Surgical Technologist

Job Description

Primary responsibility involves performance of specific tasks, as a scrub technologist and/or during surgical procedures to facilitate the efficient and safe progress of the surgical case. Assists with the maintenance of surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment. Maintains positive customer relations. Shall demonstrate competency and possess the technical skills appropriate for his/her assigned cases and utilizes that knowledge in assisting others. Performs various duties within his/her scope of responsibility and is accountable to the Clinical Manager.

Responsibilities

General Duties

Checks daily assignment.

Reviews surgical preference lists to clarify surgical routine and update preference lists as needed.

Utilize resources to obtain needed supplies for the case.

Checks table(s) for complete readiness for each procedure. Ensures all items needed for the case are present:

• Obtains physician’s special instruments and sutures prior to start of the case.
  
  

Demonstrates knowledge and dexterity in handling of special supplies and equipment and assures its proper functioning. Is knowledgeable of the specifics of the surgical procedure and able to perform these tasks in an organized and efficient manner.

Under the surgeon’s supervision, assists with suctioning secretions, holding retractors, assisting with skin closure, cutting sutures and irrigating wounds.

Circulates for operative procedures under supervision of R.N.

At the end of procedure assist with site care

Cleanses operative site.

Connects drainage tubes to appropriate devices.

Assists and/or applied sterile dressing.

Assists with patient transfer to bed/stretcher.

Covers soiled gloves with clean exam gloves.

Assists with transfer with adequate number of assistants present.

Responsible for knowing and using good body mechanics.

Disassembles table(s) contents and instruments, and places in proper receptacles for cleaning.

Sends (appropriate) instruments to CSR and/or clean up room for terminal cleaning.

Functions as a Patient Advocate.

• Is aware of physical and emotional needs at all times and gives appropriate care and comfort.
• Will assist any patient in need, not just those assigned to his/her care.
• Protects patient’s dignity while anesthetized by avoiding unnecessary exposure.
• Protects patient’s privacy by insuring confidentiality of chart and history.
• Puts proper patients’ welfare above person consideration; admits to errors and takes proper steps to correct.
  
  

Communication

Ensures communication made to surgeon prior to the start of the case if any supplies and/or equipment are unavailable.

Effectively communicates with all health team members in a timely and courteous manner.

Shares pertinent information with Charge Nurse.

Effectively communicates pertinent information to relief personnel so as to provide safe continuity of care.

Leadership

Attendance is prompt and regular.

Supports self and peers in professional growth and development utilizing resources and opportunities within and outside of The Christ Hospital. Acts as a resource, educator and preceptor for staff and nursing students.

Dress code of the Operating Room is followed.

Volunteer’s assistance as a resource and/or preceptor in assigned areas.

Assists in the orientation of new personnel.

Participates in 75% of staff meetings and 75% of council meetings as appropriate. Participates in council activities and task forces to improve competencies of self, co-workers, and staff members related to patient care.

Completes all educational requirements to maintain competency related to specific population of patient and/or regulatory agencies (Healthstream education 100% on-time completion and attendance for annual education day). Submits required tests and paperwork in a timely manner without management interventions.

Participates in self and peer review activities to include the positive recognition of peers and staff on a regular basis.

Participation in professional advancement program is encouraged.

Prepares for certification specific to work area of professional practice when eligible.

Participation in chosen professional organizations, conferences and research is encouraged.

Productivity

Assists in expediting case turnaround time.

Assists with cleaning of tables, floors, etc.

Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability to change.

Takes only allotted time for breaks and lunch according to the policy.

• Understands factors related to cost and effective outcomes when planning and implementing patient care.
  
  

Initiates care in a timely manner, manages workload effectively.

Understands and maintains awareness of fiscal responsibility by utilizing staff, time, equipment, and supplies appropriately.

Safety

Demonstrates, maintains, identifies, and corrects any breaks in aseptic technique while setting up the case as well as during the surgical procedure

Instruments, sharps, and sponges are counted according to policy.

Identifies and transfers surgical specimens according to O.R. policy.

Performs safety check on all equipment (power instruments, etc.) for proper assembly, completeness and operation before it is used.

Correctly prepares and labels medications including dosages and percentages to be used during the case according to type of procedure to be done and/or doctor’s preference card.

Keeps operative field free of unused instruments, equipment, and sharps.

• Receives instruments from surgeon.
• Keeps instruments clean by wiping blood and tissue from instruments.
• Removes unnecessary articles from the operative field.
  
  

Follows universal precautions according to hospital policy.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS (e.g. BSN required, MSN preferred.):

• Has contact with physicians, families, and other hospital personnel related to care of assigned patients.
• Sound judgment and knowledge of scientific principles must be used.
• Competency in selected skills is required through hospital provided instruction.
• Frequent exposure to stressful patient situations requires the ability to maintain composure in order to respond swiftly and effectively to patient needs.
  
  

EDUCATION: The surgical technologist has completed education in surgical technology and/or has completed on the job experience/training which allows the technologist to obtain certification.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: None required

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: The Surgical Technologists demonstrates the knowledge, abilities, and skills to provide age and culturally specific patient care and education. The ST effectively communicates with peers, utilizes appropriate channels of communication and maintains absolute confidentiality. The ST maintains competence and demonstrates evidence of continuing professional growth. The ST demonstrates the ability to accept and implement change and the ability to work in a culturally diverse setting. The ST is responsible for knowledge, use, care, and handling of surgical instruments.

LICENSES REGISTRATIONS &/or CERTIFICATIONS:

All OR ST’s obtain certification within 6 months from start date in department with either a CST or TS-C (NCCT). ST’s who were employed at TCH prior to January 2010 are required to obtain certification by December 31, 2018.