Surgical Technologist CST - Surgery Center Cedar Rapids (Full Time)

Responsibilities

• Is aware of center compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse.
• Bridges any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of center administrative staff.
• Functions in the role of first scrub or assistant to the surgeon to the extent of their experience and competency.
• Maintains the integrity, safety, and efficiency of the sterile field throughout the operation.
• Maintains knowledge and experience in aseptic technique and surgical procedures.
• Prepares and arranges instruments and supplies in the sterile field.
• Administers medication in the operative field under the direction of the physician.
• Holds and operates retractors or other instrumentation as necessary.
• Affirms the needs of the surgeons and other members of the Operating Room team.
• Maintains manual skills and dexterity, as well as physical stamina to work under pressure.
• Properly handles operative specimens.
• Performs wound closure as directed by the physician.
• Assists the circulating registered nurse in the operating room to meet the patient's individual needs.
• Uses Standard Precautions and Isolation protocols appropriately.
• Strives to meet the patient's needs promptly and efficiently.
• Prepares patients and selects proper positioning.
• Completes surgical skin preparations as designated.
• Aids in the transfer of patients (cart to operating table, operating table to cart, cart to PACU, etc.).
• Works in the sterile environment providing patient care.
• Demonstrates an awareness of patient and personal safety.
• Follows department dress code policy and wears appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Knows Standard and Isolation Precautions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of principles of good body alignment when positioning patient.
• Demonstrates proper use of positioning devices.
• Implements measures to promote a safe environment for the patient/family.
• Observes and promptly reports any unusual occurrences.
• Pactices correct body mechanics in performing patient care activities.
• Consistently assures patient safety in the use of side rails, equipment, nurse call lights, etc.
• Ensures safe environment by keeping patient care areas free of clutter and spills.
• Utilizes autoclaves in the OR for “just in time” sterilization according to current guidelines.
• Organizes, cleans, and maintains unit work areas, supplies, and equipment.
• Restocks subutility as needed.
• Assists other staff to restock operating rooms.
• Returns unused supplies, instruments & equipment to their proper storage area.
• Assembles instruments, supplies, equipment and positioning aids needed for cases based on the preference card.
• Rotates/removes out-dated stock/supplies.
• Uses Standard Precautions, personal protective equipment, and Isolation precautions.
• Aids in room turnover by cleaning furniture and equipment according to established End of Case Cleaning guidelines.
• Assists in SPD as directed by.
• Operating peel pack machine.
• Wrapping trays.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication skills with other health care team members.
• Maintains friendly, courteous and responsible interpersonal communication patterns.
• Verbal communication is clear and precise.
• Written communication is legible, if handwritten, and done in a timely manner.
• Respects patient confidentiality in all communication.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, team meetings, inservices and committee meetings.
• Utilizes and shares information from inservices, reading, workshops and conferences.
• Demonstrates flexibility and self-direction in meeting patient and unit needs by responding as a team player.
• Assumes responsibility for personal growth and development.
• Continually maintains and strives to enhance personal technical and clinical competence in all job related duties.
• Participates in mandatory education and department and center staff meetings, per established guidelines.
• Complies with established infection control and risk management policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED and graduation from an accredited surgical technology program or eligibility to take the CST exam.