Status:  Full Time

Shift:     Monday - Friday, 6:30am-7:00pm, 3 days per week with rotating call.

Exempt: No 

Summary:

The Surgical Technologist participates as a member of the surgical team under direct supervision of the Registered Nurse. The Surgical Technologist in the Operating Room will be a graduate of an accredited school for surgical technologists or have military corpsman training and experience in a full service operating room. Previous experience preferred.

Other information:

Education:
Graduate of an accredited scrub technician program.

Experience/Skills:
Sterile Technician experience is preferred.

Physical Demands:
Strength: Medium
Push: Frequently
Pull: Frequently
Carry: Frequently
Lift: Frequently
Sit: Occasionally
Stand: Constantly
Walk: Frequently

Responsibilities:

I.Acts as a scrub nurse during the operative procedure.

A.Pre procedure

1.Prepares for the surgical procedure by reviewing physician pick list and preference cards.

2.Sets up surgical equipment required for the procedure.

3.Selects appropriate sterile supplies as listed on the physician profile.

4.Understands and applies principles of sterilization when operating auto clave.

5.Sets up table, instruments and supplies at the appropriate time according to established protocol.

6.Counts instruments, sponges and needles with the circulating nurse.

7.Assist with maintenance of accurate pick list and preference cards.

B.Procedure

1.Understands and applies principles of aseptic technique.

2.Demonstrates integrity in aseptic technique.

3.Scrubs, dons gown and gloves in accordance with established policies and procedures.

4.Maintains the sterile field by monitoring the sterility of all supplies used during the operative procedure.

5.Performs pre-op skin prep using sterile technique.

6.Complies with AORN standards on confinement and containment.

7.Assess and anticipate the surgeon’s needs for exposure and selects appropriate method.May not aid in exposure by cutting tissue or performing blunt dissection.

8.Assist in preparation, positioning and draping of patient and operative area according to need.

9.Demonstrates methods of tissue handling that promote tissue preservation and wound healing.

10.Provides appropriate retraction with protection of anatomical structures.

11.Utilizes appropriate suctioning techniques to maintain a dry field.

12.Provides adequate exposure by appropriate sponging techniques.

13.Utilizes sponges/laps appropriately for pressure and hemostasis.May not control blood flow, prevent hemorrhage (cauterizing bleeder) but may apply ESU to hemostat with physician direction.

14.Operates tables, lights, suction equipment, ESU and other diagnostic equipment safely and effectively.

15.Passes instruments during surgery, recognizing and interpreting the immediate situation to anticipate surgeon needs.

16.Prepares and manages medications and solutions at the operative field.

17.Assists in closing of body planes and skin.May cut suture.May not apply or tie suture.May apply staples after skin approximated by the surgeon.

18.Assists in application of casts and splints.

19.Counts instruments, sponges, etc. as established by policy when relieved during a case.

20.Prepares specimens as directed by the surgeon and according to policy for delivery to the lab.

C.Post Procedure

1.Remove used instruments and supplies from the OR.

2.Disposes of hazardous items per established protocols.

3.Cleans instruments and returns to Sterile Processing per established protocols.

4.Communicates any change regarding physician preferences to the service specific team leader.

5.Report any stated physician concerns to Unit Coordinator.

II.Maintains a safe environment by following established OR protocols.

A.Removes equipment not working properly from the immediate work environment and reports to coordinator and Biomed.

B.Reports any non-functioning supplies during a procedure to Risk Management.Procures non-functioning supply for Biomed/Vendor evaluation.

C.Is knowledgeable of all hospital safety related codes and performs duties in drills and actual emergencies.

D.Maintains clear pathways.

E.Reviews the operation of emergency equipment.

F.Reports unsafe conditions and incidents.

III.Demonstrates good interpersonal relationships.

A.Extends courtesy and consideration for others in interpersonal relationships.

B.Demonstrates professional manner in work setting.

C.Accepts and acts upon constructive criticism to upgrade abilities.

D.Seeks clarification of duties when indicated.

E.Channels suggestions, criticisms and questions to appropriate persons.

IV.Maintain an employment record in accordance with hospital policy.

A.Complies with attendance policies.

B.Reports all accidents and injuries.

C.Adheres to acceptable dress code.

D.Shares in the responsibility of providing emergency surgical services 24 hours a day.

V.Maintains and increases standards of performance and education.

A.Attends department unit meetings.

B.Participates in in-service classes.

C.Shares knowledge with others.

D.Demonstrates interest in professional literature and trends associated with national organization.

VI.Performs other duties as requested.

VII.Follows North Oaks Health System’s Compliance Program and Federal and State Regulatory

guidelines.