Surgical Technician

Surgical TechnologistThe Surgical Technologist is responsible for assisting in nursing care and surgical services under the Registered Nurse's supervision. Activities are based on accepted standards of the Operating Room practice and are performed within the scope of education, training, and experience. The Surgical Technician will work to provide excellent care to patients of all ages, from adolescents to geriatrics.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesOperating Room PreparationReview the Operating Room schedule to obtain as much patient information as possibleCheck doctor's preference card; check surgeon's preference list for special needs and keep preference list currentAssist in collecting necessary and anticipated instruments, supplies, and equipment for each procedureOpen only those items required for the case; leave "hold" items unopened but readily accessibleMaintain adequate supplies and equipment assuring the OR is properly prepared prior to each caseScrub and assess set-up prior to patient entering the surgical suiteRestock surgical suites to predetermined par levels by end of shiftIntraoperative ResponsibilitiesAnticipate, identify, prepare, and correctly pass surgical instruments to the surgeonMaintain pace to keep the surgery on scheduleConnect, test, and perform safety checks on all electrical surgical equipment and monitorsDecrease procedure time by demonstrating exemplary organization techniquesAssist in patient positioning as neededAssist in the turnover of the OR in preparation for the next caseClean and mop Operating Rooms between cases to aid in turnover timeDeep clean assigned ORs and close down OR at end of shiftPerform surgical hand scrub in accordance with established policyAdhere to policy on material counts and instrument countsHandle specimens properly and according to hospital policyWork collaboratively with the Registered Nurse regarding patient care needsAseptic & Sterile TechniquePractice optimal aseptic techniques including proper attire, PPE, handwashing, isolation techniques, and limiting conversationEnsure optimal sterility by wiping down surfaces, inspecting sterile items, maintaining sterile awareness, and discarding questionable itemsKeep instruments free of gross soil during surgical proceduresInstrument Handling & ProcessingArrange dirty instruments appropriately in mesh bottom trays before transportOpen instrument box locks and/or stringsDisassemble instruments with removable partsPosition scissors and lightweight instruments on topPosition heavy retractors in the bottom of traySeparate reusable sharp instruments from general instrumentationDecontaminate, dry, and store scopes and cameras properlyClean equipment with approved hospital solution before and after usePull/remove and report broken or dull instrumentsDemonstrate competency in processing instruments using prevac/gravity sterilization and Steris System OneDemonstrate competency in cleaning reusable itemsRestock supplies and notify appropriate personnel of shortagesOperate washer/disinfector correctlyDetermine appropriate care methods for instruments including removal of protein and corrosionAccurately log items received in the DECON AreaClean/decontaminate fiber optic endoscopeSet up suctions for proper cleaning per protocolReport and document missing or broken tray itemsMeet quality assurance needs by adhering to sterilization record policiesSterilization CompetenciesPerform and read sterilization test results including Bowie-Dick, biological indicators, chemical indicators, and incubator cleaningUtilize proper loading techniques for sterilizersExplain functional operation of sterilizers including cycle, temperature, time, drying, and door operationShut down and clean sterilizer according to instructionsChange and date charts daily; read charts to check sterilizer functioningProfessional ResponsibilitiesAttend required orientations, staff meetings, and in-servicesDemonstrate commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient careReporting StructureReports to: Nurse Manager, Charge Nurse, and CirculatorSupervises: NoneQualificationsEducationMinimum Required: High school diploma and successful completion of an accredited Surgical Technology programPreferred: Not applicableExperienceOne (1) or more years in an inpatient hospital setting preferredCertifications & LicensureCertification by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting preferredMust hold an active, unexpired BLS certificationMust be licensed by the Board of Medicine in the Commonwealth of Virginia to practice as a Surgical Technologist or Certified Surgical TechnologistBasic Life SavingSurgical TechnologistEqual Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.