Orthopedic Surgical Technologist

Position Overview

We are looking for a skilled Orthopedic Surgical Technologist to assist in procedures by preparing necessary tools, supplies, and equipment. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and the Nurse Director, this role requires anticipation of surgical needs and maintaining a sterile field throughout procedures. These functions must be in compliance with the philosophy of the ambulatory surgery center, standards of practice and regulations of governing agencies.

Primary Responsibilities

• Ensure instruments and supplies are prepared for surgical procedures.
• Anticipate surgeon’s needs and provide necessary tools promptly.
• Maintain a sterile environment and adhere to safety protocols.
• Support a team-oriented atmosphere and demonstrate effective communication.
• Adjust work plans in response to changing circumstances.
• Promote continuous learning and collaboration within the department.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent required.
• Certification as a Surgical Technologist required.
• Two years previous experience as an operating room technician, desired.
• Active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association.

Essential Functions

• Decision making concerning equipment and/or instrumentation sterilization.
• Biohazardous waste disposal.
• Patient care and efficient patient flow.
• Complies with hospital practice standards regarding competent performance duties.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Creates a safe environment in which surgery may take place.
• Uses medical equipment in a safe manner.
• Helps provide cost effective patient care.
• Implements principles of medical and surgical asepsis in accordance with recognized national standards and hospital specific policies and procedures.
• Provides physical safety for the patient.
• Accounts for sponges, needles, instruments, and other potential foreign bodies.
• Supports other hospital personnel in the performance of their duties.
• Aids in scrubbed cases.
• Pulls supplies for upcoming cases.
• Demonstrates cooperative work attitude towards and with coworkers, employees, management, patients, visitors and physicians.
• Maintains a safe work environment in compliance with OSHA guidelines and infection control standards.
• Maintains proper sterile technique when gowning and gloving surgeon and draping patient.
• Performs sponge, instrument, and needle counts according to count policy.
• Handles specimen per established policy.
• Transports instruments to decontamination area utilizing appropriate technique and in compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Puts unused sterile supplies and instruments away at the end of the day.
• Restocks operating rooms to established PAR levels.
• Adheres to attendance, punctuality, meal and break time period policies.
• Completes work in an acceptable time frame and in an independent manner.
• Carrries out assigned duties in an effective, productive, and efficient manner.
• Demonstrates a positive “can do” attitude.
• Willingness to adjust personal schedule periodically as workload fluctuates and as department needs require.
• Functions as a team member following the rules of engagement of the department and hospital.
• Communicates information about customers or other employees only as necessary to conduct hospital related business.
• Adheres to strictest confidentiality in dealing with patients, families, hospital personnel, and the public.
• Keeps supervisor apprised of work progress.
• Has a proactive attitude about problem resolution.
• Antsiciates customers’ needs and provides for them as quickly as possible.
• Models core values to co-workers continuously.
• Demonstrates knowledge of hospital wide emergency management codes and plans.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and participation in hospital performance improvement program, infection control program and risk management program.
• Demonstrates knowledge of cultural, spiritual, and aged related consideration when interacting/caring for patients.

Physical Demands

• Frequently sit, converse, and listen.
• Use hands to touch, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Lift and/or carry over 20 pounds on a regular basis.
• Push/pull over 25 pounds on a regular basis.
• Stand and/or walk at least five hours per day.

Work Environment

• Sit, converse, and listen.
• Use hands to touch, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Lift and/or carry over 20 pounds on a regular basis.
• Push/pull over 25 pounds on a regular basis.
• Stand and/or walk at least five hours per day.