TECHNOLOGIST - SURGICAL

Surgical Technician

Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, the Surgical Technician contributes to Georgia Urology by assisting with the provision of safe and effective clinical care in accordance with a defined scope of practice. Performs necessary duties in scrub role. Takes on greater responsibility in providing patient care demonstrating a higher-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Functions in partnership with licensed staff. Performs patient care duties under the direction of a registered nurse.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate necessary practical, technical, or specialized skill required for the role of the Surgical Technician in accordance with AST (Association of Surgical Technologist).
• Assists in preparing the operative suite for surgery by checking and gathering supplies, equipment, and instruments.
• Ensures availability of adequate supplies, equipment, and instruments for scheduled cases and assists in opening cases in a sterile manner.
• Understands physician preferences and ensures those preferences are adhered to as indicated.
• Ensures that instruments are working properly before and after each case.
• Assists with patient position, skin preparation, and surgical draping according to MD's protocols.
• Conscientiously observes and report any breaks in sterile technique to attending MD and RN.
• Ensures that surgical asepsis is maintained in the handling of instruments, sponges, needles, etc.
• Ensure accurate instrument and equipment counts are completed prior to patient leaving the ASC.
• Remove drapes at the completion of procedure and assist with preparing patient for transfer to PACU.
• Facilitates effective and efficient transition between surgical procedures.
• Assists in the turnover of the surgery room between cases; disposing of trash and linens, and cleaning of equipment and environmental surfaces, as required.
• Utilizes appropriate body mechanics in moving patients, stretchers, and/or tables and other equipment to prevent injury to patient and self.
• Participates in detailed time out process and ensures it is done according to GU policy.
• Assists in the maintenance and care of specimens
• Utilizes appropriate body mechanics in moving patients, stretchers, and OR tables and other equipment to prevent injury to patient and self.
• Recognizes emergency situations and responds effectively.
• Remains aware of safety precautions required to minimize the possibility of patient injuries
• Handles instruments and supplies during and after procedure to minimize injury to self and others.
• Demonstrates knowledge related to maintenance, cleanliness, and sterilization of instruments and equipment. Maintains a sanitary environment for the provision of patient care.
• Appropriately handles the disposal of biohazardous materials.
• Restocks area daily, using appropriate par levels and daily stock sheets.
• Checks for outdated sterile supplies and instruments and assists with reprocessing as needed.
• Prepares procedure room for use the following day by bringing in equipment, setting up, "pulling cases" accurately.
• Functions independently according to job responsibilities and within scope of practice utilizing current standards of care.
• Takes personal initiative to maintain current BCLS.
• Uses facility resources appropriately and avoids wasteful practices.
• Attends all mandatory in-services, staff meetings, and participates in emergency drills.
• Completes annual competency and other required education as assigned.
• Maintains confidentiality of records and patient information at all times

Other Duties & Responsibilities:

• Sterile Field Techniques- Responsible for opening and setting up surgery tray and sterile supplies.
• Autoclave/Instrument Cleaning- Responsible for washing and packing instruments. Autoclave cleaning and documentation of sterilization process
• C-ARM Fluoroscopy- Responsible for running c-arm during procedure.
• Prepping-Prep patients prior to procedure by disinfecting area intended for surgical procedure using sterile technique. Be prepared for all cases at the scheduled time.
• Quality-Maintain sterile field during surgical procedures and expedite OR room turnover.
• Infection Control- Remove linens and trash to appropriate disposal area. Clean bed, tables and other oiled areas between cases.
• Inventory-Ensure accurate count of each instrument 100% of the time.
• Equipment Maintenance- Regularly inspects equipment to ensure it is in proper working order. Initiate requisitions for repair of equipment, when needed.

Behavioral Specific Expectations:

• Adheres to Georgia Urology's Code of Conduct and HIPAA requirements.
• Interacts with patients, fellow employees, physicians, and other stakeholders in a manner which encourages quality patient care, harmonious working relationships, positive customer relations, and enhances the image and reputation of the center.
• Demonstrates dependability and accountability.
• Demonstrates a willingness to help others.
• Maintains a professional image through proper attire, language, and conduct.
• Keeps management informed of any malfunctions in instruments, equipment, and supplies.

Requirements

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Maintains current knowledge of surgical procedures and techniques.
• Ability to identify and select instruments and equipment necessary for surgical procedures and appropriately interpret information on preference cards.
• Knowledge of current practice related to hand hygiene, and sterile technique.
• Knowledge of current practice of decontamination, high level disinfectant, aseptic,
• and sterilization procedures.
• Demonstrates attention to detail by ensuring that all documentation is legible, complete, and accurate.
• Observes patient for symptoms which may indicate a change in condition; reports significant observations to the appropriate member of the medical team for immediate attention.
• Knowledge of organizational policies, procedures, systems, and objectives.
• Has knowledge of patient rights and strives to improve patient outcomes by respecting each patient's cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual values.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory, compliance, and accreditation standards and requirements.
• Possesses critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrates a willingness to listen to others and expresses respect for differing opinions.
• Demonstrates leadership, effective organizing, and planning skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills to include data analysis and judgment to make effective decisions.
• High Impact Communication - Effective oral and written communication skills
• Computer Skills - Knowledge and basic use of computer skills.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality at all times.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program required
• One year experience in Ambulatory Surgical Center preferred

CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:

• Valid BCLS Certification upon employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work hours may vary based on patient care needs;
• Ability to sit/stand for long periods of time, ability to walk, bend, stoop, and stretch;
• Capability for overhead and low reaching activities;
• Requires coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, and occasional use of other office equipment;
• Requires normal range of hearing/eyesight/voice projection to record, prepare, and communicate appropriately;
• Physical strength for equipment needs and patient care activities; may require frequent lifting/moving up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting/moving in excess of 50 pounds;
• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations, high stress/pressure, handles emergency or crisis situations, regular interaction with emotional patients and/or family members;

Driving Requirements: State of Georgia Driver's License and reliable transportation is required.

Special Requirements:

Physical Demands: This position requires a substantial amount of standing, sitting and working at a computer station throughout the day.

Work Environment: Must be flexible and available to work at different locations.