Surgical Technologist

Job Summary The Surgical Technologist 2 works during surgery to speed up procedures, under a Registered Nurse's supervision. This position helps the surgical team by using equipment and tools to ensure a safe operating room and that equipment is available and working properly. Essential Functions of the Role Discuss any special needs with the surgeon before surgery. Scrub into surgery in time to prepare instruments before the surgeon scrubs in. Prepares the operative site by aseptically cleaning and patient clipping, as needed. Prepare and maintain the instrument table in an organized way. This avoids damage and incorrect instrument counts. Identify damaged or incomplete trays. Rectify discrepancies immediately or contact those who can help to avoid delays or injury. Sets up the operating room based on surgical procedure schedules. Arranges sterile setup of instrument table supplies and equipment for the specific procedure. Carefully selects and opens only needed supplies. Ensures the proper functioning of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies during surgical procedures. Performs surgical counts of sponges, sharps, instruments, and miscellaneous items, according to established policies and procedures. Anticipates the needs of the surgeon and surgical team staff. Passes sterile supplies and equipment to surgeons and assistants. Holds retractor devices and responds to the surgical team's needs during surgery. Assists the surgical team with draping and positioning the patient. Receive surgical specimens following protocol. Pass the specimens off the sterile field to the circulating nurse, verifying the source. Assists with placement of surgical dressings to operative site following surgical case completion. Disassembles surgical instruments at the end of the procedure. Recycles as needed. Disposes of sharps, fluids, and waste properly. Prepares soiled instrumentation for proper transportation to decontamination area. Ensures the cleaning, decontamination, sterilization, maintenance, and preparation of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies for distribution. Cleans the operating room following each case, and returns equipment to appropriate storage areas. Follows infection control policies, AORN Guidelines, OSHA guidelines, and other regulations to ensure a safe work environment for self, coworkers, and patients. Ensures proper orientation and knowledge of all equipment and instrumentation prior to patient use. Maintains inventory of clean and sterilized surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies. Follows established policies, procedures, and regulatory standards. Collaborates to control inventory maintenance. Orders supplies, documents equipment use, and maintains records and files. Key Success Factors Knowledge of infection prevention and regulatory sterilization standards. Knowledge of the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique. Knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures and implementation tools and technologies to assist surgeons with invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Good verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills to interact with surgical and central sterile processing team members. Occasional exposure to chemical and radiation hazards. Successful completion of: A Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited or other nationally accredited surgical technologist program. Additionally, holds and maintains certification as a (CST) surgical technologist by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the National Center for Proficiency Testing or their successor. Complete a formal surgical technology training program in the U.S. military or Public Health Service Commissioner. Was employed to practice surgical technology in a health care facility before September 1, 2009 Qualifications EDUCATION - Grad of an Accredited Program EXPERIENCE - Less than 1 Year of Experience CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS or BLS within 30 days of hire or transfer. Cert Surgical Technologist (CST): If candidate completed military/Public Health Service ST training or worked as an ST before 9/1/2009 ? HS/GED is sufficient. Otherwise, candidate must have both GAP (accredited ST program) and current CST (NBSTSA or NCCT). #J-18808-Ljbffr