O.R. Technician

Job Description

Department: UNRESTRICTED GENERAL FUND BALANCES – OPERATING ROOM SUITE
Shift Type: Local
Union Position: Yes

Job Summary:

• A Surgical Technician is an individual with knowledge and expertise in operating room technology, responsible for assisting in the performance of routine and delegated functions under the direct supervision of a Registered Professional Nurse.
• Responsible To: Clinical Director, Nursing/designee or attending physician or designee.
• Responsible For: Assisting the Registered Professional Nurse by performing support activities in the operating room as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Scrub Assignment:

• Apply principles and practices of asepsis.
• Perform surgical scrub, gowning, and gloving procedure.
• Set up sterile instrument table and prepare supplies according to type of operation.
• Assist in draping of patient and operative area as needed.
• Anticipate needs of surgeon for instruments, sutures, sponges, and supplies.
• Observe patient and be ready for emergencies.
• Maintain correct count of sponges, needles, and instruments with circulating nurse; report discrepancies.
• Maintain and monitor aseptic technique at all times; institute corrective measures if contamination occurs.
• Assist in care, handling, and disposition of specimens.
• Assist in application of dressings and securing drainage systems.
• Assist in moving patient using approved transfer devices.
• Discard soiled materials appropriately; place instruments for reprocessing; decontaminate equipment and clean room.

2. Circulating Functions:

• Assemble and make available all necessary supplies for patient and surgical procedure.
• Provide special equipment before, during, and after surgery.
• Observe and protect patient via correct positioning, restraints, and aseptic practices.
• Position patient; adjust table and accessories as required.
• Prepare operative area and assist in draping.
• Assist scrub nurse in maintaining accurate sponge, needle, and instrument counts.
• Complete operative count and related records accurately and legibly.
• Observe personnel, control traffic, and correct breaks in aseptic technique.
• Maintain and care for specimens to prevent loss or damage.
• Assist in application of dressing, patient transfer, and room clean-up.

3. Medication Assistance:

• Mix medicated solutions at the sterile field only under direct supervision of the Registered Professional Nurse.
• Label medications not already labeled for patient use or handoff to another provider.
• Show medication label to person administering medication.
• Save all medication vials/ampoules until patient leaves the room.
• Announce name, concentration, amount, and route of administration audibly.
• Do not dispense narcotics or controlled drugs; only the Registered Professional Nurse may dispense.

Operational Support:

• Assist in transportation of patients to and from the surgical suite.
• Notify CNM of changes in par levels, instrumentation, or equipment specific to the unit.
• Keep operating room and sterile storage areas organized.
• Update preference cards as needed.

Education:

• High School diploma required.
• Courses in operating room technology, science, biology, and chemistry preferred.
• Certified CST Training Program required.
• CST Certification Required

Skills & Knowledge:

• Ability to read, write, understand, and speak English clearly.
• Visual and aural acuity to assess patients within job responsibilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse individuals.
• Customer-focused and oriented toward patient satisfaction.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to perform various tasks in the operating room.
• Knowledge of operating room technology and aseptic techniques.
• Experience in an operating room setting preferred.

Work Setting:

• Exposure to a variety of clinical conditions, technologies, and environmental settings.
• Per Diem positions: must not work more than 16 shifts in 13 weeks.

Minimum Experience Required:

• 2 years of recent operating room experience.

Additional Notes: Floor: 3rd Floor