The Surgical Technologist assists surgeons and nurses during surgical procedures by maintaining a sterile field and managing instrumentation. They are responsible for patient safety, equipment sterilization, and ensuring the operating room is properly stocked and prepared.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and hold a certification as a Surgical Technologist. Current BLS certification is required, and two years of previous operating room experience is desired.
Under the general supervision of the Manager of Perioperative Services, and the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Surgical Technologist is responsible for filling the surgical scrub role on all types of minor and major surgical procedures dependent on individual competencies in each surgical specialty. Assists physicians and nurses in various medical and technical procedures. These functions must be in compliance with the philosophy of the hospital, standards of practice and regulations of governing agencies.
Minimum Qualifications
High School graduate or equivalent required
Certification as a Surgical Technologist required
Two years previous experience as an operating room technician desired
Current BLS
Essential Functions
Decision making concerning equipment and/or instrumentation sterilization
Bio hazardous waste disposal
Housekeeping duties
Patient care and patient flow
Complies with hospital practice standards regarding competent performance duties
Maintains patient confidentiality
Creates a safe environment in which surgery may take place
Uses medical equipment in a safe manner
Helps provide cost effective patient care
Implements principles of medical and surgical asepsis in accordance with recognized national standards and hospital specific policies and procedures
Provides physical safety for the patient
Accounts for sponges, needles, instruments, and other potential foreign bodies
Supports other hospital personnel in the performance of their duties
Assists surgeon in scrubbed cases
Pulls supplies for upcoming cases
Demonstrates cooperative work attitude towards and with coworkers, employees, management, patients, visitors and physicians
Maintains a safe work environment in compliance with OSHA guidelines and infection control standards
Demonstrates knowledge of Instrument Processing from decontamination to storage of sterile packages
Checks room for cleanliness, availability of supplies and equipment for all assigned cases at the beginning of each day
Utilizes surgeon preference card to select packs, supplies and instruments
Performs surgical hand scrub and dons sterile gown and gloves according to gowning and gloving policy
Maintains proper sterile technique when gowning and gloving surgeon and draping patient
Performs sponge, instrument, and needle counts according to count policy
Handles specimen per established policy
Transports instruments to decontamination area utilizing appropriate technique and in compliance with established policies and procedures
Puts unused sterile supplies and instruments away at the end of the day
Restocks operating rooms to established PAR levels
Adheres to attendance, punctuality, meal and break time period policies
Completes work in an acceptable time frame and in an independent manner Carries out assigned duties in an effective, productive, and efficient manner
Demonstrates a positive “can do” attitude
Willingness to adjust personal schedule periodically as workload fluctuates and as department needs require
Attends 100% of department meetings or documents review of materials presented Functions as a team member following the rules of engagement of the department and hospital
Communicates information about customers or other employees only as necessary to conduct hospital related business
Adheres to strictest confidentiality in dealing with patients, families, hospital personnel, and the public
Keeps supervisor apprised of work progress
Has a proactive attitude about problem resolution
Anticipates customers’ needs and provides for them as quickly as possible
Models core values to co-workers continuously
Follows hospital and departmental safety policies and procedures
Reports unsafe situations to supervisor
Adheres to hospital and departmental dress code
Wears name badge at all times
Demonstrates knowledge of hospital wide emergency management codes and plans
Demonstrates knowledge of and participation in hospital performance improvement program, infection control program and risk management program
Demonstrates knowledge of cultural, spiritual, and aged related consideration when interacting/caring for patients
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, converse, and listen; use hands to touch, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
The employee must be able to lift and/or carry over 20 pounds on a regular basis and be able to push/pull over 25 pounds on a regular basis.
The employee must be able to stand and/or walk at least five hours per day.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
