Surgical Technologist

Summary

Assists surgeon during operative and invasive procedures.  Assesses operating room for equipment functioning and readiness, obtains supplies for individual cases and ensures all appropriate needs of surgical operating team are met.  Participates in departmental staff meetings and performance improvement activities

• Interacts professionally with patient and family.
• Provides patient with explanations and verbal reassurance, as necessary.
• Notifies appropriate licensed personnel when patient complains of pain.
• Adapts procedures to meet individual needs of neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients for treatment.
• Prepares room in a timely manner with all anticipated instruments, sutures, supplies and equipment for each individual surgical procedure.
• Demonstrates competence in care of specimens and accurately handles specimens at all times.
• Assists in positioning, prepping and draping of patients for surgical procedures.
• Accurately completes operating room counts (instruments, sponges, needles); follows proper procedure in the event of incorrect count; reports all discrepancies to Circulating RN and surgeon and/or corrects immediately.
• Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments/procedures.
• Maintains safe environment for patient, co-workers and self, per hospital policies and procedures.
• Checks all equipment/instruments needed, prior to each procedure to ensure proper functioning.
• Protects patient’s sensitivities and right to privacy; closely observes patient with minimal disturbance.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.  Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Follows aseptic technique, when opening sterile supplies and setting up procedures.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Sets up, scrubs and prepares for procedures at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled time, unless otherwise directed by Circulating RN or Nurse Manager.
• Performs services requiring technical or manual skills under the direction of Circulating RN.
• Always maintains an orderly and sterile instrument table for the purpose of efficiency; follows department standard set up.
• Anticipates needs of surgeon during intraoperative phase.
• Cleans and prepares rooms between procedures and after last case; restocks supplies, when necessary and organizes effectively for end-of-case clean up.
• Follows written procedures for steam sterilization; knows responsibilities and the necessity for chemical and biological monitoring.
• Consults with other staff members, when in question or unfamiliar with equipment or procedure.
• Regularly collaborates with other members of the nursing team, in order to maintain equipment and supplies for surgical procedures.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationship with co‑workers for the patient’s benefit
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of facts and good judgment within the Operating Room Technician’s scope of practice.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of assigned case and instruments and/or trays to be pulled for the procedure.

Education/Experience:

• Must have completed Surgical Technologist Program
• Certification in Surgical Technology preferred
• Current BLS Certification