O.R. Technician - Contract

Surgical Technician

A Surgical Technician is an individual with knowledge and expertise in operating room technology, who is responsible for assisting in the performance of routine and delegated functions under the direct supervision of a Registered Professional Nurse. Responsible To: Clinical Director, Nursing/designee or attending physician or designee. Responsible For: Assisting the Registered Professional Nurse by performing support activities in the operating room as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform "scrub" assignment according to established guidelines:
• Apply principles and practices of asepsis.
• Perform surgical scrub, gowning, and gloving procedure.
• Set up sterile instrument table and prepare supplies according to type of operation.
• Assist in draping of patient and operative area according to need.
• Assist and anticipate needs of surgeon for instruments, sutures, sponges, and supplies according to knowledge of procedural requirements and constant monitoring of progress.
• Observe patient and be ready for emergencies.
• Maintain correct count of sponges, needles, and instruments with the circulating nurse and report correctness of discrepancies according to established policy and procedure.
• Maintain and monitor aseptic technique at all times and institute corrective measures in the event of contamination.
• Assist in care, handling and disposition of specimen according to policy.
• Assist in application of dressings, and in securing drainage systems.
• Assist in moving patient using Perioperative Services approved transfer device.
• Discard soiled materials in appropriate receptacle, places approved instruments for reprocessing in the appropriate reprocessing bin; decontaminate all equipment, instruments, and reusable supplies and clean room as prescribed.
• Assist the Registered Professional Nurse in performing circulating functions according to established guidelines:
• Assemble and make available all necessary supplies according to requirements of the patient and surgical procedure.
• Provide special equipment before, during, and after surgical procedure, as needed.
• Observe and protect patient by correct positioning, application of restraint, strict aseptic practice and maintenance of aseptic environment.
• Position patient; adjust table and accessories, as required for procedure. Follow OSHA and MSH P&P/guidelines by using appropriate PPE in the surgical suite.
• Prepare operative area and assist in draping as directed.
• Assist scrub nurse in maintenance of correct sponge, needle and instrument counts and report discrepancies to the surgical team and charge nurse.
• Complete operative count and related records accurately, legibly following established P&P.
• Observe personnel in the room continuously, control traffic, report and correct breaks in aseptic technique promptly.
• Maintain and care for all specimens as directed to prevent loss or damage.
• Assist in application of dressing, moving of patient and transfer to recovery room as directed.
• Assist in room clean-up and make preparations for next procedure.
• Assist the nurse in preparing medications or solutions to be administered during surgery, within the following limitations:
• Mix medicated solution at the sterile field, only under the direct supervision of the Registered Professional Nurse dispensing the medication.
• Label all medications that are not already labeled, for example medicines in syringes, cups and basins when not for immediate patient use by the original preparer and/or if the medication is to be handed off to another provider for administration.
• Show medication label to person administering the medication.
• Save all medication vials and/or ampoules until patient leaves the room.
• Announce in an audible voice the name, concentration, amount and route of administration of the medication.
• Do not dispense narcotics or control drugs under any circumstances. Have Registered Professional Nurse dispense these drugs to the physician.
• Perform functions to assist in meeting operational needs:
• Assists in transportation of patients to and from the surgical suite as directed.
• Assist CNM by notifying of changes in par levels.
• Assist CNM by notifying any changes in instrumentation or equipment specific to the unit.
• Assist in keeping operating room and sterile storage areas and equipment in organized.
• Assist in updating preference cards as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Ability to read, write, understands and speaks English in a clear and concise manner.
• Visual and aural acuity to assess patients within parameters of job responsibilities.
• Communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide variety of individuals.
• Oriented to consumer satisfaction.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to perform a variety of tasks and skills in area of assignment.
• Demonstrates the following minimum requirements:
• Credential: Certification in Operating Room Technology preferred.
• Experience: Prefer experience in operating room setting.

Work Setting Exposure to a variety of clinical conditions, technologies and environmental settings. NOTE: Per Diem positions - must not work more than 16 shifts in 13 weeks.

Education: High School diploma required. Courses in operating room technology, science, biology and chemistry preferred.

Schedule Notes: Hours Per Day: 9.50 Hours Per Week: 38.