Surgical Technologist III

Surgical Technologist III

Surgical technologists (ST) are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the medical team who assist in the preparation and care of the surgical patient within the operating room. The ST collaborates with nursing, anesthesia, and other surgical personnel to facilitate a safe and sterile environment. Surgical Technologists possess the theory and application of the principles of aseptic and sterile technique to combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation of tools and technology to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Surgical Technologist III's demonstrate a high level of critical thinking and problem-solving skills and serve as a clinical resource person to staff and surgeons. Surgical Technologist IIIs must have acquired the necessary knowledge, judgment, and skills specific to the expanded role of the Surgical Technologist I and Surgical Technologist II.

Education

Successful completion of a CAAHP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited training program for Operating Room Technicians. An emphasis will have been placed upon the student to complete basic, intermediate, and advanced procedures in all clinical specialties.

NBSTSA or NCCT Certified as a Surgical Technologist.

Experience

Minimum of 3 years' experience as a surgical technologist

GOR/WOSC: Demonstrated proficiency and demonstrated proficiency as a surgical technician in at least 3 or more surgical service areas.

L & D: Proficient in all cases performed in L & D

Skills

• Analytical skills necessary to organize and prepare, operating room according to standard methods and guides.
• Independently scrubs majority of procedures throughout the surgical specialties and possess an advanced knowledge of instrumentation and supplies
• Establishes and maintains appropriate sterile technique during surgical procedures
• Demonstrates safe instrument passing and accurate counts according to hospital policy
• Serve as a role model and preceptor to all newly hired Surgical Technologists and students
• Ability to critically think, anticipate the needs of, and expertly problem solve the needs of the surgical team and patients
• Ability to work in a fast paced and stressful environment where incumbents need to be able to respond rapidly and efficiently to request/needs of surgical team, as well as to changes in the O.R. schedule and nursing units' requests.
• Have professional and effective communication skills to collaborate with the surgical team.
• Ability to concentrate and pay attention to detail in performing technical tasks and anticipating surgical needs.
• Advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, surgical interventions, surgical techniques and surgical hazards relative to operative procedures
• Proficient in computer and application software.

Licensures, Certifications

• Heart saver or BLS CPR Certification
• NBSTSA or NCCT Certified Surgical Technologist

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares operating room by selecting and opening sterile supplies according to procedure and physician preference card.
• Ensures all sterile equipment and instruments are in good working order prior to the start if the case
• Pass instruments and provides sterile items to surgeons and assistants during procedures, holds retractor devices always observing sterile technique and respond to surgeons' needs during a variety of surgeries ranging from routine to the most complex
• Checks, mixes, and distributes appropriate fluids and drugs on the sterile field. Connects drains and tubing
• Performs surgical counts in accordance with policy and procedure. Aware of and follows AORN Standards and Surgical Services policies & procedures
• Sponges or suctions operative site, cuts suture material as directed by surgeon. Assists with application of sterile dressing of operative site following closure.
• Receive surgical specimens and pass them from the sterile field to the circulating nurse as soon as possible & correctly identify specimens.
• Assist with turnover of operating room in an effective manner.
• Supports PEM service line team leaders and surgical posting department
• Cleans and reassembles instruments and properly delivers them to the decontamination area. Assures the working order of delicate instrumentation.
• Assists in wrapping sterile items for sterilization when necessary.
• Obtains stock and supplies for operating room.
• Returns equipment to proper location(s).
• Assembles case carts for next working day as needed.
• Assists in transporting patients and securing equipment from other departments as needed.

Quality/Best Practices

• The Surgical Technologist III acts as a leader or participates in quality improvement process. Actively identifies variances and explores alternatives to care or practice.
• Evaluates staff on practice delivery and recommends additional education if needed.
• Assists with implementation of practice initiatives.
• Assist with unit-based audits as needed and help improve unit compliance through education.
• Assist with unit-based education as needed. Assist PEM nurses in maintaining surgeon preference cards.

Professional Development

Ensures improvements in practice settings by assuming responsibility for self-development in life-long learning. Provides direction and guidance to others regarding practice, serves as a resource, preceptor, and mentor. Leadership skills demonstrated in decision making and problem solving.

Clinical and Technical Skill

Demonstrates knowledge of procedures to which assigned.

• Participates in clinical decision making and modifies techniques based on clinical findings.
• Identifies normal and abnormal anatomy. Anticipates the needs of surgeon steps in surgical procedure.
• Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates patient care needs.

Communicates relevant data to team members

• Discusses procedures and special techniques to be implemented during surgery.
• Identifies any unusual instrumentation required
• Collaborates with the surgical team members to plan perioperative patient care.

Analyzes critical situations and initiates appropriate corrective or preventative action

• Applies principles of aseptic technique and reports any variances to nurse leaders, also conducting reeducation to peers. Identifies and reports safety hazards.
• Support peers in entering STAR reports for these events.
• Monitors changes in patient's condition and reports concerns to appropriate team members.
• Prioritizes calmly and efficiently in emergency situations

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk almost constantly up to ninety (90) percent of work time along with frequent lifting and positioning patient, heavy instruments and equipment.
• Manual dexterity and visual ability necessary to grasp and hold retractors and delicate surgical instruments and supplies.

Working Conditions

Works in surgical suites with exposure to anesthesia gases, lasers and surgical plume, radiation, chemicals, blood and body fluids, cleaning solutions, surgical brushes and soap. Has access to medication/clean supply areas including, but not limited to IV solutions, needles, syringes for the purpose of obtaining and restocking linen and / or supplies or cleaning.

Conditions of Employment

• Maintains current CPR certification
• Must maintain own individual record for proper completion/accrual of Continuing Education Credits based on National expectations

GBMC Values

Value Description

Respect

I will treat everyone with courtesy. I will foster a healing environment.

• Treats others with fairness, kindness, and respect for personal dignity and privacy
• Listens and responds appropriately to others' needs, feelings, and capabilities

Excellence

I will strive for superior performance in every aspect of my work. I will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others.

• Meets and/or exceeds customer expectations
• Actively pursues learning and self-development
• Pays attention to detail; follows through

Accountability

I will be professional in the way I act, look and speak. I will take ownership to solve problems.