SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST

Surgical Technologist

Under the general supervision of the Nurse Manager, Surgery Department, and the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Surgical Technologist is responsible for providing surgical scrub on minor and major surgical procedures, inclusive of endoscopy procedure, dependent on individual competencies.

Essential Functions:

• Cleans, organizes and sterilizes instruments and equipments required to meet and address the age-related needs of patient groups served, including pediatric, adolescents, adult and geriatrics. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care, based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety and related criteria, in his/her assigned service area. Applies basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology required to assist in surgical procedures in the operating room.
• Understands and maintains aseptic technique, and proper cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing technique as identified in departmental policies and procedures. Identifies any break in technique, immediately verbalizing and correcting the problems. Utilizes safety precautions in the cleaning and sanitation of all equipment and supplies used in Surgery and ensures adherence to all guidelines regarding the safe use of cleaning products. Knowledge in sterilization process of all equipments and gadgets.
• Plans and prepares cases, reviewing pertinent literature, surgeon preference cards, manufacturer information, and by collaborating with the other health care team members. Provides assistance to surgeon with efficient scrub skills. Anticipate needs of surgeon. Maintains organized sterile table and mayo stand.
• Understands and assures patient safety initiatives. Participates in site verification process per departmental policy. Performs sponge and sharps counts per departmental policy. Assures all equipment is functioning before use. Handles surgical specimens accurately following departmental policy.
• Operates and maintains specialized instruments, equipment and supplies following departmental policies and/or manufacturer's recommendations. Handles instruments and equipment in proper manner to preserve integrity of instrument. Reports the need for repair to the supervisor or enters maintenance request per protocol. Organizes and stocks instruments, equipments, and supplies utilized in the operating room, including supplies used for the whole department (OP, Endo, PACU).
• Participates in a rotational call system as needed to provide for continuous availability of patient services. Assists in cleaning the operating room in between cases. Orders supplies in a weekly basis, in collaboration with the Nurse Manager. Check outdates monthly. Humidity and temperature logs in OR 1 & 2 daily. Maintains log on flasher, autoclave, and steris use. Helps maintain logbook on endoscopy/surgical procedure and logbook on sterilization process.
• Assists in the scheduling of surgery and endoscopy procedures for both inpatients and outpatients. Ensures that all practitioners requesting to perform procedures have delineated clinical privileges for specific procedure(s). Ensures availability of space, personnel and equipment for requested procedures. Assists in pre-procedure and post-procedure care of inpatients/outpatients undergoing surgical/endoscopic procedures to all nursing personnel involved in their care.
• Ensures that standard precautions and required protective apparel is utilized by all practitioners in the performance of procedures in the department. Assists in housekeeping of the department when needed.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Certification in Operating Room Technology desired. At least one year of general surgery scrub experience or graduate from an accredited surgical technologist training school. Current verification of competency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation for all age groups served. SPD Certified.

Physical Demands:

Physical activity – exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for light to medium work.

Working hazards or risks – routine hazards and risks involved in performing hospital activities, including potential exposure to infectious processes, potential exposure to hazardous substances including radiation during surgical procedures, potential musculoskeletal injuries.

OSHA Blood Borne Risk Category I.