Surgical Technician

Surgical Technician

Amberwell Hiawatha - Hiawatha, KS 66434

Overview

Position Type PRN (As needed - no set schedule) Job Shift PRN - As Needed, no set Shift Education Level Other Category Surgical Technologist

Description

BASIC FUNCTION:

Contributes to the successful operation of the Central Sterilization/OR/PAR Department by receiving, preparing, processing, storing, maintaining and dispensing sterile and non-sterile items, and performing the duties of a scrub nurse in caring for patients ranging in age from neonatal to pediatric, adolescent to adult, adult mothers and geriatrics. Ensures that management of the Central Sterilization/OR/PAR Department is in compliance with certification and accreditation standards, and in accordance with Amberwell Hiawatha Central Sterilization/OR/PAR Policies and Procedures.

SHIFT DAYS/HOURS:

Varies. Subject to change based on business necessity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Receives, prepares, stores, maintains and dispenses sterile and non-sterile items.
• Wraps and sterilizes instruments, trays and supplies.
• Rotates sterile supplies and checks for outdates.
• Operates and cleans the sterilizer.
• Maintains accurate records on the attest, cultures and temperatures of the sterilizer.
• Enforces traffic control through Central Sterilization, both in regard to sterile and contaminated supplies and hospital personnel.
• Maintains adequate supplies in Central Sterilization.
• Cleans Central Sterilization areas including counters, cabinets, walls, windows, lights and carts on a scheduled basis.
• Utilizes supplies and equipment efficiently and cost effectively; manages inventory.
• Updates and creates preference cards as needed in EMR.
• Prints preference cards and pulls cases in a timely manner.
• Provides comprehensive, individualized care to OR/PAR patients based on their identified needs.
• Continually aware of where instruments, needles and sponges are at all times. Cares for instruments during and following surgery, and provides for decontamination of the instruments.
• Works with Circulating Nurse to turn over OR in an efficient manner, restocking as necessary to prepare for subsequent cases.
• Anticipates the surgeons needs during each case and carries out physicians orders.
• Knowledgeable of and complies with policies and procedures, including those needed in an emergency.
• Ensures that all equipment is in optimum working condition.
• Participates in ongoing surveillance and education of infection prevention practices and protocols. Knows the difference between high-level disinfection and sterilization and the appropriateness of each.
• Takes call as scheduled by OR Manager.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: High school diploma, required. Graduation from accredited Surgical Tech Program, preferred.

Experience: The incumbent should have sufficient in-service and orientation regarding Central Sterilization and OR/PAR Policies and Procedures before starting to work independently.

Certificates, License, Registrations: Surgical technician certification, preferred. BLS certification, required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to communicate with persons of various backgrounds in a tactful, courteous manner. Must have comprehensive timely knowledge of central sterilization practice and OR/PAR policies and procedures and be able to incorporate such knowledge in all situations. Needs to have basic computer skills. Maintain compliance with HIPAA and patient confidentiality.

Physical: Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds occasionally or 10 to 25 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Supervision Received: Nursing Director, Nurse Manager, Charge Nurse, Assigned RN/LPN

Supervision Exercised: None

Other: Patients, families, visitors, other hospital personnel, medical staff, other medical facility personnel, community program personnel, mortuary personnel, EMS personnel, members of the general public

EXPOSURE TO HAZARDS:

To reduce job hazards, this position is responsible for wearing PPE during job functions. PPE can include: gloves, gown/coat, shoe covers, head/face, eye and ear protection. Each job function requires a different level of PPE, individuals receive initial and annual training to identify the appropriate level of PPE required. This position is classified by OSHA as a class I position and is exposed to infections, odors and bodily fluids.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Laparoscopic surgery equipment, Electrocautery equipment, Orthopedic surgery equipment, Harmonic Scalpel, Enseal, Autoclave, Instrument washer, Suction equipment, Light sources for scopes, Monitors, IV Pumps, Sapphire Epidural Pumps, and all other General surgery equipment.