Surgical Technologist - Certified Surgical Assistant Labor and Delivery PRN

The Surgical Technologist III is a Certified Surgical Assistant who works in collaboration with the surgeon, as a first assistant, and the health care team members to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The Surgical Technologist III must have acquired the necessary knowledge, judgment, and skills specific to the expanded role of the surgical technologist and surgical assistant clinical practice.

Intraoperatively, the Surgical Technologist III practices under the direction and guidance of the surgeon. The Surgical Technologist III has the obligation and responsibility to refuse to perform any delegated act, whether oral or written, if not within the parameters of his/her defined role and certification.

Education:
Successful Completion of an accredited course in surgical first assisting certificate program that meets the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs standards.
Licensures/Certifications:
• Certification as a Surgical First Assistant, e.g. CFA or CSA
• Healthcare Provider CPR Certification, e.g. BLS
Experience:
Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a surgical technologist and demonstrated proficiency and demonstrated proficiency as a surgical technician in at least 3 surgical service areas.
Skills:
• Advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, surgical interventions, surgical techniques and surgical hazards relative to operative procedures wherein the Surgical Technologist III assists.
• Advanced knowledge and skill in handling surgical instrumentation, in aiding in exposure, retraction, hemostasis, suctioning, tissue handling including dissecting, suturing, tying, stapling and stab wound.
• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with surgical patients and their significant others to enlist their involvement and cooperation in the entire treatment process.
• Ability to perform effectively in stressful and emergency situations with behaviors that are unique to functioning as a first assistant.
• Able to function as a Surgical Technologist as needed to the benefit of the patient/unit.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical competency- Provide a safe, therapeutic core by collaboration with the surgeons and healthcare team in performing a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient. The Surgical Technologist III practices perioperative care and must have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills, and judgment specific to clinical practice.
Teamwork – Communicates effectively and works cooperatively with others. Has respect for and understanding of clinical disciplines. Uses an integrated approach toward patient outcomes.
1. Demonstrates effective communication skills.
2. Using evidence based practice model,works with a multidisciplinary team to implement practice changes and other initiatives in a positive and productive manner.
3. Assists as needed with the staffing schedule coverage to meet daily department needs.
4. Assists with room set-up, opening supplies and room turn-over. Helps with lunches and breaks. Assists with patient positioning and safe transport of patient to the PACU.
5. Assists staff to indentify learning needs and helps to educate and train as needed. Acts as a preceptor to Students, Surgical Technologists I and II and other healthcare staff
6. Collaborates with the team in keeping costs under control and controls wastage in the room with regard to supplies; promotes maximum productivity.
7. Assists RN3/4/charge nurse in updating and developing physician preference cards.
Quality/Best practices – Utilizes standards, guidelines, and pathways for care delivery. Incorporates data and information to continuously improve care and practice to enhance outcomes.
1. The Surgical Technologist III acts as a leader or participates in quality improvement process. Actively identifies variances and explores alternatives to care or practice.
2. Evaluates staff on practice delivery and recommends additional education if needed. Assists with implementation of practice initiatives.
Professional development- Ensures improvements in practice settings by assuming responsibility for self-development in life-long learning. Provides direction and guidance to others regarding practice, serves as a resource, preceptor, and mentor. Leadership skills demonstrated in decision making and problem solving
Clinical and Technical Skill
Demonstrates knowledge of procedures to which assigned.
a. Participates in clinical decision making and modifies techniques based on clinical findings.
b. Identifies normal and abnormal anatomy.
c. Anticipates the needs of surgeon, steps in surgical procedure.
Clinical and Technical Skill

Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates patient care needs.
a. Collaborates with the surgical team members to