SURGERY - SCRUB TECH

About the Role

The Scrub Tech assists the surgeon at the sterile field by providing appropriate and adequate sterile instruments and supplies during operative procedures. They maintain the surgical field through aseptic practices and work under the supervision of the Surgery Team Leader as a member of the perioperative team. The role involves assisting in the nursing care and preparation of surgical patients, performing routine and delegated duties, and demonstrating cooperative behavior with colleagues and supervisors.

Responsibilities

• Set up and perform surgical cases by assembling equipment and supplies according to physician preference cards.
• Open sterile packs, supplies, and instruments following sterile technique.
• Prepare sterile field, including sponge, needle, and instrument counts when needed.
• Ensure the sterility of supplies and instruments used during operative procedures.
• Clean up the operating room following surgery, including proper disposal of used supplies and sharps, and decontamination of instruments and equipment.
• Handle specimens according to proper procedure.
• Assist the circulating nurse in preparing and positioning the patient for surgery, and moving the patient to and from the operating table.
• Demonstrate understanding and utilization of principles of asepsis in all duties.
• Use supplies conservatively and efficiently.
• During surgical procedures:
  • Pass instruments to the surgeon and assistant.
  • Remain attentive to the operative area for breaks in technique.
  • Maintain awareness of the location of all instruments, needles, sponges, and specimens.
  • Staple, as directed by the surgeon, after tissue approximation.
  • Assist with manipulation or reinsertion of laparoscopic trocars and suturing/stapling of skin under indirect observation of the surgeon (training and surgeon acknowledgment required).
  • Close skin using methods indicated by the surgeon (sutures, staples, etc.) with appropriate dressing, excluding facial skin suturing.
• Assist the circulator with intra-operative safety related to infection control, blood-borne pathogens, and hazardous materials.
• Prepare soiled instruments for cleaning and assist in decontamination and reprocessing.
• Cooperate with staff to restock rooms and put away unused supplies and equipment.
• Adhere to and practice the facility’s Compliance Program and participate in Performance Improvement activities.
• Perform on-call duties for emergency surgeries during after-hours and weekends on a rotating basis.
• Maintain professional competency through continuing education.
• Follow department-specific policies and procedures and AST Standards of Practice.
• Assist with clinic responsibilities and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technician Program.
• Certification as a Surgical Technologist.
• Minimum 5 years of operating room experience.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to effectively read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to rapidly changing workloads.
• Sound judgment and ability to work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively with others.