Surgical Tech

POSITION SUMMARY:

• The surgical technician’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to: reviewing upcoming OR schedule to anticipate need for instrumentation/equipment, ensuring all necessary equipment is available and in proper working order, setting up all necessary equipment and instrumentation for surgical procedures, performing appropriate surgical counts according to facility policy and organizing case carts for upcoming procedures. The surgical technician works in collaboration with the operating room circulator prior to a surgical procedure to carry out the plan of care by preparing the operating room, gathering and preparing sterile supplies, instruments and equipment, preparing and maintaining the sterile field using sterile and aseptic technique and ensuring that the surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely. Work involves inventorying, disassembling, decontamination, high level disinfection, cleaning, reassembling, and maintaining operating room instrumentation and endoscopy equipment. The surgical technician performs in-between case cleaning turnover in the OR suite.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.

1. Commits to recognize and respect cultural diversity for all customers (internal and external).

2. Communicates effectively with internal and external customers with respect of differences in cultures, values, beliefs and ages, utilizing interpreters when needed.

• Anticipates surgeon needs
• Maintains surgeon’s preference cards
• Processes all instruments and equipment for the operating room
• Performs surgical counts
• Passes supplies, equipment, or instruments
• Prepares and cuts suture material
• Transfers, but not administer, drugs within the sterile field
• Assists in counting sponges, needles, supplies and instruments with an operating room circulator
• Performs specimen handling
• Assists in room turnover
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Knowledge of aseptic technique, infection control principles, sterilization techniques, equipment and supply processing, and operation of steam sterilizers.
• Knowledge of Spaulding Classification
• Knowledge of Universal Protocol
• Knowledge of AORN Standard and Recommended Practices
• Ability to prioritize equipment needs of the operating room
• Good organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/LICENSURE/TECHNICAL/OTHER:

1. Education: High School Diploma or GED required; graduation from an accredited school of surgical technology required* (please read detailed description below)
2. Experience (Type & Length): 1 – 5 years preferred
3. Certification/Licensure: CST required* (please read description below), BLS required
4. Software/Hardware: Meditech
5. Other:

1. Surgical technologists are required to complete an accredited educational program for surgical technologists and hold and maintain a certified surgical technologist credential administered by a nationally recognized surgical technologist certifying body accredited by the National Commisson for Certifying Agencies and recognized by the American College of Surgeons and the Association of Surgical Technologists; OR
2. Has successfully completed an accredited school of surgical technology but has not, as of the date of hire, obtained the certified surgical technologist certification. This is provided, however, that such certification shall be obtained within 12 months of the graduation date; OR
3. Was employed as a surgical technologist in a surgical facility on or before July 1, 2013; OR

Has successfully completed a training program for surgical technology in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the United States or in the United States Public Health Service which has been deemed appropriate by the commissioner