Surgical Technologist

Position Title: Surgical Technologist

Department: Surgery > Operating Room

Reports to: Charge RN, Operating Room

EEO Code: Service Workers

SOC Code: 29-2055 - Surgical Technologists

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Last Revision Date: April 2018

Summary

Assists surgeon during operative and invasive procedures. Ensures operating suite is adequately prepared for procedure. Monitors PAR level of all surgical instruments and supplies. Cleans and sterilizes all surgical instruments as needed. Participates in departmental staff meetings and performance improvement activities.

Essential Functions

• Adapts procedures to meet individual needs of 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.
• 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.
• 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/healthcare errors.
• Sets up, scrubs and prepares for procedures at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled time, unless otherwise directed by Circulating RN or DON.
• 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.
• Cleans and prepares rooms between procedures and after last case; restocks supplies, when necessary and organizes effectively for end-of-case cleanup.
• Is fully responsible for care of instruments/equipment during intra/postoperative phase, including cleaning and processing of instruments.
• 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.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of assigned case and instruments and/or trays to be pulled for the procedure.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationship with coworkers for the patient’s benefit.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Standing/Walking: Standing and walking is required for the majority of time spent in the clinical area (4-8 hours). Standing in one position is required while performing certain aspects of patient care. Walking occurs on vinyl, tile, linoleum, or carpeted floors.
• Sitting: Sit while charting or entering data into a computer. One may also sit while receiving/giving verbal reports at the start/end of one's shift. It is also possible that sitting may occur during breaks and meal periods.
• Lifting: Regular lifting of medical supplies, medications, patient supplies, and patient charts is required. Also lifting CPR equipment and other medical equipment. One is required to assist in lifting and transferring patients of varying weights and is expected to request assistance when lifting, ambulating, and repositioning patients. One must be able to reposition, transfer, and ambulate patients safely.
• Carrying: Frequent carrying of medical supplies and other items weighing up to 45 pounds is required, along with occasional carrying of certain medical equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Pushing: Pushing 70-100 pounds is required when administering patient therapy and care, as well as when pushing equipment such as oxygen tanks and monitors, and when transporting patients in wheelchairs, beds, or gurneys. Pushing is required at 3.5 pounds of pressure when administering CPR. Full manual dexterity of both upper extremities is required.
• Climbing: No significant climbing is required; one may be required to climb a step stool.
• Bending: Bending is required when administering patient care. One must be able to bend to touch the floor to remove environmental hazards.
• Reaching: Reaching above one's head is required when performing aspects of care such as hanging and adjusting IV bags.
• Squatting/Kneeling: Squatting or kneeling is required when operating medical equipment and performing aspects of patient care, such as CPR.
• Twisting: Twisting at the waist is required when performing procedures.
• Speaking: Must be able to clearly speak English to communicate, assess, and educate patients and families. One must also be able to communicate verbally with physicians and other professionals involved in patient care.
• Hearing: One must have normal hearing (aids permitted) in order to perform physical assessments, including listening with a stethoscope for bowel, heart, and lung sounds. One must also be able to hear to detect subtle, yet critical information regarding patient conditions including alarms, and to communicate with physicians and other professionals involved in patient care.
• Visual Acuity: Vision is required within normal limits (glasses or contacts permitted) for monitoring equipment, reading medical data, preparing and administering medications and injections, and performing physical assessments of patients including subtle changes in color.
• Depth Perception: Required for fine tasks such as administering injections, sterile catheter insertions (urinary, IV).
• Fine Motor Skills: One must have fine motor skills of all fingers and be able to grasp and control medical equipment, and to perform precise procedures such as sterile dressing changes. Ability to grasp objects such as a pen to prepare handwritten reports is also required.
• Smell: One must have normal sense of smell to detect odors indicating unsafe conditions or changing patient status.

Education and Experience

• 1-year previous experience in an operating room.
• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) preferred.

Required Skills and Certifications

• Current BLS certification.

EEO Statement

Our corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), age, disability, citizenship status, status as a current or former uniformed servicemember, genetic information, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.