Surgical Technologist

Responsibilities

• Assist the RN in implementing a care plan for the patient in the Operating Room.
• Performs scrub duties under supervision of the RN.
• Maintains strict Aseptic Technique.
• Anticipates surgeon’s needs and provides instruments, supplies and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Organizes and maintains instrumentation and supplies.
• Provides patient safety in all aspects of job activities.
• Marksors discrepancies in counted items (sponges and sharps).
• Follows standard precautions and infection control policies.
• Sets OR Room up before the case – wipes down surfaces, assembles and checks equipment for proper functioning and availability.
• Open supplies for procedure using strict aseptic technique.
• Assists in positioning the patient.
• Assists in transporting patients to the OR and ensures their comfort.
• Assists in cleaning and turning over the room, including bringing the table down to decontamination room.
• Break down table.
• Checks inventory and equipment, reports shortages and defective equipment to the appropriate personnel.
• Performs proper decontamination, and processing of instrumentation for sterilization following AAMI standards.
• Prepares supplies and equipment for the procedure.
• Stocks ‘wall closet’ supplies and warming closet.
• Check case carts.
• Pull case carts for the next day procedure.
• Copies daily schedule and distributes.
• Obtains drugs from Anesthesia work room.
• Prepares the procedure room for the day with necessary supplies and equipment.
• Maintain and monitor supplies to ensure availability.
• Aid in transporting patients.
• Ensure a safe patient environment.
• Interact with patients and ensure their comfort.
• Aid in different procedures (i.e.; radiofrequency).
• Have working knowledge of medications used by physicians.
• Turn room over after cases and prepare for following procedure.
• Prepare room for following day.
• Clean and stock Anesthesia Cart when necessary.
• Maintain supplies – place, receive orders and put stock away.
• In the absence of the Lead Tech, may interact with sales personnel regarding supplies, maintain equipment and send out for repair/exchange, file booking sheets and ensure necessary supplies/equipment are available for cases one week in advance, and ensure PO pricing is accurate.
• Decontaminate instruments and equipment.
• Sterilize equipment according to manufacturers’ guidelines and AAMI guidelines.
• Wrap instruments and fold towels.
• Clean stretchers and make them up with fresh linens.
• Aid in PACU Scheduling Coord. by putting charts together and affixing stickers.
• May be asked to help prepare the wet lab for demonstrations.
• Ensure equipment and supplies needed for the demo are available and in good working order.
• Uses Universal/Standard Precautions in handling demo room specimens and instrumentation.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate of an approved, surgical technologist certification program.
• Must have one to three years’ operating room experience.
• Experience within an ambulatory surgical center a plus.
• Experience with orthopedics required.
• Working knowledge of office equipment and Software.
• Familiarity with HIPAA, insurance regulations, policies, procedures, and medical terminology, telephone protocol and professional etiquette.
• Understanding of electronic medical systems.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills (i.e. using expressive vocabulary that communicates a complete and detailed message, avoiding spelling errors, employing a respectful tone).
• Ability and interest in learning procedures and software functionalities that could improve the effectiveness and efficiency of individual and department efforts.
• Organized, with the ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Interprets, adapts and applies guidelines and procedures appropriately.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective and professional working relationships with patients, medical staff, coworkers and the public by demonstrating empathy and tact.
• Promotes teamwork through collaboration, represents the practice in a professional manner, and maintains the strictest confidentiality on all patient issues.