Responsible for providing professional care to patients during surgical procedures and ensuring the proper use and sterilization of surgical instruments. Collaborates with physicians and nursing staff to maintain a safe, sterile environment and assist with procedure room turnover.
Requirements summary
Must be a graduate of an approved surgical technologist program with mandatory Surg Tech and BLS certifications. One year of experience and membership in a CST association are preferred.
Responsible for rendering professional care to patients undergoing surgical procedures within the Center, in accordance with established procedures.
Functions cooperatively with physicians and staff exhibiting teamwork characteristics.
May be responsible for ensuring proper care and use of surgical instruments.
May transport patients to and from operating room or procedure room.
Assists with cleanliness of procedure room area and assists with procedure room turnover.
Qualifications
Graduate of an approved surgical technologist program (mandatory)
Surg Tech Certification (mandatory)
BLS certification
One (1) year experience as a surgical technologist (preferred)
Membership in CST association (preferred)
Able to read, write, and communicate in English
Essential duties and responsibilities
Demonstrates knowledge of and adheres to the Code of Conduct
Complies with center policies and procedures
Demonstrates an attitude that is caring, respectful, sensitive, tactful, compassionate, empathetic, and tolerant
Provides a safe environment for the patient
Communicates safety concerns appropriately, following Chain of Command
Legibly documents when appropriate based on Center policy/procedure
Promotes patient and physician satisfaction
Uses proper cleaning and sterilization techniques as specific in the policy and procedures and per manufacturer’s instructions for use
Practices appropriate aseptic techniques and sterile processes
Wears appropriate Personal Protected Equipment (PPE)
Observes universal precautions
Refers situations beyond ability or function to proper person
Attends all required education
Regular and predictable attendance
Performs other related duties, as assigned or requested
Operating Room
Assists with the utilization of protective padding specific to patient’s skin integrity status and position for surgery or procedures
Maintains anesthetized patient’s proper body alignment as determined by procedure
Plans for proposed surgical intervention by selecting appropriate equipment and supplies following physician preference
Assists RN in the performance of duties assigned per Center policy/procedure
Provides input to the circulating nurse in the identification of patient problems
Performs item count to include, but not limited to, sponges, sharps and instruments, pre, intra, and post operatively, per policy and procedures
Ensures availability of appropriate supplies and equipment intra-operatively, i.e., ground pads, etc.
Labels medications on the sterile field per Center policy/procedure
Initiates corrective action for breaks in aseptic technique
Handles tissue specimens correctly and accurately according to policy and procedures
Follows standards for sharps safety according to facility policy and procedure
Follows standard for electrosurgical safety according to facility policy and procedure
Utilizes supplies in a cost-effective manner
Takes appropriate corrective action if item count is not acceptable (inform surgeon, circulating nurse, and Center Leader)
Follows standards for disposal of biohazard waste according to Center policy and procedure
Identifies, sequesters, and reports malfunctioning equipment to the Registered Nurse/Center Leader
Operates specialty equipment per manufacturer’s recommendation for use and/or policy and procedure
Assists with the orientation of new personnel
Actively participates in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities
Assists in policy and procedure review and updates (as required)
Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, and in service meetings
Actively participates in the time out
Teamwork
Works collaboratively with healthcare team
Exhibits high level of integrity
Maintains flexibility and performs other duties as required
Participates in staff meetings, in-services, and continuing education as required
Mathematical skills
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals and percentages.
Language skills
Ability to understand, read, write, and speak English, if bilingual Center, bilingual language is required. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret manufacturer’s instructions or instructions for use. Ability to effectively present information, respond to questions, and professionally interact with managers, employees, clients, vendors, and the general public.
Reasoning ability
Exhibits mental alertness for quality decision making and exercising good judgment
Ability to multi-task effectively, efficiently, accurately, and with attention to details
Ability to use initiative, insight, and judgment in decision-making
Ability to effectively present information, respond to questions, and professionally interact with managers, co-workers, patients, and the general public
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in a variety of forms
Ability to recognize issues and communicate to Registered Nurse/Center Leader
Physical demands
Ability to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time, i.e., 6-8 hours per day
Ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects up to 50 pounds in weight
Ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously without "giving out” or fatiguing
Ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials, lift or transport patients, prepare medical procedure rooms, or set up patient care equipment
Ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position
Ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright
Ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath
Ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears
Specific vision abilities for close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
Work environment
Days and hours of work may vary to meet patient and center needs
The Center is a well-lit, ventilated and climate controlled environment. The Center may require decreased lighting to meet patient care needs or procedure requirements, such as laser rooms and some OR/Procedure rooms
Ability to work with medical and office equipment, some of which will have moving parts
Noise level is usually quiet to moderate
May have exposure to blood and other potentially infectious body fluids and materials or toxic chemicals and cleaning solutions
Procedure rooms are often small and due to equipment may have little room to work around and may necessitate reaching, pulling, pushing
Works in close proximity to patients and co-workers
