FT OR Tech/Surgical Technologist

FT OR Tech/Surgical Technologist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Surgical Technologists are allied health professionals who work in the surgical suite delivering surgical patient care. They function under the supervision of a surgeon, to ensure the operating room environment is safe, equipment functions properly, and the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. They are experts in aseptic technique and are vigilant for any breaks in technique that can endanger the surgical patient.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & AUTHORITIES:

Surgical Technologist

-Anticipates the needs of the surgeon and handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment utilized during the surgical procedure.

-Conveys instruments and supplies to the surgeon, assists the surgeon as necessary, and is responsible for maintenance of the sterile field, instrument decontamination and sterilization.

Assisting Technologist

-Assists the surgeon by providing retraction and aiding exposure to the operative site; facilitating hemostasis; performing suctioning, irrigation and sponging; assisting with suturing and stapling; and securing drainage systems and dressings.

-Anticipates the moves of the surgeon and assists in the safe and efficient completion of the surgical procedure.

Circulating Technologist

-Supports the surgical team by obtaining appropriate sterile and unsterile items, performing counts, and maintaining records.

-Transfers the patient to the operating table, positions the patient, applies electrosurgical and monitoring devices, and prepares the patients skin prior to draping.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides patient care.

1. Provides a safe, efficient, supportive and comfortable environment for the patient.
2. Assesses patient response to illness and physical, spiritual and psychological needs.
3. Respects the right of patients and privacy.
4. Participate in TIME-OUT prior to procedure identifying pt., procedure, allergies; identify all staff involved in the case.

1. Applies principles of asepsis to provide optimum patient care.

1. Knowledgeable of sterile technique and applies techniques to each procedure.
2. Prepares items for sterilization, sterilizes items and monitors sterilization per hospital policy.

1. Prepares for surgical cases.

1. Individualizes patient care.
2. Knowledgeable of instruments by type, function and name.
3. Takes care of and handles surgical instrumentation according to policy.
4. Prepares surgical packs and trays.
5. Selects appropriate sponges, dressings, sutures and stapling devices.
6. Aides in selecting catheters, drains and other appliances, and assists in their use.
7. Selects appropriate specialty equipment for special procedures, i.e. VacPac for lateral cases, and assists in the use of special equipment.
8. Selects and applies appropriate draping material.
9. Identifies and reports to designated personnel the existence of negative, unsafe conditions that may affect the health and/or well being of patients and personnel.

1. Creates and maintains sterile fields.

1. Assures the physical preparation of the operating room
2. Verifies exposure to sterilization process and integrity of sterile packaging, and opens appropriate supplies.
3. Follows the appropriate dress Code as directed by hospital policy.
4. Selects and prepares supplies and instruments for the sterile field.
5. Counts all instruments, sponges, needles and other items as dictated by hospital policy.

1. Functions in the role of the scrub person.

1. Follows principles of correct hand scrub.
2. Gowns and gloves self and others.
3. Passes correct instrumentation, supplies, and suture as needed by the surgeon.
4. Prepares medication and irrigating solutions as needed by the surgeon.
5. Maintains the highest standards of sterile technique during the operative procedure.
6. Follows established policy and procedures for all counts.
7. Initiates corrective action when counts are incorrect.
8. Anticipates emergency or unusual circumstances and initiates corrective action.
9. Follows appropriate postoperative routines.
10. Demonstrates knowledge of the progressive steps inherent in specific surgical procedures.
11. Display dexterity in the use of required instrumentation and supplies.
12. Anticipates the needs of the surgeon in order to expedite the surgical procedure.
13. Demonstrates organization of work.

1. Functions in the role of the circulator assistant.

1. Selects and prepares supplies and equipment for the operative team.
2. Provides for the comfort and safety of the patient.
3. Assists anesthesia personnel as needed.
4. Applies appropriate equipment to the patient as requested by the surgeon.
5. Performs counts with the scrub person.
6. Anticipates the need for additional supplies during the operative procedure.
7. Operates all equipment as needed following all recommended practices and procedures.
8. Communicates information regarding the surgical procedure.
9. Follows appropriate postoperative routines.
10. Monitors and controls the surgical environment as indicated in policy and procedure.
11. Implements the proper principles of positioning of the surgical patient.
12. Prepares the operative site for surgery.
13. Assists with preparation of specimens for lab.
14. Applies thermoregulatory devices to the patient.
15. Demonstrates the preparation and use of appropriate hemostatic and blood replacement agents and devices.
16. Identifies developing emergency situations, initiates appropriate action, and assists in the treatment of the patient.

1. Functions in the role of the assisting surgical technologist.

1. Does so under the direction and supervision of that surgeon.
2. Uses recommended principles of safe positioning for the surgical patient.
3. Provides visualization of the operative site during the operative procedure.
4. Uses proper techniques to assist the surgeon in providing hemostasis.
5. Uses appropriate techniques to assist with the closure of body planes.
6. Expedites the operative procedure by anticipating the needs of the surgeon.
7. Knowledgeable of normal and pathological anatomy and physiology.

1. Accountable as a health care professional.

1. Respects the rights of the patient by maintaining confidentiality and privacy of the patient.
2. Provides a safe, efficient, and supportive environment for the patient.
3. Demonstrates sound judgement in decision making.
4. Demonstrates initiative in expanding ones knowledge of new procedures and subjects.
5. Promotes the importance of continued education
6. Recognizes the importance of teamwork, consideration, and cooperation within the operating room.
7. Promotes responsibility as an individual and member of the health care team.
8. Assists in the coordination of efforts of all members of the health care team.
9. Functions in an efficient and professional manner in all aspects of surgical care.
10. Develops a code of behavior that includes ethical and moral responsibilities.
11. Understands that each practitioner is individually responsible for his/her actions.
12. Recognizes legal and policy limitations in individual responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, ABILITIES):

Graduate of an accredited surgical technology program for a certificate or diploma to two years for an associate degree.

OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, REGISTRATIONS, ETC.)

Recommend National CST Certification. CPR, Data collection for QI and Interqual reporting.

Recommend membership with the Association of Surgical Technologists.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Lifting a minimum of 50 lbs. pounds.

Transporting, lifting and transferring patients.

Standing /walking for lengthy periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Risk of exposure to blood and body fluids, expected to use personal protective equipment.

Well-lit, ventilated area.

Follow LHHS policy and procedures / Infection Control policy & procedure.

CALL COVERAGE & HOLIDAYS

Expected to rotate call on nights, weekends and holidays.

Will be expected to help cover call during sick leave, vacations and various other times as needed.

Employees will be paid an hourly rate for authorized on call time and must be able to return to work within 30 minutes after notification of need to return to work. Guidelines for call pay will follow the Livingston Hospital & Healthcare Services, Inc. employee handbook policy.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, ABILITIES):

Graduate of an accredited surgical technology program for a certificate or diploma to two years for an associate degree.

OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, REGISTRATIONS, ETC.)

Recommend National CST Certification. CPR, Data collection for QI and Interqual reporting.

Recommend membership with the Association of Surgical Technologists.