. Closing skin with method indicated by surgeon (suture, staples, etc.).
   4. Postoperative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic agent as directed by the surgeon
6. Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings, including the following:
   1. Liquid or spray occlusive materials
   2. Absorbent material affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping
   3. Immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid).
7. Providing assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue
8. After orientation and successful post test, operation of laser when assigned

These standards have been approved by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), American College of Surgeons (ACS), Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology

(ARC/STSA) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

REPORTS TO: Director of Perioperative Services, Clinical Supervisor OR/CS, VP Patient Care Services

SUPERVISES: None

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONTACTS: Medical and Nursing staff, other Hospital departments, and the community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience/Specialized Skills: Two years recent scrubbing/assisting experience in an acute-care facility

Required Education/Course(s)/Training: Graduate of an accredited surgical technician program; graduate of a surgical assisting program accredited through Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology (ARC-ST). Individuals trained in the armed forces of the United States will also be considered.

Preferred Certification/Registration : Certification must be conferred by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Certification within one year of hire or completion of accredited program. Certification must be maintained throughout employment. BCLS upon hire

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to report to hospital within 30 minutes when on call

Physically demanding, high stress environment

Pushing and pulling heavy objects

Able to utilize full range of body motion, including handling and lifting patients

Manual and finger dexterity

Hand/eye coordination

Standing/walking for extensive periods of time

Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds

Corrected vision and hearing to within normal range

Working irregular hours including call hours

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation and repetitive motions