Surgical Tech, Full Time, Various Shifts

The following information is designed to outline the functions and position requirements of this job. It does not identify all tasks that may be expected, nor address the performance standards that must be maintained. Essential functions may change based on organizational need. 

General Position Summary:

Responsible for handling of instruments and functions as a scrub tech. Responsible for meeting the established standards of practice in the operating room under direction of the Outpatient Surgical Center Administrator and Charge Nurse.

Essential Functions / Major Responsibilities:

·         Completes daily assignment in accordance with infection control policies and procedures.

·         Works effectively as an operating room staff member and communicates all pertinent information regarding patient status to Circulating Nurse or Director.

·         Utilizes opportunities for acquiring additional education to maintain and improve skills.

·         Participates in in-service programs, nursing committees and staff meetings.

·         Uses and maintains supplies/equipment efficiently and in a cost-effective manner. Collaboratively reviews charges to be submitted.

·         Promotes harmonious relationships and favorable attitudes among the healthcare team.

·         Supports and adheres to administrative and nursing service policies and procedures.

·         Assist with orientation of new employees, and responsible for in-service training programs regarding new procedures and equipment as needed.

·         Conforms to hospital dress code and operating room dress code.

·         Assists with transferring patients from operating room table to cart or bed.

·         Prepares surgical suite for surgical case in-regards to preference cards, surgeons’ requests and patients’ special needs, including pulling cases per surgery schedule.

·         Assists surgeon during surgery. Functions appropriately according to Surgical Technician skills list in all specialties.

·         Remains knowledgeable as to the location, quantity of supplies and equipment in the operating room. Reports any unusual occurrences/incidents to Director and fills out appropriate forms.

·         Certifies with Circulating Nurse correctness of sponge, needle and instrument counts according to operating room policies and procedures.

o   Reports any unusual occurrences/incidents to Director and fills out appropriate form.

·         Assists with cleanup of operating room and preparation for the next case (scheduled or emergency) according to OR policies and procedures.

o   Ensures a clean safe environment conducive to patients’ well-being and privacy.

·         Assists with reprocessing of supplies and instruments according to OR policies and procedures. Knowledgeable in and maintains aseptic technique.

·         Acts rapidly and effectively, follows hospital policies and procedures in any emergency situation. May function as a second circulator under the direction of the Circulating Nurse or Director.

·         Reviews all Personnel and Departmental policies on a bi-annual basis.

·         Works as a Special Procedure Room Assistant with the following duties:

o   Assists in care, handling, maintenance and disinfection of supplies, equipment and instruments.

o   Knows location, purpose and use of all equipment and supplies.

o   Conserves use of supplies to ensure cost efficient quality of care.

o   Maintains and stocks the procedure room and supply carts.

o   Checks for adequate supplies and orders supplies following ordering policies.

o   Assists in the troubleshooting of equipment and calling appropriate resources if necessary for loaner equipment.

o   Brings all supplies and equipment needed per the scheduled procedure from Central Supply to the Special Procedure Room.

o   Sets up the case per best practice protocols and expectations.  Troubleshoots any potential problems and communicates with the registered nurse.

o   Transports the specimen/s to the lab.

o   Discards disposables and suction contents in appropriate containers for blood-borne contamination at the end of the procedure.

o   Cleans the scope per manufacturer’s instructions for use and the organization’s infection control standards, checks for leaks before and again after processing and places in scope processor.

o   Logs patients in Special Procedure Room register.

o   Makes sure appropriate chart forms are stocked in the Special Procedure Room (SPR).

·  Displays proper etiquette and mannerisms that reflect the SHINE Behavior Standards.

·         Promotes the Patient Safety Standards as a core value of the organization.

Secondary Functions:

·      Participates in 80% Surgical Center staff meetings, in-services, and any additional meetings assigned by Administrator.

·         Reviews department policies and procedures annually.

·         All other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities:

·         Completes all tasks as expressed in the Skills Delineation List.

Job Scope:

This job involves:

·         Recurring work situations with occasional variations from the norm.

·         A moderate to high level of complexity.

·         Operation from established and well-known procedures.

·         Performance of duties under moderate supervision.

Supervisory Responsibility:

·         None.

Interpersonal Contacts:

Contacts:

·         Are normally made with others both inside and outside the hospital.

·         Are usually made with own department staff and supervisor as well as with other departments or locations.

·        Frequently contain confidential/sensitive information necessitating discretion at all times.

·         Are usually face-to-face, with some contact by telephone and e-mail.

·         Are usually with patients, physicians, and staff.

Specific Job Skills & Mental Activities:

This position requires knowledge of general surgical instruments and techniques for pediatric patients as well as excellent computer, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, supervisory, interpersonal skills, basic math skills, and be able to exercise independent judgment skills when necessary.

This position requires knowledge of hospital equipment and programs, including Hospital Information Systems and department specific equipment.

This position requires self-direction and self-motivation.

Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Education, Licensures, and/or Experience:

 

·         High School diploma or equivalent (required).

·         Current CPR/BLS certification (required within 30 days of hire date).

·         Surgical Tech diploma OR 1-year multi-specialty and/or endoscopic Operating Room experience (required).

Physical Demands & Job Conditions:

 

Exert up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. The worker is subject to contact with chemicals, contact with infectious fluids, heavy lifting, constant standing, and encounters with upset/disturbed individuals.

Physical motions include finger dexterity, standing, walking, stooping, crawling, talking, reaching, feeling, sitting, bending, kneeling, climbing, grasping, listening/hearing, handling, lifting up to 50-100 pounds, and repetitive motions of the hands, wrists, and feet.

This is considered a safety-sensitive position.

OSHA Exposure Category:

 

Involves exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.