Certified Surgical Tech - Inpatient Surgery - St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital

About the role

This is a collective bargaining unit position. The Surgical Technologist, working under the direction of the Nurse Manager and the supervision of the circulating nurse and the surgeon, performs the functions of surgical scrub; scrubs on operative procedures using aseptic technique; performs pre-operative shave and preparation; provides the care of, proper use of and reassembling of instrumentation. The Surgical Technologist actively promotes behaviors that are consistent with the mission and values of the organization and supports positive patient, family, and staff relationships.

Responsibilities

• Performs functions of surgical tech under direct supervision of the physician and/or surgical resident in the operating room.
• May retract during operative procedure, use suction as necessary, and perform other duties necessary under scope of practice as a Certified Surgical Technologist.
• Reports any implanted devices, catheters, drains and packing to circulating nurse for documentation.
• Performs the pre-operative skin preparation and shave as ordered.
• Inserts Foley catheters as ordered.
• Implements the standards of practice of the Association of Surgical Technologists.
• Knowledgeable and can use or assist in the use of surgical equipment.
• Capable of scrubbing on all surgical procedures.
• Knowledgeable and skilled in care of instrumentation, the proper use of and reassembling of instrument sets.
• Participates in orientation of new staff.
• Functions “on-call” as scheduled and is available when needed within thirty minutes of phone request.
• Performs the functions of a surgical scrub that includes checking supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure; has knowledge of surgical preference and instrumentation.
• Scrubs, gowns and gloves; sets up sterile table with instruments, sutures, blades, electro-surgical equipment, suction, prosthesis, and solutions needed for procedure.
• Counts sponges, needles, and instruments with circulator prior to procedure and before incision is closed.
• Assists in draping sterile field, gowns and gloves surgeons and assistants.
• Passes instruments and supplies to surgeon during procedure.
• Maintains highest competency standard of sterile technique during procedure; uses principles of aseptic practice.
• Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization.
• Assists other members of team with terminal cleanup of room in readiness for next patient.
• Inspects sterile items for contamination before opening; initiates corrective action when breaks in technique.
• Maintains sterility while opening sterile items for procedure.
• Competent to provide equipment and supplies based on patient’s needs; anticipates the need for equipment and supplies in a judicious and cost-effective manner.
• Assures all equipment is functioning before use and operates according to manufacturer’s instructions; assures emergency equipment and supplies are always available.
• Demonstrates the ability to establish and maintain a safe and sterile work environment for the surgical team and the patient.

Qualifications

• CPR – American Heart Association (required)
• Surgical Technology Certification preferred; required within one year of hire date
• Vocational / Technical Degree – Surgical Technology (required) – combination of post-secondary education and experience in lieu of degree

Work Experience

• Experience in an operating room (preferred)
• Experience in customer service and computer literacy (preferred)

Patient Population

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.

Skills

• Hard/Tech/Clinical Skills: Monitor patient conditions during surgery; inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care; knowledgeable and can use or assist in the use of sterilizers, electrosurgical machines, suction machines, endoscopic equipment, pacemaker equipment, orthopedic tourniquets, microscopes, air-powered equipment, operating tables, and lasers; knowledgeable to establish and maintain a safe and sterile work environment for the surgical team and the patient; ability to follow instructions; anatomy; knowledge of AORN and AST Recommendations; move with a sense of urgency; physiology; possess surgical conscience; Microsoft Office.
• Soft/Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work independently; attention to detail; acceptance of authority; critical thinking; communication with staff members; teamwork; conflict resolution; active listening; relationship building; anticipate needs; infection control; professionalism; self-directed; takes direction.

Working Conditions

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.
• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.
• May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse.
• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.
• May be required to use physical restraints.
• May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.
• May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.
• May have periods of constant interruptions.
• Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.