Surgical Tech - Certified Surg Tech

Surgical Technologist 1

The Surgical Technologist 1 functions in the inter-operative phase of patient care to expedite surgical procedures under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse. This position assists the surgical team through the use of equipment and instrumentation to ensure that the operating room environment is safe and that required equipment is available and functioning properly.

Discuss any special needs with the surgeon before surgery and scrub in to surgery in adequate time for proper preparation of instruments before the surgeon scrubs in. Prepare the operative site by aseptically cleaning and patient clipping as needed. Prepare and maintain the instrument table(s) in an organized manner to avoid damage to instrumentation and incorrect needs or instrument counts. Identify damaged or incomplete trays, rectify discrepancies immediately, or contact those who can help to avoid delays or injury. Set up the operating room according to surgical procedure schedules. Arrange sterile setup of instrument table supplies and equipment required for specific procedures, carefully selecting and opening only the needed supplies. Ensure the proper functioning of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies during surgical procedures. Perform surgical counts of sponges, sharps, instruments, and miscellaneous items according to established policies and procedures. Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and surgical team staff. Pass sterile supplies and equipment to surgeons and assistants during procedures. Hold retractor devices and act to anticipate and respond to the surgical team's needs during the course of surgery. Assist the surgical team with draping and positioning the patient. Receive surgical specimens following specimen protocol and pass them off the sterile field to the circulating nurse, verifying the source of the specimen. Assist with placement of surgical dressings to the operative site following the completion of the surgical case. Disassemble surgical instrumentation as indicated at the end of the procedure. Recycle as indicated and appropriately dispose of sharps, fluids, and waste at the end of the surgical procedure. Prepare soiled instrumentation for proper transportation to the decontamination area. Ensure cleaning, decontamination, sterilization, maintenance, and preparation of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies for distribution. Clean the operating room following each case and return equipment to appropriate storage areas. Follow infection control policies and guidelines to ensure a safe work environment for self, coworkers, and patients. Ensure proper orientation and knowledge of all equipment and instrumentation prior to patient use.