Surgical Technologist

Surgical Technologist

Under the direction from nursing personnel and physician providers, the Surgical Scrub Technician performs direct patient care activities; assisting in patient preparation for surgery/procedure; performs tasks related to the procedure; and assists in maintaining a clean, organized and prepared work environment. Will have a working knowledge of all operating/procedure room equipment, including emergency equipment used in Code situations. Will maintain a working knowledge of surgical instruments used by the surgeons in the center, along with the care, maintenance and knowledge of various sterilization techniques used in the processing of the instrumentation.

Philosophy

Supports the facility's ideology, mission, goals, and objectives

Performs in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures

Follows the facility's standards for ethical business conduct

Conducts self in a professional manner, and as a positive role model and team member

Recognizes patients' rights and responsibilities and supports them in performance of job duties

Respects patients' right to privacy, dignity, and confidentiality

Participates in facility committees, meetings, in-services, inventory and activities

Maintains professional relationships with management and medical staff

Communication

Communicates effectively and professionally with patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers

Interacts with others in a positive, respectful, and considerate manner

Displays the ability to comprehend and interpret verbal orders and direction

Displays skill in oral and written communication techniques

Financial practices

Uses facility resources appropriately and avoids wasteful practices

Reports wasteful practices

Analyzes work area and makes recommendations for potential cost-effective improvements

Compliance program

Contributes to the progress and development of the organization's adopted compliance program

Performs according to established compliance policies and procedures

Performance-improvement program

Contributes to the progress and development of the organization's adopted performance-improvement program

Performs according to established performance-improvement policies and procedures

Safety/risk-management program

Adheres to safety policies and procedures in performing job duties and responsibilities

Reports observed or suspected safety violations, hazards, and policy/procedure noncompliance to the safety officer or other designated person

Professional competence

Participates in continuing education and other learning experiences

Shares knowledge gained in continuing education with staff

Maintains membership in relevant professional organizations

Seeks new learning experiences by accepting challenging opportunities and responsibilities

Welcomes suggestions and recommendations

Duties

Performs specified functions to meet the requirements of each approved procedure

Assembles supplies and equipment for scheduled procedures according to physicians' preference cards

Inspects equipment for proper working condition

Follows principles of aseptic technique and prescribed operating/procedure room procedures

Adheres to aseptic technique when opening sterile packages and preparing for the procedure

Arranges instruments according to given procedure

Confirms that instruments work properly

Maintains availability of instruments and supplies to avoid delays

Reports observed or suspected breaks in sterile technique and takes action according to policy

Correctly uses, cares for, cleans, and sterilizes instruments, supplies, and equipment as directed

Handles equipment and instruments correctly to provide appropriate availability and safety

Assists in maintaining adequate supplies in the operating room for immediate access during procedure

Assists in storing and stocking supplies as directed

Maintains and updates instrument cards and surgeons' preference cards

Responds in a timely manner to meet the needs of the patient and physician

Accurately advises others responsible for care of the patient about the patient's status

Qualifications

Cooperative work attitude toward co-employees, management, patients, visitors, and physicians

Ability to promote favorable facility image with physicians, patients, insurance companies, and general public

Ability to make decisions and solve problems

Requirements

Graduate from Surgical Technology program from an accredited school

Operating room experience

CPR / AED and First Aid

Certification in Surgical Technology

Preferred

Two years of previous operating room experience

Job quality requirements

Accuracy

Attention to detail

Timeliness

Organization

Little supervision needed to accomplish tasks

Dependability

Attendance

Punctuality

Ability to follow instructions

Ability to meet deadlines

Physical/mental requirements

Ability to sit/stand for long periods; ability to walk

Capability for occasional overhead and low reaching

Physical strength for equipment needs and patient-care activities

Visual and auditory acuity for timely response and patient-care assessment activities

Ability to move quickly in response to patient needs

Ability to make frequent judgments and respond to routine problems

Ability to make occasional judgments and respond to disasters or emergencies, actual events, or drills

Working conditions (environmental)

Well lit and ventilated, with non-hazardous and hazardous equipment

Category I: involves occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious body fluids and materials

Reports to: Clinical Director

Contacts

Patients

Patients' family/significant others

Physicians and physician office personnel

Facility personnel

Vendors

Clinical Director