Surgical Tech

Surgical Technologist

This individual fills the role of surgical technologist in the Operating Room. Surgical Technologist I understands and demonstrates the knowledge of surgical procedures. Assure all supplies and equipment are available for the procedure and in working condition. Confirms and/or assembles sterile instruments for use correctly. Anticipates the needs of the surgeon. They assist in keeping accurate account of medications, sharps, instruments, and sponges. They are responsible for maintaining and monitoring the sterile field.

(30%)* Demonstrates knowledge of surgical procedures and ability to problem solve in relation to the procedure being performed. Verifies items on the physician preference card. Accountable for supplies so that accurate patient charges are billed.

(30%)* Demonstrates proper use of equipment, assembling of equipment, disposables as well as cleaning and sterilizing. Assures all equipment, supplies and instruments are assembled correctly and in working condition for the surgical procedure.

(30%)* Maintains the sterile environments. Monitors the sterile field and recognizes breaks in technique.

(10%)* Sets up sterile field with instruments in a timely manner. Keeps accurate account of all medications, sponges, instruments and sharps on the sterile fields per policy.

Other duties and responsibilities:

• Demonstrates a positive, courteous and helpful attitude toward patient, visitors, physicians, and co-workers.
• Develops and maintains good working rapport with interdisciplinary personnel to meet the needs of each patient.
• Remains calm and efficient when working in stressful situations.
• Shares information and reports significant changes and/or abnormal findings to appropriate team members.
• Participates in regulatory surveys. Participates in performance improvement activities.
• Assists with orientation, ongoing competencies, education, and staff development.
• Attends and participates in professional association activities and programs to assure being current on regulations, guidelines, and professional standards of care.
• Remains current on new developments by reading professional journals, and attending seminars.
• Fulfills on-call responsibilities and extra shift coverage as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Certifications and Licensures

BLS - Basic Life Support

Required Equivalent Experience - Required within 1 month of hire or transfer

Required Education

Education: High School Diploma or GED

Comments: For all Surgical Technologist I. Knowledge of surgical procedures and standards of practice acquired through a surgical technology program accredited through Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP) or military program. Upon completion may certify for certified surgical technologist exam or completion of a certified Surgical Technology program which upon completion of program may receive a National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) certification. Certifications must be valid with National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

Other Information

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS :

• Graduate surgical technician waiting to take certification exam or surgical technician not certified.
• Surgical Technologist I independently scrubs basic surgical procedures.
• If career ladder implemented at medical center, Surgical Technologist I must complete skills/practice defined for a Surgical Technologist I.
• Operating room competency must be maintained.
• Manual dexterity and mechanical skills needed to properly use and hold surgical instruments.
• Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
• A surgical tech who graduated from a CAAHEP-accredited surgical tech program or military surgical tech training program. Associate in Surgical Technology, certification in surgical technology CST. Surgical Tech who graduated with a certificate who holds the certification Tech in Surgery-Certified TS-C preferred.
• MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.
• Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.
• Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).
• Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.
• Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.
• Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.
• Physical Demand Level: Medium. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 21-50 lbs., frequently 34-66% of the workday 20 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls and constantly (67-100% or the workday) 10 lbs.