Surgical Technologist - Outpatient

Position Summary Under the direction of the Nurse Manager, Assistant Nurse Manager or Registered Professional Nurse, the Surgical Technologist - Outpatient handles the instruments, supplies and equipment necessary during ambulatory surgical procedures. The Surgical Technologist - Outpatient understands the procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeons. The Surgical Technologist - Outpatient has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during ambulatory operative procedures and is constantly vigilant with maintaining sterile technique

Essential Functions and Responsibilities Includes the Following:

1. Understands and adheres to the WPH Performance Standards, Policies and Behaviors.
2. Essential functions and responsibilities as per New York Public Health Law 2824 - Surgical Technology and Surgical Technologists
3. Performs nursing procedures per WPH policy
4. Checks supplies and equipment prior to surgical procedure
5. Performs aseptic hand scrub, sets up, counts and assists intra-operatively
6. Maintains the highest standard of sterile technique
7. Assists surgeon and RN with post-procedure care
8. Handles specimens appropriately
9. Prepares instruments for decontamination by wiping down gross bioburden and use of enzymatic sprays at all times
10. Assists with preparing/picking OR cases
11. Follows WPH policies and procedures for Infection Control and Fire Code
12. Identifies malfunctioning equipment appropriately
13. Follows patient safety standards
14. Responds appropriately in emergency situations
15. Completes competency requirements
16. Attends all mandatory education and in-services
17. Utilizes cost containment practices
18. Completes 15 hours of Continuing Education Credits as required by new York State Law (Effective January 1, 2015). The act was enacted on the first day of the eighteenth month after it became Law (July 1, 2016)
19. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

1. High School Diploma or GED required and must meet one of the following:
   1. Graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES - accredited program and holds and maintains Certified Surgical Technologist certification ("has successfully completed a nationally accredited educational program for Surgical Technologists and holds and maintains a Certified Surgical Technologist credential administered by a nationally accredited Surgical Technologist Credentialing Organization"); or
   2. Completed a military surgical technology program; or
   3. Is grandfathered. A person may be grandfathered by providing evidence that he or she was employed as a surgical technologist in a healthcare facility for a cumulative period of one year, occurring within the four years immediately prior to the effective date of this section (The effective date is 18 months after it becomes Law.) Any employer of persons performing Surgical Technology on the effective date of this section shall confirm in writing to each employee their employment in a capacity to perform Surgical Technology in a health care facility as of the effective date of this section; or
   4. Is in the service of the federal government, to the extent the individual is performing duties related to that service
2. Prior experience as a Surgical Technologist preferred
3. Certification by a nationally accredited Surgical Technologist credentialing organization
   1. Grace Period for recent graduates: A person may be employed or contracted to practice Surgical Technology during the 12-month period immediately following successful completion of a nationally accredited Surgical Technology program, but may not continue to be employed or contracted with beyond that period without documentation that the employee or contractor holds and maintains a Certified Surgical Technologist credential
4. As of April 1st, 2017, BLS certification (through American Heart Association) is required
   1. Those hired on or after 4/1/17 must receive BLS certification within 6 months of hire

Core Competencies

• Excellent Communication Skills
• Promotes Teamwork
• Adaptability
• Strong problems solving, judgment and decision-making skills
• Stress Tolerance

Physical/Mental Demands/Requirements & Work Environment

• May be exposed to chemicals necessary to perform required tasks. Any hazardous chemicals the employee may be exposed to are listed in the hospital's SDS (Safety Data Sheet) data base and may be accessed through the hospital's Intranet site (Employee Tools/SDS Access). A copy of the SDS data base can also be found at the hospital switchboard, saved on a disc.
• Must be physically able to frequently transport objects more than 50 lbs. and lift patients of all weights with a minimum of one

(1) assist or assistive device; perform difficult manipulations, arm - hand steadiness and hand-eye coordination skills; remain in a stationary position (including standing) for a prolonged period greater than 60 minutes frequently. Must be physically able to meet all regulatory requirements 100% of the time

• Must have the ability to concentrate on fine detail with interruption and attend to tasks for more than 60 minutes at a time. Individuals must be able to understand theories behind several related concepts and remember multiple tasks given during the course of a day
• Must be able to detect objects closely and far away and hears normal sounds with some background noises constantly.