Surgical Technician - Part-time

Surgical Technician

The surgery technician works under the supervision of an RN in the operative suite to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. The surgery technician is knowledgeable in the application of the principles of asepsis and sterile technique to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures by following AORN standards and CMS regulatory guidelines.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Preoperative duties:

• Performs the surgical scrub
• Dons the OR attire and personal protective equipment
• Gathers, checks, and opens supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure.
• Sets up the sterile back table and Mayo stand with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for the procedure.
• Performs the initial instrument, sharps, and sponge counts with the circulator.
• Assists the team members with gowning and gloving.
• Assists with draping patient and establishing the sterile field.
• Participates in the TIME OUT with surgeon to verify site and patient identification
• Secures tubing, cords, and other sterile accessories.

Intraoperative duties:

• Prepares and anticipates instrumentation for usage during the procedure.
• Passes instruments and supplies to the surgeon during the procedure.
• Measures and passes medications, hemostatic agents, and irrigation solutions utilized during the surgical procedure.
• Holds retractors or instruments as directed for the surgeon.
• Sponges or suctions the operative site
• Applies electrocautery to clamps or forceps on bleeders
• Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon.
• Coordinates the camera or changes instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgeon.
• Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure.
• Performs additional counts as necessary.

Postoperative duties:

• Prepares sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices.
• Prepares and passes off specimen(s) as appropriate
• Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization
• Assists other members of the team with terminal cleaning of the room.
• Assists in prepping the OR for the next patient.

As the second scrub:

• Assists with transferring the patient to the OR table.
• Monitors comfort of the patient and provides verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient.
• Assists in maintaining normothermia
• Assists the anesthesia provider
• Assists with positioning the patient, using appropriate equipment and anatomical principles to avoid patient injury.
• Applies the electrosurgical grounding pad
• Assists with applying tourniquets and monitors before the procedure begins
• Performs instrument, sharps, and sponge counts with the RN Assist prior to the operation and before the incision is closed.
• Anticipates additional supplies needed during the procedure.
• Keeps accurate records throughout the procedure
• Properly cares for specimens
• Secures dressings after incision closure
• Updates and keeps accurate records of the surgeon's preferences.

General requirements:

Personal responsibilities:

• Works in harmony with assigned co-workers and other department staff.
• Is punctual in attendance. Adjusts personal schedule to work as scheduled. Provides proper notification for absence as per hospital policy.
• Accepts and responds to constructive criticism, assigned duties and suggestions in a cooperative manner.
• Demonstrates the ability to accept and implement change
• Completes assignments accurately and on time.
• Participates in continuing education programs and staff meetings as evidenced by attendance records.
• Where applicable, floats to other areas as assigned; responds to floating requested with a positive attitude.
• Willingly accepts assignments to special projects.
• Attentive to detail, record-keeping and required paperwork inherent to the position.
• Demonstrates kindness, courteousness, and sensitivity to patients, families, physicians, co-workers and visitors at all times.
• Appears well groomed and observes established dress guidelines, visibly wearing the name identification badge.
• Displays self-respect and pride in KCHS.

Customer service:

• Assists all patients, family members/significant others, physicians, visitors and employees in a friendly manner.
• Introduces self and uses caring, thoughtful words either in person or on the telephone.
• Demonstrates ethical and appropriate behavior for a healthcare environment to include, but not limited to, dignity, patient's rights and privacy, and the maintenance of confidentiality of patient information.
• Demonstrates caring. If unable to assist an individual in needs, offers to find someone who can.
• Demonstrate proper telephone etiquette. If transferring a telephone call, announces the caller and briefly explains the situation before ending the transfer.
• Always makes eye contact when speaking with patients, family members/significant others, visitors, employees, etc. Knocks before entering a room or office. Addresses all individuals courteously.
• Keeps voice down, does not shout or use improper language. Responds to all inquiries promptly and courteously.
• Shares information so that the people who need to be aware of the facts are informed.

Infection control:

• Demonstrates adherence to infection control policies as evidenced by in-service attendance records and employee practices
• Demonstrates correct hand washing technique.
• Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and uses same in practice.
• Notifies the Infection Control Nurse of real or potential exposures.

Risk management & safety program:

• Demonstrates adherence to risk management and safety policies and codes as evidenced by in-service attendance records and employee practices.
• Maintains a clean and safe environment for patient and co-workers.
• Follows all general safety rules.
• Notified the Safety Director and/or Risk Manager of incidents involving injury or having the potential for injury.
• Submits incident reports according to hospital policy.

Requirements:

Educational responsibilities:

• Completes required careLearning modules
• Attends mandatory Safety/NIMS in-services yearly
• Completes other required certifications or classes as necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Attends unit meetings or reads meeting minutes 100% of the time.

Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience:

• High School Diploma
• Preferred CNA certification
• Valid driver's license

Certificates, Licensure, Registrations:

• Must be willing to attend or actively attending Surgical Technologist training program
• Basic Life Support (BLS)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively to maintain good working relationships with staff, healthcare providers, and patients
• Must be capable of communicating clearly (reading, writing and speaking) in the English Language.
• Must be proficient in the operation of a personal computer with Microsoft Office and the Internet
• Must be capable of reading and comprehending complex healthcare laws and regulations.

Kearney County Health Services