Surgical Technologist III - Operating Room

Surgical Technologist III

Under the general direction of a licensed caregiver, the Surgical Technologist III assists in surgical operations. The Surgical Technologist III is assigned technical duties, prepares operating rooms, arranges equipment, assists with procedures, and has the responsibility to ensure smooth teamwork through the application of knowledge and effective communication with registered nurses, patients, surgeons, anesthesiologists, ancillary personnel, and other health care team members. The Surgical Technician III provides care consistent with CSMC and accrediting bodies' standards. The Surgical Technician III maintains competency skills including the ability to provide care to special patient populations and patients with diverse cultural backgrounds. The Surgical Technician III identifies the ability of the adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients to follow directions/instructions and give consent.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates in-services in collaboration with educators and team leaders.
• Performs the preceptor role for surgical technology students and new hires. Assists co-workers in the orientation of department processes. Demonstrates leadership abilities and serves as a mentor and role model for STI and STII.
• Helps to improve efficiency and cost in surgical units and participates in developing budgetary requirements. Participates in decision-making activities related to evaluating and acquiring surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies.
• Demonstrates active involvement in department committees and unit in-services promoting patient care and safety. Participates in unit staff meetings providing constructive input to assist in unit direction, problem-solving, and problem resolution. Promotes performance improvement through participation in the Medical Center's Performance Improvement Program.
• Prepares operating rooms for surgery and assist with turning over the operating room.
• Arrange instruments according to a given procedure. Confirms that instruments work properly and are sterilized. Maintains the availability of instruments and supplies to avoid delays. Correctly uses, cares for, cleans, and sterilizes instruments, supplies, and equipment. Assists coworkers with their learning related to the care and handling of instruments and sterilization.
• Assists surgeons during surgery by passing instruments and other sterile supplies. Assists with skin stapling and steps on ESU pedals
• Performs appropriate intraoperative count (instruments, sponges, needles), and labels all medication.
• Prepares patients for surgery, such as by washing and disinfecting incision sites. Transport patients to and from surgery.
• Demonstrates clinical competency and technical skills for general and special populations. Aware of patient needs while assisting the RN in implementing the plan of care for each patient. Assists the RN in prioritizing job duties, physician requests, and interdepartmental procedures as directed by RN.
• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge about the equipment used in assigned areas including the care, handling, operations, troubleshooting, and safety precautions. Recognizes malfunctions and initiates repairs appropriately. Assembles processes and maintains instruments relevant to the assigned area. Monitors and updates inventory within the area as assigned. Assists coworkers with their learning related to equipment.
• Assists in storing and stocking supplies maintain and updates surgeons' preference lists as needed
• Improves the accuracy of patient identification: uses two identifiers when transporting patients between units/departments
• Reduces the risk of patient harm resulting from falls. Observes patients for the risk of falling and takes action to prevent patient falls.
• Controls and maintains perioperative environments (i.e., asepsis, electrical safety, waste management and traffic patterns). Establishes and maintains a sterile field. Maintains a safe, clean, and organized environment. Reduces the risk of health care acquired infection by complying with current CDC hand washing guidelines and CSMC isolation policy.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma/GED - minimum
• Vocational/Technical Diploma Includes the ability to verify on the job training of participating institution - minimum
• Vocational/Technical Diploma Performs independently in three (3) specialties - minimum

Experience

• 3 years Surgical Procedures - minimum

Licenses and Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) - Upon Hire minimum BCLS Certification
• Certified Surgical Technologist - Upon Hire preferred Certified Surgical Technologist