Surgical Technologist

Description

Job Summary

Assist the surgeon during operative and invasive procedures. Ensure operating suite is adequately prepared for procedure. Maintain appropriate levels of all surgical instruments and supplies. Responsible for decontaminating, cleaning, processing, and sterilizing instruments and equipment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities – Pre-Operative Phase

Procedures

• Adapt procedures to meet individual needs of pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients

Room Preparation

• Prepare room in a timely manner with all anticipated instruments, sutures, supplies, and equipment for each individual case
• Utilize surgeon preference cards and update as needed

Equipment

• Check all equipment/instruments needed prior to each procedure to ensure proper functioning

Aseptic Technique

• Follow aseptic technique when opening sterile supplies, setting up procedures, and during procedures

Procedure Preparation

• Set up, scrub, and prepare for procedures in a time frame which does not delay case start

Assisting

• Assist in positioning of patients for surgical procedures

Essential Duties and Responsibilities – Intra-Operative Phase

Instrument Table

• Maintain an orderly and sterile instrument table for the purpose of efficiency

Surgical Procedure Knowledge

• Demonstrate knowledge of step-by-step progress of specific surgical procedures, including instruments and/or trays needed for each procedure

Operating Room Counts

• Complete operating room counts accurately; follow proper procedure in the event of incorrect count, report all discrepancies to circulating nurse and correct immediately

Surgical Specimens

• Handle surgical specimens and bodily fluids properly

Judgment

• Make decisions reflecting knowledge of facts and good judgment

Transfer Patient

• Transfers patient safely, e.g. lock transport vehicle wheels, secure IV lines, catheters, pain pumps, suction devices, protect patient's extremities during transfer, and use transfer devices as appropriate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities – Post-Operative Phase

Postoperative Room Preparation

• Clean and prepare rooms between procedures and after last case; restock supplies and organize effectively for end-of-case clean up

Postoperative Instruments

• Responsible for care of instruments/equipment during intra/postoperative phase, including cleaning and processing of instruments

Essential Duties and Responsibilities – Central Sterile

Sterilization Methods/Testing/Inspections

• Differentiate sterilization methods required for specific instruments and equipment; appropriate validation and spore testing with records computed per policy; visual inspection of sterilizations for visible signs of malfunction; report to manager 
• Load and operate all sterilizers (steam) and complete all appropriate documentation records as needed

Instrument Procedure Trays/Peel Packs

• Assemble all instrument procedure trays and/or packs following prescribed manner using content lists as a guide
• Clean, prepare, and wrap package instruments correctly according to policy. (Autoclave loads)

Event-Related Sterilization

• Understand and utilize event-related sterilization

Information Processing

Language Use Skills

• Skill in language use, including reading and comprehending instructions, short correspondence, and memos, constructing correspondence, and presenting information in one-on-one, small group situations, in person and electronically

Computer Use

• Use computer to perform department functions, i.e. forms, data entry, e-mail

Interpersonal Skills

Professional Image

• Follow dress code  
• Project a pleasant and professional image per company policy  
• Wear identification while on duty 
• Come to work projecting an attitude that welcomes patients  
• Communicate name and role to patient

Flexibility/Stressful Situation

• Respond with flexibility to changing workload and/or assignments  
• Stay organized and function under stressful situations

Working Relationships

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, co-workers, and the public, that harbor a friendly, yet professional interaction 
• Demonstrate willingness to readily interact with other staff members and department leaders

Initiative

• Exhibit initiative and self-directed behavior
• Accept responsibility for own professional growth and personal conduct by seeking knowledge in work specific areas, taking advantage of opportunities at work to observe and volunteer

Independence

• Ability to work independently, make decisions, and solve problems

Mentor/Preceptor

• Act as a mentor/preceptor to students and new employees.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as directed/required, to ensure efficient operations of Premier Bone & Joint Centers

Adherence to Facility/Departmental Policy

Confidentiality

• Observe confidentiality of information in regards to patients, physicians, and fellow employees; ability to maintain confidentiality under HIPAA standards

Attendance/Punctuality

• Maintain a good attendance record and arrive to work punctually  
• Utilize established time clock system appropriately

Overtime

• Able to substantiate overtime, minimize overtime and adjust hours as needed

Cell Phone Use

• Cell phone may be used for business purposes only  
• Utilize cell phone for personal use only during breaks or meal periods out of the public eye

Care of Environment, Equipment, & Supplies

Clean, Neat, Safe Environment

• Maintain a clean, neat, and safe environment for patients and staff, including personal work areas

Office Equipment Skills/Malfunctioning Equipment

• Utilizing correct/safe technique when using equipment and notify manager of malfunctioning equipment

Requirements

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent - Required

Certification & Licensure

• Certification of Completion - Graduate of Surgical Technology Program, or On the Job Training - Required
• Certificate - Current BLS (Must be through the American Heart Association) - Required
• Completion - Orientation Packet and Competency Skills Checklist Within 90 Days of Employment - Required

Experience

• 1 Year Operating Room Experience - Preferred

Physical Requirements

• Seeing - Must be able to visually evaluate the patient’s status - Constant
• Hearing - Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with physicians, co-workers, and patients, as well as to receive instruction from physicians and/or supervisor - Constant
• Speaking - Must be able to verbally communicate with physicians, co-workers, and patients, and to give instructions to patients and/or employees under supervision - Constant
• Grasping - Must be able to maneuver and handle surgical equipment and perform duties requiring fine motor skills - Constant
• Standing - Must be able to stand in place for long periods of time - Constant
• Sitting - Frequently

Weight Demands

• Lifting - Must be able to lift at least 75 pounds - Occasionally
• Pushing/Pulling - Must be able to maneuver and position equipment and patients - Frequently

Working Conditions

Environmental Hazards 

• The fast-paced environment may lead to increased levels of personal stress and demand high mental acuity.

Physical Hazards

• Physical harm is possible when performing physical requirements, as listed above.  
• Exposure to communicable disease, bodily fluids, and/or toxic substances is possible and can be physically harmful.

Unique Work Schedule/Travel 

• May be required to work after hours, on weekends, or holidays.  
• May be required to provide services outside the clinical setting (i.e. at University or High School athletic events), or travel to offices throughout the state.

Employee Statement of Understanding

I have read and understand the job description for my position. I am able to perform all of the essential functions of this position.

I agree to comply with the corporate compliance policy and all laws, rules, regulations and standards of conduct related to my position. As an employee, I understand my duty to report any suspected violations of the law or the standards of conduct to my immediate supervisor.

As an employee, I will strive to uphold the mission and vision of the organization. All employees are required to adhere to the values in all their interactions with patients, customers, and fellow employees.

Note: This description is intended to describe the general job duties and employment requirements for adequate job performance, and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive report. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned at the discretion of the employees’ supervisor.