Surgical Tech PRN

About the Role

To scrub and assist the surgeon on all operative cases. Must have special knowledge of individualized cases and physician’s preferences with the aid of a preference card.

Responsibilities

• Assists in assessing the physical and environmental needs of the patient and participates in planning perioperative care.
• Ensures patient comfort and safety measures are maintained.
• Anticipates special needs, equipment, and supplies for the patient relative to an accurate physical assessment of the patient by a nurse.
• Assists in preparing the operative suite for surgery, checking supplies, equipment, and instrumentation.
• Assists in cleaning the operating room between cases, as necessary.
• Ensures availability of adequate supplies and instruments for posted cases and assists in opening room in a sterile fashion.
• Utilizes surgeon preference cards to check with each case and updates as needed.
• Assists the surgeon during a surgical procedure with a high degree of efficiency, addressing physician and patient needs during the case.
• Recognizes the need and obtains assistance for the initiation of emergency measures.
• Assures that the contaminated case routine is followed according to written policy.
• Assists in draping to provide a sterile field.
• Conscientiously observes and reports any breaks in sterile technique to the attending surgeon and R.N. circulator.
• Ensures that surgical asepsis is maintained in the handling of instruments, sponges, sutures, drains, needles, and dressings.
• Assures that sponge, needle, and instrument counts are correct before the patient leaves the operating room.
• Utilizes non-chargeable items in a cost-effective manner.
• Assists in moving patient to stretcher after case.
• Maintains a clean and orderly environment within the operative suite.
• Provides specimens to circulating nurse, identifying tissue and site of specimen.
• Assists circulating nurse during local procedures as assigned.
• Restocks assigned room at the end of each day.
• Helps to restock sterile supply room as needed.
• Pulls cases for the next scheduled day as needed.
• Assists in completing monthly work assignment sheet.
• Assists in orienting new staff members to the unit.
• Maintains good relationships and communicates well with patients, families, staff, and physicians.
• Communicates with and provides assistance for surgeons and other personnel in a kind and courteous manner.
• Follows chain of command regarding intra- or interdepartmental problems.
• Shares knowledge with co-workers through open communication and continuous upgrading of skills.
• Maintains a constructive attitude.
• Reports to work as scheduled, on time with no unexcused absences.
• Accurately records daily arrival and departure through use of time clock.
• Notifies department in advance of tardiness or absence.
• Willingly accepts assignments and performs effectively on a daily basis.
• Adheres to dress code.
• Requests vacation and other time off according to department and center policy.
• Works overtime as needed or assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Attends required in-services annually as well as programs to enhance clinical skills.
• Maintains current knowledge of advances in surgery, anesthesia, and the perioperative field.
• Maintains current knowledge of medical/legal trends in operating rooms.
• Evaluates suggestions objectively, accepts constructive criticism, and seeks guidance as needed.
• Able to request assistance when needed.
• Uses good posture and body mechanics when lifting or putting physical stress on the body.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of Surgical Technology OR 2 years experience.
• Current CPR certification.
• Experience in which progressive leadership, administrative, and clinical competencies have been demonstrated, preferably with a minimum of two years in the operating room.
• Management experience desirable.
• Current certification in BCLA or ability/commitment to achievement of certification within 60 days of employment.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.
• Frequently required to move upper extremities within full range of motion as well as stoop and bend at 90 degrees.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Minimum amount of heavy lifting; must lift instrument trays, move equipment, and assist with the transfer of patients from one location to another.
• Uses good posture and body mechanics when lifting or putting physical stress on the body.

Work Environment

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• The exposure risk to bloodborne pathogens is great.

Skills

• Speaking voice that has good quality and tone; speech that is understandable.
• Additional language skills desirable.