Surgical Technologist

Job Description

Job Summary:

• The Surgical Tech works under the supervision of the surgeon and RN.
• Assists surgical team during operative procedures by arranging and inventorying sterile set-up of instruments, equipment and supplies for surgical cases and passing items to surgeons and nurses as needed.
• Assists in preparing and moving patients and sterilizing and cleaning instruments, equipment and rooms.

Responsibilities:

• Uses physician preference card to identify supplies and equipment needed for the scheduled surgical or emergency procedures.
• Updates preference cards with any necessary changes.
• Sets up sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for procedure.
• Prepares solutions and medications used.
• Properly labels and reports amounts used for charting.
• Prepare back table and mayo stand anticipating needs of the surgeon and through the use of the surgeon’s preference card.
• Provides supplies or equipment upon request for the surgeon, nurses and/or anesthesiologist.
• Assist with draping sterile field; drapes and covers operating and instrument tables.
• Performs appropriate counts with circulator prior to the operation, before incision is closed and as needed.
• Delivers surgical specimens/cultures from operative field to circulating nurse.
• Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during procedure by checking package integrity, indicators and opening procedures.
• Prepares and sterilizes supplies and equipment used in surgical procedures.
• Reviews and replaces supplies in the surgical case following a procedure.
• Discards expired medications per protocol.
• Assists with terminal cleaning of operating room.
• Puts equipment, supplies and instruments away as required.
• Assists in preparing room for the next patient.
• Holds retractors or instruments, sponges or suctions operative site, applies electrocautery to clamps on bleeders, cuts suture material, connects drains to suction apparatus and applies dressings to a wound.
• Ability to provide on-call coverage outside of standard scheduled hours per department and/or facility policy.
• Effectively communicates with surgeon and nursing staff.
• Anticipates possible problems or complications that could arise during case.
• Adjusts quickly and prepares for emergent cases that change workflow.
• Performs all duties in a conscientious, courteous and caring manner to maintain positive customer relations.
• Maintains efficiency under stress and with irregular working hours.
• Adheres to department procedures and acceptable protocols.
• Applies knowledge of the dress code related to Standard Precautions and consistently wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Reports any life safety issues, environmental concerns or process deviation to immediate supervisor.
• Participates in quality improvement, evidence based practice and research activities.
• Participates in professional and program development by attending department in-services, meetings and by sharing professional expertise to enhance quality of patient care and staff development.
• Seeks specialty service learning opportunities and growth for advancement.
• Assists with the education of new staff and students.
• Demonstrates effective time management and is proactive in prioritizing workload and meeting productivity requirements.
• Adapts to rapidly changing technologies, policies, regulations, census and staffing through priority setting and flexibility.

Education, Experience and Certifications:

• HS/GED is required.
• Basic Life Support American Heart Association -Required.
• Certification in Surgical Technology from the National Board Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBTSTSA) or Certification as a Tech in Surgery from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)- Required.
• One year of experience in a surgical setting preferred Experience in a specialty field preferred Basic Computer skills required