The Surgical Technologist (ST) is an integral member of the surgical team. As a member of this multidisciplinary team, the ST will collaborate with team members to facilitate integrated and comprehensive care in the peri-operative environment. This position works under the direction and supervision of the registered nurse/circulating nurse . The ST functions in the scrub role providing assistance to the operating surgeon and assistants, preparing for the procedure and cleaning up afterward. The ST will demonstrate good peer and physician relationships to ensure high quality of patient care and to demonstrate professionalism in practice.
Qualifications
Minimum Education High School Diploma or GED Communication skills training (inclusive of English, written and verbal skills). (Required) And Vocational Education Graduate of a surgical technologist program. (Required)
Minimum Work Experience 0 years Graduate of a surgical technologist program or an OR training program. Experience as an Surgical Technologist preferred. (Required) 1 year Sterile Processing (Preferred)
Required Skills/Knowledge Knowledge of aseptic technique. Human relations and interpersonal skills. Demonstrate a surgical conscience at all times. Collaborate with RN and physicians in developing a plan of care for each patient Assists in the setup of the operative field with equipment, instrumentation and supplies. Assures all equipment is functioning before use. Ability to identify the basic surgical instruments by type, function and name. Understands the importance of verification of exposure to sterilization process, checking the integrity of sterile packaging, and opening of appropriate supplies Ability to identify major types of surgical intervention materials (i.e. catheters, drains, sheeting material, grafting material, sutures, stapling devices) their preparation and usage in specific surgical procedures. Demonstrates anatomical and physiological knowledge for specified surgical procedures. Maintains a safe, organized, clean, and comfortable environment for patients and co-workers. Demonstrated the ability to perform basic calculations (add, subtract, multiply, and divide). Uses supplies and disposables in a cost-effective manner to avoid waste Supports the initiation and / or maintenance of preference cards to keep current Serves as a clinical resource to support and develop peers
Functional Accountabilities Demonstrates competency as a Surgical Technologist
Collaborates with RN and physician to develop a plan of care for each patient.
Prepare the Operating Room for surgical procedures; open supplies and equipment on the sterile field based on the surgical procedures and child’s age.
Identify and prepare basic sterile packs and trays.
Scrubs for routine and complex procedures.
Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy, procedures, instrumentation, equipment and supplies by anticipating the surgical needs at the field.
Demonstrates knowledge of process/procedure. Exhibits knowledge and ability to expertly identify, prepare, and operate standard and specialty equipment (drills, OR table, Jackson table, microscopes).
Demonstrates competent equipment operation, specific to area of service, during initial orientation, as new equipment is acquired, and annually if designated as a department competency.
Uses the appropriate method for care and handling of surgical instruments.
Anticipates needs of the surgical team.
Demonstrates dexterity and correctly passes instrumentation, supplies, medications and specimens to surgical team.
Hands medications, irrigation solutions, and flushes to surgeon within the sterile field.
Demonstrated good problem solving techniques related to supplies, instruments, equipment etc. in a timely organized manner
Demonstrated the principles of aseptic technique.
Maintains proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
Follow principle of correct hand scrub, gown and glove self and intra-operative team members.
Pass correct instrumentation, supplies, as needed by the surgical team.
Prepare irrigation solutions, medications, flushes, and hemostatic agents (i.e. thrombin, floseal etc.) as needed by the surgical team
Demonstrates the knowledge of risk and safety issues and uses measures to ensure optimal outcomes
Actively participates in Universal Protocol and timeout, including the fire risk assessment with the surgical team prior to the start of the surgical procedure according to hospital policy guidelines.
Validates surgical implants with RN and Surgeon.
Understands purpose of positioning devices and uses them correctly, following policy, to protect the patient from injury and to promote optimal exposure.
Handles all "sharps" in a safe and protective manner in consideration of self and others in supportive roles such as RTA's, RTS's, environmental services and SPD staff.
Follows established policies and procedures for surgical counts; initiates corrective action when counts are incorrect.
Verifies medications, concentrations, expiration dates of all medication received on the sterile filed in concert with RN and Anesthesia provider.
Verifies specimens at the end of each case following policy
Speak up when a team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performance
Stop in the face of uncertainty and take time to resolve the situation
Continuously verify and validate information needed for decision making
Demonstrate accurate, clear and timely verbal and written communication
Actively promote safety for patients, families, visitors, and co-workers
Pay attention to detail, practice STAR - Stop, Think, Act, Review
Assists the surgical team with emergency situations.
Apply the correct technique of disinfection and follow manufacturer protocol
Utilize the appropriate sterilizer for sterilization purposes (i.e. immediate use sterilization vs. washer sterilizer)
Maintain surveillance of sterilization: maintain and monitor the daily records and indicators; follow recall procedures
Demonstrates actions that exhibit accountability and professional judgment
Exercise safe judgment in decision making.
Arrives to the unit on time
Handles difficult situations appropriately
Utilizes down time constructively
Complies with departmental policies and procedures
Able to identify own learning needs. Seeks out opportunities to meet needs and attend all required meeting/in-services/programs
Consistently participates in staff meeting and in-services to improve skills
Applies education and training from internal in-services to daily work to enhance personal knowledge and skills
Completes, documents, and reports all mandatory education and training
Organizational Accountabilities Supplies
Organize supplies.
Count instruments, sponges, needles and other items as indicated by unit/hospital policy.
Properly store and rotate sterile supplies in the O.R. and sterile processing to maintain integrity of supplies.
Organizational Commitment/Identification
Partner in the mission and upholds the core principles of the organization
Committed to diversity and recognizes value of cultural ethnic differences
Demonstrate personal and professional integrity
Maintain confidentiality at all times
Customer Service
Anticipate and responds to customer needs; follows up until needs are met
Teamwork/Communication
Demonstrate collaborative and respectful behavior
Partner with all team members to achieve goals
Receptive to others’ ideas and opinions
Performance Improvement/Problem-solving
Contribute to a positive work environment
Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change
Identify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processes
