Certified OR Tech / Surgical Tech (CST)

Surgical Technologist

All KHI employees are expected to perform their respective tasks and duties in such a way that supports KHI's vision of providing the region's best clinical care and patient service through an environment that fosters respect for others and pride in performance.

Handles instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure, while on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field. Works under the direction of the physician, Unit Manager, and Chief Nursing Officer. Adheres to all areas of the KHI Behavioral Expectations. Agreement to include standards for Courtesy, Respect and Privacy, Communication, Responsiveness, Teamwork, Professionalism and safety.

Key Responsibilities

Assessment of Procedure:

• The Surgical Tech demonstrates understanding of various procedures – refers to preference cards.
• Demonstrates initiative, pulls cases for upcoming day.
• Identify the structure and functions of body parts; recognize common disorders of the body.

Procedure Needs:

• Communicates effectively with team members and surgeons to accurately prepare for each case according to individual physician preference.
• Formulates a plan and prepares instrumentation and equipment for the case.

Procedure Implementation:

• The Surgical Tech provides care according to established AST Standards and KHI Policy and Procedures through clear communication and ethical actions.
• The Surgical Tech acts as a patient advocate maintaining confidentiality.
• Delivers care and communicates information in a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner.
• Recognizes and understands each individual is totally responsible for their own actions.
• Surgical Tech demonstrates effective verbal and non-verbal communication by providing supportive and emotional care to the patient and family.
• Surgical Tech practices positive team building activities and interactions.
• Demonstrates initiative and is productive and efficient in use of time, completed extra duties.

Quality of Care:

• Identifies emergency situations and use of sound judgment in instituting established procedures to correct them in a calm and efficient manner.
• Apply the principles of asepsis in knowledgeable manner to provide optimum patient care.
• Develops initiative in order to inquire and explore new surgical procedures and subjects related to the Operating Room and to the surgical patient.
• Anticipates the needs of the surgeon in order to expedite the procedure, thus minimizing the patient's exposure to trauma.
• Differentiate sterilization methods for special equipment and instruments necessary for specific procedures.
• Display dexterity in the use of surgical instruments and knowledge of the step-by-step procedure for specific surgical procedures.
• Understands the actions and use of anesthetic agents in order to be able to care for the patient in an intelligent manner.
• Identify the structure and functions of body parts; recognize common disorders of the body.

Education:

• The Tech acquires and maintains current knowledge in Surgical Technology.
• Provides documentation for in-service attendance required by nursing division.
• Keeps abreast of happenings on assigned nursing unit as documented by attendance at staff meetings or initialing meeting minutes and demonstrating knowledge and understanding of current information.
• Completes Annual Mandatory Hospital Program update.

Qualifications

Education: Graduate of a school of Surgical Technology or similar training

Certification:

• BLS through the American Heart Association
• Certified Surgical Technologist

Special Position Requirements

Exposure Categories:

• Category I: Expected duties have routine potential for exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues
• Subject to burns and cuts

Work Requirements:

• Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills.
• Able to lift 50 to 75 pounds, combined lift of 150 pounds.
• Able to care for patients with infectious diseases.
• Must be able to stand for extended period of time.

This job description applies to all KHI facilities and is representative of the essential job duties this position will perform. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.