Certified Surgical Technologist Operating Room

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible to the Director, Surgical Services, Manager, OR and PACU, and/or designee for overall practice. Functions under supervision of the Nursing Supervisor and circulating nurse as a scrub or assist.  Assists in the delivery of patient care in the Operating Room under the supervision of the professional nurse according to AORN Standards of Practice, Principles of Asepsis and Operating Room Policies and Procedures.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. High School Education or equivalent.
2. Successful completion of a Surgical Technologist program sponsored by an entity holding nationally recognized institutional or programmatic accreditation or successful completion of appropriate training program for surgical technology in the United States Army, Navy or Air Force.

Experience:

1. A minimum of three years’ operating room experience preferred.
2. A background in Cesarean Sections and Orthopedic, General and Vascular surgery preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the specific uses of all equipment and supplies for surgical procedures. 
2. Uses tact, sensitivity, sound judgment and a professional attitude when relating with patients, families, and co-workers at all times.
3. Extensive dexterity skills needed to handle equipment needed for surgical procedures.
4. Strength required to assist with lifting, moving, and positioning of patients, moving of equipment and handling of supplies.
5. Knowledge/demonstration of aseptic technique.
6. Ability to work well with physicians, coworkers, and students.
7. Ability to work closely with a positive attitude with individuals under physical or emotional stress.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two years.
2. Maintains a required Surgical Technologist certification. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position is for a highly independent individual with the ability to work under minimal supervision from the Director, Manager or Nursing Supervisor.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Applies knowledge of the basic concepts necessary for the performance of the duties expected of the surgical technician.
   1. Applies knowledge of normal and pathologic anatomy and physiology and helps in the administration of pharmacologic agents.
      1. Identifies medications and solutions by name, dosage, and expiration date with a registered nurse.
      2. Identifies medications and solution by name and dosage when handing medication to surgeon.
   2. Applies the principles of asepsis and sterile technique in a knowledgeable manner to provide optimal patient care.
      1. Establishes and maintains a sterile field.
      2. Performs gowning, gloving and surgical scrubbing according to medical center policy.
      3. Assists with skin preparation and draping of patient.
      4. Assists with the care, preparation and maintenance of sterile and unsterile supplies.
   3. Understands the services provided to the patient in relation to their restoration of health.
   4. Prepares and possesses knowledge of the specific uses of all equipment and supplies used for surgical procedures.
      1. Demonstrates knowledge, care, maintenance, and storage of special instruments and equipment.
      2. Checks sutures and supplies and assists with the case set-up.
      3. Updates surgeons' preference lists.
   5. Differentiates sterilization methods required for specific instruments and equipment.
      1. Cleans or directs the cleaning and sterilizing of contaminated instruments, equipment and supplies as necessary.
      2. Cleans and checks sterilizing apparatus according to safety plan for care of sterilizers.  Operates sterilizer safely and documents accurately.
   6. Demonstrates knowledge of the progress of specific surgical procedures and displays dexterity in the use of the required instrumentation.
      1. Demonstrates organization, efficiency and speed in setting up a sterile field.
      2. Performs sharps, sponge and instrument counts.
   7. Anticipates the needs of the surgeon in order to expedite the procedure, thus minimizing the patient's exposure to surgical and anesthetic stress.
   8. Identifies emergency situations and uses sound judgment in instituting established procedures to respond to emergencies in a calm and efficient manner.
   9. Adheres to Standard Precautions Polic