Surgical Technologist I

About the Role

Functions as a team member under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Utilizes Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Perioperative Standards, Association of Surgical Technologist Recommended Standards of Practice, and perioperative policies and procedures in performing duties related to care of the patient during surgical intervention.

Qualifications

Education: Graduate of an approved Surgical Technologist program or equivalent work experience. Associate’s Degree in Surgical Technology preferred.

Licensure / Certification: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Association of Surgical Technologist Certification preferred.

Experience: Minimum 18 months documented work operating room experience. Previous experience working in moderately-complex perioperative cases preferred.

Skills / Aptitudes:

• Ability to lift, bend, push, and pull a minimum of 30 pounds.
• Ability to walk and stand for up to 100% of work time.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with patients, families, physicians, and collaborate within a team.
• Efficient and cost-effective use of time, motion, and materials.
• Excellent customer service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Applies the principles of asepsis in a knowledgeable manner to provide optimum patient care. Maintains the highest standard of sterile technique and corrects any breaks in technique.
• Participates in general cleaning, stocking, and sterilization of instruments and supplies in the OR. Maintains a clean and safe OR environment according to policy and procedure.
• Assists in setting up the OR with supplies, instruments, and other equipment. Arranges supplies and instruments for efficient use during surgical procedures. Differentiates sterilization methods for special equipment and instruments necessary for specific surgical procedures. Anticipates future supply and instrument needs to reduce room turnover between cases.
• Assists with moving and positioning of patients pre-op, intra-op, and post-operatively.
• Anticipates the needs of the surgeon when passing instruments, sponges, sutures, etc., during the surgical procedure. Assists efficiently within the sterile field as directed by the surgeon.
• Maintains an accurate count of sponges, needles, and instruments and is jointly responsible with the RN circulator for ensuring counts are complete prior to the procedure and before the incision is closed.
• Identifies and gives the specimen to the circulating RN as directed by the surgeon.
• Participates in the orientation and education of all operating room staff, including entry-level Surgical Technologists and Surgical Technologist Students.
• Performs all duties in a manner consistent with safe patient care and according to specified policy and procedure. Respects confidentiality of patient records and information, patient’s right to privacy, dignity, and safety.
• Contributes to unit projects and assists in trial and evaluation of new surgical products and procedures.
• Participates in continuing education/in-service meetings, seeking opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Demonstrates and actively promotes an understanding and commitment to the mission of St. Joseph Mercy Oakland through behaviors consistent with Trinity Health Values.
• Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations, including the Trinity Health Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, and Code of Ethics.
• Ensures appropriate charges are entered for the correct patient, encounter, date/time of service, with any required modifiers, and makes corrections as needed per charge capture policy/practice.
• Actively participates in ongoing education and communication regarding revenue management.
• Assists with tracking and monitoring of equipment assigned to the unit and requests services for maintaining equipment as needed.
• Proficient with electronic health records for documentation, assessment, and care management, performing these activities concurrently with provision of care throughout the shift.

Working Conditions

• Position may require frequent lifting and carrying of patients/equipment/other not to exceed 51 pounds. Associates will not lift items/patients exceeding 35 pounds from the floor.
• Performed in the surgical suite and related areas, with potential exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.
• Working weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts may be necessary to meet staffing needs.

Employment Type: Full time | Shift: Rotating Shift