Open Heart Surgical Technologist

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Open Heart Surgical Technologist functions as a member of the multidisciplinary team providing a safe environment for all age groups of surgical patients; assists the perioperative nurse with patient care; prepares and maintains supplies in the Operating Room (OR); assures that procedure preparations are based on individual patient needs including age specific requirements; and anticipates the needs of the surgeon.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Functions in the scrub role by preparing, organizing and anticipating needed instruments, supplies, and equipment for safe patient care and operative procedure.

3. *Will not first assist with any procedure; will not do any incision closures.

4. *May apply skin staples when skin edges have been approximated by credentialed physician/PA/APRN.

5. *May apply skin sealant and steristrips as part of the dressing after skin has been closed.

6. *Assists the surgeon in performing coronary bypasses and valve procedures.

7. Demonstrates current knowledge of all types of OR procedures.

8. *Defines and practices aseptic technique and infection control principles as they apply to the OR.

9. *Manages supplies, instruments, and equipment appropriately according to procedure.

10. *Assists the nurse in perioperative care of the patient, including transporting, positioning, counting, prepping and safety precautions.

11. *Demonstrates ability to assist the nurse in the care of the patient with conditions including:

Multi-system failure/cardio-thoracis trauma

Acute cardiovascular disease

Acute respiratory failure

Acute neurological insult/injury

Acute renal failure

12. *Delivers medications (drug or biologicals) received in the surgical suite to the appropriate operating room via case cart or medication cart.

13. *Handles and prepares medication for use on the sterile field in the operating room under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and physician.

14. Participates in quality improvement measures to achieve positive patient outcomes; participates and practices safety through active prevention and precautions; assists with various ongoing surgical studies/procedures.

15. Facilitates responsiveness to change, collaborative multidisciplinary team efforts and effective problem solving and critical-thinking skills.

16. Practices communication skills/interpersonal relationships that create a positive climate for interaction with the patient, family, the multi-disciplinary health care team, and students.

17. Coordinates care practices and communicates with other hospital departments as needed.

18. Advances work knowledge by participating in continuing education inservices, reading periodicals/literature and seeking ongoing development opportunities.

19. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of the principles and practice of aseptic technique.

2. Knowledge of procedures, equipment, instruments, and supplies used in the operating room.

3. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

4. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

5. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

6. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment related to changing patient needs including working with patients with acute, chronic and complex disease processes and those who are dying.

7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel, medical staff, volunteer and ancillary departments including diverse patient populations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduate of an approved surgical technology program required. Surgical Technologist Certification desired.

Prior Surgical Tech experience desired.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Current Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT) - Characterized as medium work requiring exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.