Surgical Tech

Description:

JOB PURPOSE:
Responsible for handling the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. He/she has an understanding of the procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. He/she has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field. Functions in partnership with licensed staff. Performs patient care duties for clients of various age groups under the direction of a registered nurse.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Functions as a member of the surgical team in the role of scrub person.
a. Checks supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure which includes review and utilization of appropriate preference card.
b. Assists with room set-up to include opening of sterile supplies.
c. Scrubs, gowns and gloves.
d. Sets up sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment and medication/solutions needed for procedure.
e. Performs appropriate surgical counts with circulator.
f. Actively participates in the procedure pause/time-out.
g. Gowns and gloves surgeon and assistants.
h. Assists in draping sterile field.
i. Passes instruments to surgeon during the procedure. Maintains an organized back table.
j. Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during procedure.
k. Prepares sterile dressings.
l. Actively participates in post procedure pause which includes accounting for proper handling of the specimens.
m. Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization.
2. Functions as a member of the surgical team in partnership with licensed staff.
a. Facilitates continuity of procedure by anticipating the surgeons needs and through handoff communication when relieved for break or permanent relief.
b. Observes patients condition and immediately reports any changes or significant findings to the physician and Registered Nurse.
c. Serves as patient advocate including patient care and safety.
d. Supports licensed staff as requested by utilizing skills and equipment in which he/she is competent.
e. Assists other members of the team with between case and terminal cleaning of room.
f. Assists in prepping room for the next patient.
g. Assists in transporting patients.
3. Performs patient care duties for clients of various age groups under the direction of a registered nurse.
a. Supports licensed staff by performing treatments or procedures as delegated and only those which he/she is competent and in a safe, accurate and timely manner; this includes clipping, prepping surgical site and positioning of patient.
b. Successfully completes the age-specific study modules.
c. Uses appropriate language when communicating with specific age patient.
d. Appropriately modifies the approach to patients when performing specific procedures/tasks.
e. Uses appropriate equipment and resources for the specific age, when performing procedures and providing information.
f. Appropriately provides comfort and safety measures for specific age patient.
4. Maintains competence.
a. Retains new information and implements new processes or use new equipment.
5. Performs other essential duties.
a. Serves as a preceptor for peers on the surgical services team and new orienting employees.
b. Prepares case carts according to procedure and preference cards.
c. Prepares OR room and other areas (as needed) for receiving patients, which includes stocking, cleaning equipment or storage areas, requests supplies, preparing instruments for future procedures, notification of specialty staff regarding needed instrumentation or equipment.
d. Serves as willing, cooperative, informative, supportive guide for new employees

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
Skill and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in-writing.
Independently first scrubs basic surgical procedures in all surgical specialties.
Demonstrates ability to problem-solve in relation to the procedure being performed.
Applies base knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, and pharmacology for optimal surgical patient care.
Demonstrates knowledge and practice of patient care concepts.
Applies the principles of sterile technique during surgical procedures.
Skill and ability to handle multiple priorities, self-directed, and apply independent judgment.
Actively participates in orientation and training program to attain competency in complex cases.
Ability to work as a member of a team.
Ability to adapt quickly to changing situations.
Skill and ability in basic computer skills.

Disclaimer
The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Qualifications:
MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED:
High School graduate or GED.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Graduate of Surgical Technology program OR prior experience as a Surgical Technologist.

MINIMUM LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY LAW:
N/A

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
BLS Certification Required
Graduate of a Surgical Technology program preferred.