JOB SUMMARYThe Surgical Technologist 3 functions in the inter operative phase of patient care to expedite surgical procedures, under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse. This position assists the surgical team through the use of equipment and instrumentation to ensure that the operating room environment is safe and that required equipment is available and functioning properly. Assumes responsibility for maintenance of equipment, instruments and supplies for a specified surgical service line, acting as liaison of this service to surgeons and other team members.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE ROLE- Discusses any special needs with the surgeon before surgery and scrubs into surgery in an adequate time for proper preparation of instruments before the surgeon scrubs in.
- Prepares the operative site by aseptically cleaning and patient clipping, as needed.
- Prepares and maintains the instrument table(s) in an organized and comprehensive manner to avoid damage to instrumentation. Identifies damaged or incomplete trays, rectifies discrepancy immediately, or contacts those that can help in order to avoid delays or injury.
- Sets up the operating room according to surgical procedure schedules; arranges sterile set up of instrument table supplies and equipment required for specific procedure, carefully selecting and opening only needed supplies.
- Scrubs for cases in all major surgical services according to established procedures and standards requiring advanced knowledge of anatomy, surgical instruments, Surgeon preferences, and other technical knowledge.
- Ensures the proper functioning of surgical instruments, equipment and supplies during surgical procedures.
- Performs surgical counts of sponges, sharps, instruments, and misc items, according to established policies and procedures.
- Anticipates the needs of the surgeon and surgical team staff. Passes sterile supplies and equipment to surgeons and assistants during procedures, holds retractor devices, and acts to anticipate and respond to the surgical team’s needs during course of surgery.
- Assists the surgical team with draping and positioning the patient.
- Receives surgical specimens following specimen protocol, and passes the specimen(s) off the sterile field to circulating Nurse, verifying source of specimen.
- Disassembles surgical instrumentation as indicated at end of the procedure, recycles as indicated, and appropriately disposes of sharps, fluids, and waste at end of the surgical procedure.
- Prepares soiled instrumentation for proper transportation to decontamination area.
- Ensures the cleaning, decontamination, sterilization, maintenance, and preparation of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies for distribution.
- Cleans the operating room following each case, and returns equipment to appropriate storage areas.
- Follows infection control policies, Association of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) recommendation practices, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, and other regulatory requirements in order to assure a safe work environment for self, coworkers and patients.
- Ensures proper orientation and knowledge of all equipment and instrumentation prior to patient use.
- Maintains inventory of clean and sterilized surgical equipment, instruments and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures and regulatory standards. Collaborates and maintains control of maintenance of inventory; orders supplies, documents equipment use and cart supplies, and maintains applicable records and files.
KEY SUCCESS FACTORS- Knowledge of infection prevention and regulatory sterilization standards.
- Knowledge of the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique.
- Knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures and implementation tools and technologies to assist surgeons with invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
- Good verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills to interact with surgical and central sterile processing team members.
- Occasional exposure to chemical and radiation hazards.
QUALIFICATIONS- EDUCATION - Grad of an Accredited Program
- EXPERIENCE - 2 Years of Experience
- CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION
- Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS or BLS within 30 days of hire or transfer.
- Cert Surgical Technologist (CST): CST from NBSTSA or NCCT (EDU must be CAAHEP accredited)
If CAN or EMPL has experience prior 9/1/2009 in healthcare or military, GAP and Cert will not be required & Min Qual: HS/GED
If CAN or EMPL does not have experience prior to 2009, GAP and CST are required.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
