Surgical Technologist

Title: Surgical Technologist
Immediate Supervisor: Clinical Director
Secondary Leaders: Medical Director

Job Summary

Assists in the organization and daily function of the operating room in accordance with established federal, state, and accreditation standards, as well as center policies and procedures. Assists nurses and physicians in delivering the highest standard of patient care available.

Core Values

Essential Competencies/Performance Expectations

The required behaviors associated with the following competencies are outlined in the Competency Assessment Form.

• Standard I: Demonstrates competence related to the application of the Surgery Center's core values.

• Standard II: Practices all facets of health and safety.

• Standard III: Practices human resource responsibility.

• Standard IV: Demonstrates competence in the performance of duties and responsibilities related to tasks, skills, and procedures rendered to the clients served.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Promote the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

• Function as a scrub person during operative and other invasive procedures by:

  • Assembling supplies and equipment required for the procedure.

  • Preparing and organizing sterile supplies and instruments for the procedure.

  • Performing accounting procedures in coordination with the RN circulator.

  • Assisting with the placement of sterile drapes.

  • Providing instruments and supplies to the surgical team during the procedure.

  • Maintaining an organized sterile field.

  • Ensuring sterility of the field and taking corrective actions as needed.

  • Preparing sterile dressings.

• Clean and prepare surgical instruments for processing and transport them to the decontamination areas.

• Assist with post procedure cleaning of the operative or other invasive procedure room and prepare the room for subsequent patients.

• Participate in ongoing educational and competency verification activities applicable to scrub person responsibilities.

• Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of individuals and health information.

Typical Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 lbs.

Education/Eligibility/Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist program.

• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) preferred, but not required.

• Must be registered as Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) with the North Dakota Board of Nursing upon hire.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Skills

Interpersonal:

• Effective oral and written communication skills.

• Demonstrates a positive, friendly, and courteous manner.

• Serves as a role model to other staff members.

• Demonstrates the ability to work well with other employees.

Critical Thinking:

• Ability to organize equipment, instruments, and supplies for cases according to patient needs and physician preference cards.

• Ability to adhere to the work schedule and manage time appropriately.

• Assumes responsibility for competency and takes initiative for professional development and continuing education.

• Ability to handle stress associated with prioritizing multiple tasks.

• Above-average organizational skills.

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge and experience in a hospital, operating room, or ambulatory surgery center.

• Ability to anticipate the needs of the physician and ensure equipment, medical gases, and supplies are readily available for all procedures.

• Ability to scrub all types of cases preferred.

• Ensures an adequate amount of in-house supplies and medical gases are available in accordance with the weekly caseload.

Machines, Equipment, Work Aides

Computer, telephone, and fax. Standard surgical instruments and processing equipment, medical supplies, medical gas canisters, and standard operating room machinery and equipment.

Work Environment

• Physically demanding, high-stress environment.

• Exposure to blood, sharp instruments and other devices, body fluids and tissue, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions.

• Full range of body motion, including handling and lifting patients.

• Manual and finger dexterity.

• Hand-eye coordination.

• Standing and walking for extensive periods of time.

• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 lbs.

• Corrected vision and hearing within normal range.

• Ability to work under stressful conditions.