BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

A specially trained individual who helps prepare for surgical patients by selecting and preparing the supplies and instruments. Assists the surgeon under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. Performs transport duties within the perioperative departments. Works in collaboration with the nursing leadership of Surgical Services to ensure the work is accomplished and the assigned service line functions effectively. Works in collaboration with the RN Service Line Lead as the first line of support for staff, physicians, and other related providers on issues specific to the assigned service line.

REPORTS TO

• Nurse Manager

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities: NO

Minimum Education: High School/GED Preferred.

Degree: Graduate of an approved Operating Room Technician program required.

License/Certification Required: Certified Surgical Technician. BLS required.

Minimum Work Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience as a Certified Surgical Technologist. Pediatric experience preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent attention to detail and good at following verbal instructions.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as service line lead:
• Collaborates with surgeons and Service Line Lead Nurse to maintain service-line specific preference cards. Orders special supply items unique to Service Line, records the purchases and keeps Service Lead, Perioperative Business Manager, and Clinical Leader informed. Communicates with Perioperative Business Manager to assure special order items are available for posted cases.
• Reports any equipment malfunction, removes item from service and alerts Service Leader of needed repairs, safety or for possible replacement.
• Communicates with Service Line Lead in the review of the surgery schedule to affirm all needed supplies, instruments and equipment are available for the procedure: Communicates immediately with operating room Clinical Coordinator and Manager of any pertinent safety issues that occur during a surgical procedure. Trains as a Safety Coach and use Safety Tools.
• Collaborates with operating room staff, Nurse Managers and Clinical Educators to assure staff competency and compliance with new supply and equipment per service line: Identifies and communicates with staff regarding specific storage area for special supplies and equipment specific to service-line. Provides effective staff education around new equipment or supplies in specific Service Line.
• Participates in orientation process for new employees around specific service line. Participates in unit based LEAN and quality improvement events.
• Job Knowledge & Quality:
• Demonstrates proficient understanding of sterilization processes, steam, gas and cold and its impact on various instruments and equipment by providing mechanism to identify what type of sterilization is necessary on existing and new instruments.
• Develops and maintains necessary sterilization equipment policies and procedures to comply with regulations and maintain patient safety.
• Researches and Reports abnormalities of instruments and equipment that facilitates the running of the unit to the OR Director and/or other appropriate individuals.
• Provides literature or necessary interventions on equipment specific sterilization when appropriate. Reviews case cart set ups daily in a thorough manner to detect accuracy and completeness.
• Transports patients by stretcher, wheelchair or other conveyance from pre/post operative locations. Responsible for monitoring and responding to patients and families during transportation phase.
• Personal Accountability to “customers”:
• Evaluates like instruments from different companies for quality, durability and service, able to provide written or verbal summary report. Reviews Surgeon’s preference cards and actively participates in keeping them current. Maintains back-up supply of instruments to facilitate replacements when needed, by setting and maintaining appropriate par levels. Sends instruments and equipment out for repair following all guidelines, maintaining a record of what is out and when the items will be returned. Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
• Intra/Inter departmental interpersonal relationship skills:
• Assures staff competency by creating and providing training. Offers constructive suggestions at staff meetings for utilization of equipment, repair of equipment and proper care of equipment.