Surgical Technician

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for rendering professional care to patients undergoing surgical procedures within the Center, in accordance with established procedures. Functions cooperatively with physicians and staff exhibiting teamwork characteristics. May be responsible for ensuring proper care and use of surgical instruments. May transport patients to and from operating room or procedure room. Assists with cleanliness of procedure room area and assists with procedure room turnover.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved surgical technologist program (mandatory)
• Surg Tech Certification (mandatory)
• BLS certification
• One (1) year experience as a surgical technologist (preferred)
• Membership in CST association (preferred)
• Able to read, write, and communicate in English

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge of and adheres to the Code of Conduct
• Complies with center policies and procedures
• Demonstrates an attitude that is caring, respectful, sensitive, tactful, compassionate, empathetic, and tolerant
• Provides a safe environment for the patient
• Communicates safety concerns appropriately, following Chain of Command
• Legibly documents when appropriate based on Center policy/procedure
• Promotes patient and physician satisfaction
• Uses proper cleaning and sterilization techniques as specific in the policy and procedures and per manufacturer’s instructions for use
• Practices appropriate aseptic techniques and sterile processes
• Wears appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Observes universal precautions
• Refers situations beyond ability or function to proper person
• Attends all required education
• Regular and predictable attendance
• Performs other related duties, as assigned or requested

Operating Room

• Assists with the utilization of protective padding specific to patient’s skin integrity status and position for surgery or procedures
• Maintains anesthetized patient’s proper body alignment as determined by procedure
• Plans for proposed surgical intervention by selecting appropriate equipment and supplies following physician preference
• Assists RN in the performance of duties assigned per Center policy/procedure
• Provides input to the circulating nurse in the identification of patient problems
• Performs item count to include, but not limited to, sponges, sharps and instruments, pre, intra, and post operatively, per policy and procedures
• Ensures availability of appropriate supplies and equipment intra-operatively
• Labels medications on the sterile field per Center policy/procedure
• Initiates corrective action for breaks in aseptic technique
• Handles tissue specimens correctly and accurately according to policy and procedures
• Follows standards for sharps safety and electrosurgical safety according to facility policy and procedure
• Utilizes supplies in a cost-effective manner
• Takes appropriate corrective action if item count is not acceptable
• Follows standards for disposal of biohazard waste according to Center policy and procedure
• Identifies, sequesters, and reports malfunctioning equipment to the Registered Nurse/Center Leader
• Operates specialty equipment per manufacturer’s recommendation for use and/or policy and procedure
• Assists with the orientation of new personnel
• Actively participates in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities
• Assists in policy and procedure review and updates (as required)
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, and in service meetings
• Actively participates in the time out

Teamwork

• Works collaboratively with healthcare team
• Exhibits high level of integrity
• Maintains flexibility and performs other duties as required
• Participates in staff meetings, in-services, and continuing education as required

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals and percentages.

Language Skills

Ability to understand, read, write, and speak English. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret manufacturer’s instructions or instructions for use. Ability to effectively present information, respond to questions, and professionally interact with managers, employees, clients, vendors, and the general public.

Reasoning Ability

• Exhibits mental alertness for quality decision making and exercising good judgment
• Ability to multi-task effectively, efficiently, accurately, and with attention to details
• Ability to use initiative, insight, and judgment in decision-making
• Ability to effectively present information, respond to questions, and professionally interact with managers, co-workers, patients, and the general public
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in a variety of forms
• Ability to recognize issues and communicate to Registered Nurse/Center Leader

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time
• Ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects up to 50 pounds
• Ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously without fatigue
• Ability to perform physical activities that require use of arms and legs and moving the whole body
• Ability to keep hand and arm steady and maintain balance
• Ability to respond quickly to a signal when it appears
• Specific vision abilities for close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

• Days and hours of work may vary to meet patient and center needs
• Environment is well-lit, ventilated, and climate controlled; some areas may require different lighting
• Operate medical and office equipment; some equipment has moving parts
• Noise level is usually quiet to moderate
• Possible exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials or cleaning chemicals
• Procedure rooms may be small and require reaching, pulling, or pushing
• Works in close proximity to patients and co-workers

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.