Surgical Technician

Job Description

General Description:

• Under immediate to general supervision, provides technical assistance as a surgical (scrub) technician in an operating room, labor and delivery, or other facility performing surgical procedures.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Learn to use Physician’s preference cards to assist in preparing the operating room for surgical procedures.
• Prepare sterile field by opening instruments and supplies using sterile technique.
• Perform the surgical scrub prior to the patient entering the room for all procedures.
• Assist in preparing the operative field by assisting the physician in draping the patient.
• Preserve and ensure correct identification of operative specimens for laboratory analysis.
• Obtain special equipment such as electrosurgical machines and diagnostic lights, ensuring they are in working order.
• Manipulate instruments to aid the efficiency of the surgeon and avoid hazards to the patient.
• Observe the progress of surgery and provide additional instruments, supplies, or other items as needed.
• Recognize and correct breaks in sterile technique.
• Participate in sponge, needle, and instrument counts as directed by the circulating nurse.
• Clean or sterilize contaminated instruments, equipment, and supplies; clean operating room areas; dispose of soiled linen.
• Assist in the training of surgical technicians.
• If assigned to Labor and Delivery, perform a variety of clerical and technical direct patient care activities as required.

General Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited school/program for Surgical Technicians.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic human anatomy and basic first-aid methods and practices.
• Skill in maintaining effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served, demonstrating knowledge of growth and development principles across the lifespan.
• Ability to assess and interpret patient data to identify age-specific needs and provide care for neonates, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patient populations.