SURGICAL TECHNICIAN - NWSC (FT)

Surgical Technician/Technologist

The Surgical Tech is responsible for assisting the surgical team in providing safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care in the operating room. The Surgical Tech prepares the operating room, instruments, equipment, and supplies for scheduled procedures; establishes and maintains the sterile field; anticipates the needs of the surgeon and surgical team; and performs assigned intraoperative duties in accordance with policies, established standards of care, and demonstrated competency. The Surgical Tech works collaboratively with the Circulating RN, surgeons, anesthesia providers, Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Administrator, and other members of the perioperative team to promote patient safety, aseptic practice, efficient room operations, and continuity of care.

The Surgical Tech is responsible for preparing for scheduled procedures by reviewing surgeon preference cards and pulling required instruments, supplies, implants, equipment, and other items needed for the assigned case. The Surgical Tech prepares and organizes the operating room and establishes the sterile field using appropriate aseptic technique and Center procedures. The Surgical Tech arranges instruments, equipment, medications, solutions, and supplies on the sterile field as appropriate for the assigned procedure and within established responsibilities. The Surgical Tech maintains sterile-field integrity throughout the procedure and immediately identifies and communicates contamination or breaks in aseptic technique. The Surgical Tech anticipates the needs of the surgeon and surgical team and safely passes instruments, supplies, sutures, and other items during the procedure. The Surgical Tech participates in required surgical counts with the Circulating RN in accordance with policy and immediately communicates count discrepancies. The Surgical Tech handles specimens on the sterile field appropriately and transfers specimens to the Circulating RN according to established procedures. The Surgical Tech assists with the proper handling, preparation, and documentation of implants and implantable devices, as assigned. The Surgical Tech assists with patient positioning, preparation, draping, and other perioperative activities as directed and within demonstrated competency. The Surgical Tech maintains awareness of sharps safety and accounts for instruments, needles, blades, and other items used within the sterile field. The Surgical Tech prepares used instruments and supplies for safe transport to the decontamination area following completion of the procedure. The Surgical Tech assists with cleaning, disinfection, decontamination, assembly, and sterilization of instruments, equipment, and supplies when assigned, appropriately trained, and competency validated. The Surgical Tech assists with operating room turnover, cleaning, restocking, and preparation for subsequent procedures in accordance with Center processes. The Surgical Tech inspects instruments and equipment for cleanliness, integrity, and proper function and promptly reports damaged, missing, or malfunctioning items. The Surgical Tech follows established infection-prevention, bloodborne-pathogen, hazardous-material, sharps-safety, waste-handling, and personal protective equipment requirements. The Surgical Tech protects patient rights, privacy, dignity, and confidentiality and maintains the confidentiality of Center information.