Surgical Technician

Job Summary : The Surgical Technologists are essential members of the operating room team, highly skilled and experienced professionals. They work under the supervision of a Physician and / or Registered Nurse and are responsible for assisting with surgical procedures, setting up and maintaining a sterile field, and providing patient care. Actively and consistently contributes to department operations and communications, behaves in a manner consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Pipeline Health, upholding standards of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank you) patient communication.

Essential Functions :

• Gathers, checks, and opens supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure.
• Assist with surgical procedures by passing instruments, sponges, and sutures to the surgeon; preparing and maintaining sterile supplies; and draping the patient.
• Performs the surgical scrub, and donning gown and gloves.
• Assists the team members with gowning and gloving.
• Set up and maintain the highest standards of sterile technique and sterile field throughout the surgical procedure to include but not limited to draping, securing tubing, and other sterile accessories.
• Completes the patient skin prep prior to draping.
• Properly identify and handle surgical specimens.
• Performs initial instrument, sharps and sponge counts with the circulator. Anticipate the needs of the operating surgeon and surgical patient and prioritize care interventions accordingly.
• Measures and passes medications, hemostatic agents and irrigation solutions utilized during the surgical procedure. Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon. Sponges or suctions the operative site. Applies electrocautery to clamps or forceps on bleeders. Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon. Coordinates the camera or changes out robotic arms / instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgeon.
• Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization.
• Assists other members of the team with terminal cleaning of room.
• Assists in prepping the operating / surgery room for the next patient.
• Participates in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure quality patient care
• Review the patient’s chart, identifies patient, verifies surgery to be performed with consent forms, and brings the patient to the assigned operating room.
• Assists with transferring patients to the operating room table.
• Monitors the comfort of the patient and provides verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient.
• Assists in maintaining normothermia.
• Assists the anesthesia provider.
• Assists with positioning the patient, using appropriate equipment and anatomical principles to avoid patient injury.
• Applies the electrosurgical grounding pad.
• Assists with applying tourniquets and monitors before the procedure begins.
• Work in compliance with hospital policies and procedures, acceptable standards of practice, and regulatory standards within the scope of practice of a Surgical Technologist.
• Provides patient care throughout the continuum of care.
• Maintains current competencies and updated knowledge in the specific area of practice.
• Keeps accurate records throughout the procedure
• Secures dressings after incision closure.
• Helps transport the patient to the post anesthesia care unit.
• Performs urinary catheterization.
• Updates and keeps accurate records of the surgeon’s preferences.
• Uses clear, concise, professional communication with coworkers, patients, all customers internal and external.
• Uses AIDET in interactions with patients and family members. Utilizes white boards for patient communication.
• Collaborates across disciplines to assist in coordination of patient care, including but not limited to patient transfer, discharge, referrals, and spiritual / psychosocial support needs.
• Acts with a sense of urgency when performing tasks.
• Basic unit / department maintenance such as keeping files, drawers, cabinets free from unnecessary clutter.
• Reports on any equipment and or environmental issues for repair.
• Abides by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations.
• Utilizes SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) when communicating with oncoming shift, physician communication and giving report to ancillary or other nursing services.
• Speaks up to stop the line and escalates potential safety events if necessary.
• Completes and attends monthly training assigned.
• May float to other areas of the hospital as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

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