OB Surgical Technician/ OB Surgical Technologist

Surgical Technologist

Works under the supervision of the Family Birth Place Manager, Associate Manager, and Director of Surgical Services. Must be a trained surgical technologist who scrubs, dons a sterile gown and gloves to assist the surgeon by providing sterile instruments and supplies required. Arranges instruments and supplies appropriately on sterile field; opens and prepares sutures as indicated, passes instruments, retracts tissue and assists surgeon as requested. Performs the receptionist and clerical duties on the unit while functioning as a focal communication source in the nursing station. Performs duties assisting staff nurses in the treatment and care of patient in accordance with the established methods and procedures of the hospital. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product of service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care. As a customer-focused Memorial Healthcare team member, he/she must be accessible, flexible, knowledgeable, and responsive.

Primary Job Responsibilities

1. Efficiently prepares equipment and packs for the operative procedure.
2. Applies principles of aseptic technique during surgical procedures, including proper scrubbing, gowning and gloving self and other surgical team members.
3. Identifies and obtains needed supplies and equipment.
4. Assists in assuring correct sponge, needle, and instrument counts.
5. Identifies and labels specimens appropriately.
6. Maintains a safe environment for patients and staff.
7. Cleans up room after case completed.
8. Maintains specialty carts.
9. Maintains mandatory competencies.
10. Attends in-service education programs as assigned to learn new procedures, skills, etc.
11. Seeks help from professional staff if additional skill is required.
12. Responsible for own surgical procedure competencies.
13. Receives, greets, and directs patients, visitors, and hospital personnel arriving in or calling the Family Birth Place, and refers requests to appropriate hospital personnel.
14. Initiates, assembles and maintains charts for all patients in the department and files diagnostic and laboratory reports in appropriate charts as needed.
15. Maintains adequate quantity of forms, materials, supplies, and equipment inventory.
16. Communicates all pertinent patient care information and general environmental information to the department supervisor/director or other unit staff as appropriate.
17. Upon request, compiles statistical data.
18. Copies and files as requested, including organization of Advanced Directives.
19. Schedules patient procedures where applicable.
20. Assists the nurse with patient admissions, discharges, transfers, pre and post-op care, treatments, etc.
21. Provide personal care (hygiene, ambulation, ADL's, etc.) as delegated.
22. Performs routine specimen collections.
23. Document and report as appropriate any changes observed in condition or behavior (vital signs, I & O, daily weights, glucometers, removing IV's, Foley catheters, safety checks, etc.).
24. Document patient interventions in the electronic medical record (EMR).
25. Make rounds frequently on assigned patients, respond to call lights/requests, and anticipate patient needs.
26. Assist in maintain a safe environment by cleaning equipment, rooms, instruments, and report equipment that is out of order. Prepare equipment for disinfection, and maintaining stock supplies on the unit as directed.
27. Assist physicians as requested (maintaining patient's position, etc.).
28. Demonstrates job related aspects of patient safety to assure a safe environment, safe and effective use of equipment and technology, and decreased risk of potential adverse patient occurrences.
29. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards of care, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, standards of behavior, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
30. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served on his/her assigned unit. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's and division's policies and procedures.
31. Performs other specific duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

Education

1. All candidates must have completed an approved surgical technician (TS-C) program AND certification is required. Completion of an approved (NCCT, AST) program with an Associate's Degree in Surgical Technology preferred. Would consider Military Training or an experienced RCIS.
2. Computer based competencies required.
3. Requires ability to perform simple math functions.
4. Requires a level of education necessary to read and understand transcribed physician's orders, vital signs, and other information on a patient's chart.
5. Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers required upon hire and ongoing.
6. CPI training required.

Experience

1. Previous experience in multiple surgical specialties is preferred.
2. One (1) year of patient care experience preferred.

Job Knowledge

1. Knowledge of aseptic technique, surgical instruments and appropriate sterilization methods, surgical procedures, special equipment and supplies needed so as to properly anticipate surgeon's needs.

Essential Physical Abilities/Motor Skills

These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

1. Sedentary Work: Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch. On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend. Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs.

2. Vision: Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. Near acuity: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Midrange Acuity: Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet.

3. Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms. Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment.

4. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Essential Mental Abilities

1. Follow complex directions.

2. Anticipate items needed.

3. Function and work well under pressure and physical strain.

4. React quickly in urgent situations.

5. Ability to document findings and interventions as appropriate.

6. Ability to identify changes in patient condition and/or patient response to interventions.

7. Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.

Essential Technical/Motor Skills

1. Hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for handling of instruments, and assisting surgeon during procedures.

1. Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.

Essential Sensory Requirements

1. Communicate effectively and expressively in English, both written and verbal, with diverse populations, including surgeons, staff members, patients, families, and volunteers.
2. Identify instruments and supplies.
3. Hear instructions from surgical team.
4. Accurately hear communication by phone or in person.
5. Maintain self-control.
6. Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.

Interpersonal Skills

1. Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.