Surgical Technologist

Position Summary:

                        Assists in the organization and daily function of the operating room in accordance with established federal, state and accreditation standards and facility policies and procedures.  Assists the nurses and physicians in delivering the highest standard of patient care available.

Minimum Requirements:

§  Education/Experience/Licenses/Certificates/Eligibility: High School diploma or GED. Operating room experience required. Two (2) years of hospital main operating room experience or Cath Lab desired. Current BLS certification required. Certification as a surgical technician or proof of equivalent training.

§  Eligibility: All employees must be able to provide proof of their identity and their right to work in the United States.

Skills/Knowledge/Ability:

• Interpersonal: Effective communication skills; oral and written. Demonstrates a positive, friendly and courteous manner. Serves as a role model to other staff members. Demonstrates the ability to work well with other employees.

• Critical Thinking: Ability to organize equipment, instruments and supplies for cases according to patient needs and physician preference cards. Ability to adhere to the work schedule and manage time appropriately. Assumes responsibility for competency and takes initiative for professional development and continuing education. Ability to handle stress associated with prioritizing multiple tasks. Above average organization skills.

• Knowledge:   Working knowledge and experience in a hospital, operating room or ambulatory surgery center. Ability to anticipate the needs of the physician and has equipment, instrumentation, medical gases and supplies readily available for all procedures. Ability to scrub all types of cases preferred. Ensures that an adequate amount of in-house supplies and medical gases are available in accordance with weekly caseload. Willingness to assume additional assignments on an as needed basis.

• Machines, Equipment, Work Aides:  Telephone and fax. Standard surgical instruments, equipment, machinery and medical supplies. Instrument disinfecting machines and chemicals. Medical gas canisters.

• Work Environment:  Occasional overtime. Must handle stress in meeting time demands.

• Physical Demands/Work Environment:  See Physical Demand Analysis form for information specific to this position.
  Essential Competencies / Performance Expectations:

• Technical Skills
  • Capable of trouble shooting equipment problems.
  • Verbalizes knowledge of risks and complications.
  • Reports malfunctioning equipment to appropriate personnel.
  • Demonstrates awareness of protocol for malfunctioning equipment and repair.
  • Anticipates the need for equipment and supplies based on surgeon preference.
  • Selects equipment and supplies in an organized, cost effective and timely manner.
  • Assures all equipment is functioning before use and removes any malfunctioning equipment.
  • Demonstrates skill in appropriate use of instruments and equipment.
  • Operates mechanical, electrical and air-powered equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions
  • Assures emergency equipment and supplies are available at all times.
  • Keeps surgical suites clean, tidy, free of soiled equipment and supplies, and properly stocked.
  • Follows established policies and procedures for surgical counts.
  • Initiates corrective actions when surgical counts are incorrect.

o   Demonstrates ability to create and maintain a sterile field.

o   Uses principles of aseptic practice in varying situations.

o   Initiates corrective action when breaks in technique occur.

o   Wears appropriate attire in restricted area.

o   Adheres to recommended traffic patterns.

• • Demonstrates knowledge in the safe care and handling of instrumentation.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of sterile processing standards and practices.
  • Assists with inventory management.
  • Assists with OR turnover, and preparation of sterile supplies (e.g. opening, case pulling).

§  Communication

o   Listens respectfully, gives feedback directly, honestly and talks with others to clarify differences.

o   Utilizes translation services when needed.

o   Utilizes appropriate services when needed to communicate with employees and patients with speech and hearing disorders.

o   Effectively communicates and interacts with patients, their family, and other external and internal clients (including fellow employees) from diverse backgrounds.

§         Quality

• • Demonstrates a willingness to look at new ideas and work in a changing environment.
  • Understands, verbalizes and participates in the quality improvement process.
  • Supports initiatives designed to improve individual and organizational performance.
  • Identifies and reports suspected child, spousal/partner, and elder abuse per protocol.