Surgical Technologist - Intermediate

Job Description

Under general supervision the intermediate surgical technologist works under the supervision of the registered nurse and medical staff to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and minimally invasive surgical procedures. This individual works to assist that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Registered Nurse to continuously update the nursing plan of care and recommends interventions to meet identified patient goals.
• Remains current in their knowledge of surgical technology
• Assures that all items used are replaced in inventory, charged for and reported to the circulator of the case.
• Working with the circulating nurse and anesthesia personnel, assists in positioning the patient on the operating table, prepares and/or assists in the preparation of the operative site, drapes, or assists in draping the patient, at the request of the surgeon. When necessary, assists the anesthesiologist or anesthetist during administration of anesthetic.
• Under the direction of the surgeon performs such duties as holding retractors, suction, clamping vessels, and applying dressings, etc. Acts as a surgeon's first or second assistant in the absence of the surgeon's first assistant within their realm of practice (except suturing, injecting medications and cutting tissue).
• Evaluates and recommends updates to surgeon preference cards and notifies appropriate personnel of needed changes.
• Upon completion of the surgery, assists in moving the patient off the operating table onto the stretcher and transporting to the recovery room.
• Prepares labels, label drugs and verifies specimens according to protocol and surgeons' preference.
• Uses proper documentation related to sterilization procedures. Signs/verifies initials on instrument count sheet and signs preference list when pulling of case is completed.
• Maintains a working knowledge of emergency protocol in the event of an emergent procedure by ensuring surgical set-ups necessary to manage an emergency.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Ability to follow appropriate Infection Control policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of decontamination, packaging and sterilization of instrumentation and supplies.
• Ability to demonstrate accountability for patient care environment including the reporting of malfunctioning equipment, maintenance of instrumentation and matters of patient safety.
• Knowledge on how to perform assigned patient care tasks under the direction and supervision of a designated Registered Nurse and works under the direction of the surgeon for procedural related tasks.
• Ability to assess and anticipates needed supplies for scheduled and emergent procedures, the need for comfort and safety measures for individual patients and anticipates the needs of the surgeon to expedite the procedure by passing instruments, sponges and sutures.
• Knowledge on how to prepare the operating room according to a particular surgical procedure with the assistance of other personnel in accordance with procedures for disinfection of furniture and equipment.
• Ability to exercise proper sterile technique, opens and arranges sterile field in accordance with accepted protocol for each surgical procedure to be performed, both routine and special procedures.
• Knowledge on how to utilize equipment and supplies efficiently, charges for and assures replacement of medical & surgical supplies. Daily and periodically checks, restocks, and inventories supplies (checks, rotates dated items and reorders supplies as assigned or as needed for surgery and other procedures within their unit)
• Ability to assist in clearing the operating room for the next procedure including appropriate disposal of contaminated linen and waste, cleaning instruments when necessary and disinfecting equipment.
• Ability to participate in counts with the circulating nurse to assure that all counts are correct.
• Ability to serve as a preceptor and a mentor by fostering teaching environment.
  
  

Education

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program
  
  

License And Certification

• CST Certified Surgical Technologist Required upon hire
• BLS Basic Life Support Required upon hire
  
  

Required Skills

Minimum of two (2) years of experience in surgery required.