Surgical Technologist| Surgery | Full Time

Surgical Technician

The Surgical Technician facilitates the operative or other invasive procedure by preparing and providing the required surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment. This position maintains the sterile field and anticipates and responds to the needs of the surgical team. The Surgical Technician is responsible for preparing and assembling medical and surgical supplies, instrumentation, and equipment, maintaining the sterile processing areas, and receiving and distributing surgical supplies and equipment. Adheres to AST standards of Practice. Handles the integration of Supply Chain and Surgical Services as it relates to Supplies, Equipment, Ordering and Inventory Control.

Key Responsibilities:

• Functions as a scrub person during operative and other invasive procedures by:
• assembles supplies and equipment required for the procedure;
• prepares and organizes sterile supplies and instruments for the procedure;
• performs accounting procedures in concert with the RN circulator;
• assists with placement of sterile drapes;
• provides instruments and supplies to the surgical team during the procedure;
• maintains an organized sterile field;
• ensures sterility of the field and takes corrective actions as needed; and
• prepares sterile dressings.
• Cleans and prepares surgical instruments for processing and transports them to the decontamination areas.
• Assists with post procedure cleaning of the operative or other invasive procedure room and preparation of room for subsequent patients.
• Follows established protocols for cleaning, decontaminating, preparing and packaging, disinfecting or sterilizing, and storing medical and surgical supplies and equipment.
• Adheres to standard precautions including the use of personal protective equipment.
• Follows safety procedures and manufacturer's instructions when handling cleaning solutions, supplies, and equipment.
• Operates equipment used in the sterile processing areas safety and according to the manufacturer's instructions for use.
• Monitors, interprets, and documents results of physical, chemical, and biological indicators for all types of sterilizers used in the sterile processing areas.
• Prepares and distributes surgical case carts according to physicians preference lists and anticipated needs of the perioperative team.
• Comply with organization policies, regulatory and accreditation standards, and professional guidelines.
• Performs sharps, sponge, and instrument counts with the circulating nurse, according to policy
• Practices proper aseptic techniques.
• Assists circulating nurse with identification and proper care of all specimens, logs specimens into Specimen Log and verifies correct specimens are accounted for.
• Has age specific knowledge and understanding of standard surgical equipment (i.e., tourniquet, spotlight, suction, cautery, etc.)
• Responsible for inventory control in Surgical Services including establishing, maintaining, and evaluating PAR levels.
• Organizes supplies and equipment in an orderly manner to facilitate ease of use, fiscal responsibility, and accountability.
• Establishes and maintains PAR levels and adjusts same based on current use and historical data.
• Participates in orientation of new personnel and students.
• Assumes additional work responsibilities to help meet department needs (i.e., call).
• Follows all hospital and department safety regulations.
• Follows personnel guidelines regarding attendance, punctuality, earned leave, and leaving facility for personal business during scheduled work hours.
• Cooperates with the risk management/nursing Continuous Quality Improvement in preparing reports and follow-up plans.
• Financial Responsibility:
1. Uses supplies economically.
2. Helps with identification of worn or damaged surgical equipment.
3. Establishes computerized inventory system in Surgical Services.
4. Leads department in annual and other inventory audits
5. Assists Director with budget.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Licenses & Certifications:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Graduate of a formal operating room technician training program.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong understanding and application of aseptic techniques, surgical principles, and procedures.
• Proficiency in suturing, tissue handling, and hemostasis techniques.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and infection control practices.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and adapt to fast-paced environments.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary surgical team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Six months' experience in the operating room is recommended.

Physical & Environmental Demands:

• Requires frequent standing, walking, and bending.
• Frequent lifting of instruments, equipment, supplies and patients (up to 40 pounds).
• NOTE: On occasion, individuals may have to lift weights more than 40 pounds.
• Individuals who may lift greater than or equal to 40 pounds will be encouraged to use available back support systems, correct body mechanics and all equipment/personnel available to prevent back injury.
• Occasionally requires working long hours without rest on emergency call.