Surgical Tech OR Lead

Surgical Tech Or Lead

The OR Team Lead can integrate an understanding of anatomy and physiology, surgical procedures, implementation of tools and principles of aseptic technique, while under the direct supervision of the surgical physician and registered nurse, to facilitate a surgeon's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. He/she has the necessary knowledge and ability to remain constantly vigilant in the maintenance of the sterile field while anticipating the needs of the surgeon.

Establishes, implements, and maintains an inventory of supply items utilized by designated specialty service. Service of responsibility is: Surgical Technician.

Assures availability for current physician preference cards.

Assists with product evaluation and education of staff regarding specialty supply and equipment for service.

Determines effectiveness and cost efficiency of potential new products as directed by the Nurse Manager.

Assists the Specialty RN in updating staff competencies for Service Line.

The Surgical Technician 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.

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis; other tasks may be assigned.

Review the Operating Room schedule to obtain as much patient information as possible

Check doctor's preference card; check surgeon's preference list for special needs and keep preference list current

Assist in collecting the necessary, and anticipated, instruments, supplies, and equipment for each procedure

Open only those items required for the case; leave 'hold' items unopened, but readily accessible

Anticipate, identify, prepare, and correctly pass surgical instruments to the surgeon

Maintain pace to keep the surgery on schedule

Connect, test, and perform safety checks on all electrical surgical equipment and monitors

Decrease procedure time by demonstrating exemplary organization techniques

Maintain adequate supplies and equipment assuring the OR is properly prepared prior to each case

Identify specific problems and approaches that are individualized for each patient

Scrub and assess set-up prior to patient entering the surgical suite

Restock surgical suites to predetermined par levels by end of shift

Assist in patient positioning as needed

Check assignments no more than 5 minutes after the beginning of the shift, and prepare for cases and patients and/or assigned duties immediately

Assist in the turnover of the OR in preparation for the next case assigned to that room

Clean and mop Operating Rooms between cases to aid in turnover time

Deep clean assigned ORs and close down OR at end of shift

Perform surgical hand scrub in accordance with established policy

Adhere to policy on material counts, instrument counts, and documentation

Handle specimens properly, and according to hospital policy

Work collaboratively with the Registered Nurse regarding patient care needs

Practice optimal aseptic techniques by:

Wearing proper surgical attire and PPE

Demonstrating competency in handwashing techniques

Maintaining competency in isolation techniques

Limiting conversations

Ensure optimal sterility by:

Wiping down all OR surfaces with appropriate disinfectant

Inspecting sterile items before use

Maintaining sterile field integrity

Discarding items of doubtful sterility

Keep instruments free of gross soil during procedures

Arrange dirty instruments in mesh bottom trays

Open instrument box locks and/or strings

Disassemble instruments with removable parts

Position instruments appropriately (lightweight on top, heavy items on bottom)

Separate reusable sharps

Decontaminate, dry, and store scopes and cameras

Clean equipment with approved solutions

Report broken or dull instruments

Demonstrate competency in:

Prevac/gravity sterilization and Steris System One

Cleaning reusable items

Washer/disinfector operation

Instrument care and repair identification

Perform:

Logging in DECON area

Cleaning fiber optic endoscopes

Proper suction disposal techniques

Reporting missing/broken items

Sterilization testing (Bowie-Dick, biological, chemical indicators)

Proper loading techniques for sterilizers

Sterilizer operation, maintenance, and cleaning

Daily chart monitoring

Identifies and utilizes sterile technique principles

Demonstrates appropriate surgical conscience

Prepares items for sterilization

Applies knowledge of anatomy and physiology

Identifies instruments and their uses

Handles surgical instruments appropriately

Prepares sutures and stapling devices

Selects accessory equipment

Demonstrates specialty equipment competency

Performs proper draping techniques

Reports safety risks

Follows proper hand scrub procedures

Gowns and gloves self and others

Passes correct instruments and supplies

Labels medications correctly

Maintains sterile technique

Follows count procedures and reporting

Demonstrates organization and accuracy

Demonstrates knowledge of growth and development across the lifespan and provides age-appropriate care. Interprets patient data to meet age-specific needs.

Addresses and supports cultural practices when they do not interfere with care.

Assists in orientation of new employees

Participates in staff meetings

Maintains continuing education

Ensures proper use of instrumentation

Maintains a safe environment

Assists OR Team Coordinator

Monitors OR temperature and humidity

Complies with infection control guidelines

Identifies patient-related problem areas

Monitors quality indicators

Assists in meeting department metrics

Supports value analysis and in-service coordination

Stock supplies

Prepare supplies and equipment for storage

Perform housekeeping functions

Complete assigned duties

Follow policies for breaks and attendance

Meet deadlines

Comply with on-call requirements

Follow FOCUSED Standards of Behavior

Treat customers with dignity and respect

Demonstrate effective communication

Anticipate customer needs

Maintain confidentiality

Accept feedback positively

Manage multiple tasks and priorities independently

Conduct productive meetings

Demonstrate collaboration and creativity

Exercise independent judgment

Reports to: Nurse Manager and Circulator

Supervises: None

Responsibilities: Not applicable

Education: High school diploma and successful completion of an accredited Surgical Technology program

Experience: Minimum of three (3) years recent experience in surgical care required

Neurosurgery experience is highly preferred.

Certifications:

Current CPR Certification

Must obtain one of the following within 18 months: CST, CSFA/CSA, or CNOR

Must be able to scrub into surgical procedures

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here represent those required to perform essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made as needed.

A separate sheet documenting physical demands and working conditions must be attached as the final page of the job description.