Open Heart Surgical Technologist

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Open Heart Surgical Technologist functions as a member of the multidisciplinary team providing a safe environment for all age groups of surgical patients; assists the perioperative nurse with patient care; prepares and maintains supplies in the Operating Room (OR); assures that procedure preparations are based on individual patient needs including age specific requirements; and anticipates the needs of the surgeon.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.
• *Functions in the scrub role by preparing, organizing and anticipating needed instruments, supplies, and equipment for safe patient care and operative procedure.
• *Will not first assist with any procedure; will not do any incision closures.
• *May apply skin staples when skin edges have been approximated by credentialed physician/PA/APRN.
• *May apply skin sealant and steristrips as part of the dressing after skin has been closed.
• *Assists the surgeon in performing coronary bypasses and valve procedures.
• Demonstrates current knowledge of all types of OR procedures.
• *Defines and practices aseptic technique and infection control principles as they apply to the OR.
• *Manages supplies, instruments, and equipment appropriately according to procedure.
• *Assists the nurse in perioperative care of the patient, including transporting, positioning, counting, prepping and safety precautions.
• *Demonstrates ability to assist the nurse in the care of the patient with conditions including:

Multi-system failure/cardio-thoracis trauma

Acute cardiovascular disease

Acute respiratory failure

Acute neurological insult/injury

Acute renal failure

• *Delivers medications (drug or biologicals) received in the surgical suite to the appropriate operating room via case cart or medication cart.
• *Handles and prepares medication for use on the sterile field in the operating room under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and physician.
• Participates in quality improvement measures to achieve positive patient outcomes; participates and practices safety through active prevention and precautions; assists with various ongoing surgical studies/procedures.
• Facilitates responsiveness to change, collaborative multidisciplinary team efforts and effective problem solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Practices communication skills/interpersonal relationships that create a positive climate for interaction with the patient, family, the multi-disciplinary health care team, and students.
• Coordinates care practices and communicates with other hospital departments as needed.
• Advances work knowledge by participating in continuing education inservices, reading periodicals/literature and seeking ongoing development opportunities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk “*”.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles and practice of aseptic technique.
• Knowledge of procedures, equipment, instruments, and supplies used in the operating room.
• Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.
• Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment related to changing patient needs including working with patients with acute, chronic and complex disease processes and those who are dying.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel, medical staff, volunteer and ancillary departments including diverse patient populations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduate of an approved surgical technology program required. Surgical Technologist Certification desired.

Prior Surgical Tech experience desired.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Current Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT) – Characterized as medium work requiring exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.