Technologist, Surgical

Surgical Technologist

The Surgical Technologist is a member of the surgical team, whose role and responsibility is to work collaboratively with all team members in the safe delivery of patient care before, during, and after surgery. He/she facilitates the operative or other invasive procedure by preparing and providing the required sterile instruments, supplies, and equipment; and maintains the sterile field and anticipates and responds to the needs of the surgical team.

Responsibilities

Promotes the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

Participates in the implementation of the plan of care by:

• Utilizing appropriate surgeon preference cards; anticipating supplies and equipment needed for assigned surgical procedure;
• Assembling surgical supplies and equipment required for the procedure;
• Preparing and organizing sterile supplies and instruments for the procedure;
• Performing accounting procedures in concert with RN circulator, to protect the patient from unintended retained surgical items,
• Assisting with placement of sterile drapes;
• Protecting the patient from injury caused by chemical, electrical, laser, mechanical, and thermal sources and extraneous objects;
• Providing instruments and supplies to the surgical team during the procedure;
• Maintaining an organized surgical field;
• Participating in pre-incision "Time Out" and "Post Procedure "Sign Out" and performing interventions necessary to ensure that the patient's procedure is performed on the correct site, side, and level;
• Assisting with obtaining specimens and ensuring proper labeling, preparation, and handling;
• Appropriately labeling each medication dispensed on the surgical field;
• Ensuring sterility of the field and taking corrective actions as needed;
• Preparing sterile dressing; and
• Providing appropriate hand-off communication to oncoming team member.

Cleans and prepares surgical instruments for processing and transports them to decontamination pickup area.

Assist with post-procedure cleaning operative or other invasive procedure room and preparation of room for other subsequent cases.

Collaborates effectively with other disciplines as appropriate.

Participates in quality review and performance improvement projects.

Uses problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to foster effective work relationships with team members.

Pursues professional growth and participates in a professional organization.

Participate in ongoing educational and competency verification activities applicable to scrub person activities.

Acts as a patient advocate and maintains privacy and confidentiality of all appropriate information.

Ability to read, write, and comprehend medical terminology.

Possesses knowledge of a variety of surgical procedures.

Precepts new and incumbent employees to the scrub role.

Adheres to departmental and organizational policies and procedures.

Complies with annual requirements.

Performs other duties as requested.

Qualifications

Education:

Graduate from an accredited school of surgical technology, or equivalent training as a Surgical Technician in the Armed Forces.

Experience:

Minimum one (1) year perioperative experience required.

Minimum five (5) years' perioperative experience if equivalent training as a Surgical Technician was obtained through the Armed Forces, preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

Critical thinking, math, and basic computer skills.

Able to process requests.

Works as a team player.

Demonstrates respect and professionalism in all interactions.

Excellent oral and communication skills.

Decision making and problem solving.

Able to read, write, see, and hear English.

Licenses, Certifications:

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), through The National Board of Surgical Technologist and Surgical Assistant (NBSTSA). Must obtain certification within one (1) year of graduating from an accredited school of surgical technology.

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Physical Requirements:

Physically demanding, high-stress environment requiring prolonged periods of standing, reaching, walking throughout the working day. Sits occasionally on a hard or cushioned stool.

Position will be required to stoop, bend, lift, and carry items weighing up to 35 pounds for routine performance of essential functions.

An individual in this position may be exposed to: adverse indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, blood borne pathogens, blood and body fluids, physical hazards (e.g., needle pricks, etc.), communicable diseases, chemical hazards, radiation, and repetitive motions.

Full range of body motion, able to lift, push, or pull up to 100 pounds, if necessary, to assist lifting and moving patients.

Manual and finger dexterity, as well as hand and eye coordination.

Corrected vision and hearing to within normal range.

Frequently sitting at desk working on computer.

Ability to flex working hours.