Overview

The Surgical Technologist is a member of the Surgical Team, whose role and responsibility is to work collaboratively with all team members in the safe delivery of patient care before, during and after surgery.  He/she facilitates the operative or other invasive procedure by preparing and providing the required sterile instruments, supplies and equipment; and maintains the sterile field and anticipates and responds to the needs of the surgical team.

Responsibilities

• Promotes the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
• Participates in the Implementation of the plan of care by:
• utilizing appropriate surgeon preference cards; anticipating supplies and equipment needed for assigned surgical procedure;
• assembling surgical supplies and equipment required for the procedure;
• preparing and organizing sterile supplies and instruments for the procedure;
• performing accounting procedures in concert with RN circulator, to protect the patient from unintended retained surgical items,
• assisting with placement of sterile drapes;
• protecting the patient from injury caused by chemical, electrical, laser, mechanical, and thermal sources and extraneous objects;
• providing instruments and supplies to the surgical team during the procedure;
• maintaining an organized surgical field;
• participating in pre-incision “Time Out” and “Post Procedure “Sign Out” and performing interventions necessary to ensure that the patient’s procedure is performed on the correct site, side, and level;
• assisting with obtaining specimens and ensuring proper labeling, preparation and handling;
• appropriately labeling each medication dispensed on the surgical field;
• ensuring sterility of the field and taking corrective actions ad needed;
• preparing sterile dressing; and
• providing appropriate hand-off communication to oncoming team member.
• Cleans and prepares surgical instruments for processing and transports them to decontamination pickup area.
• Assist with post-procedure cleaning operative or other invasive procedure room and preparation of room for other subsequent cases.
• Collaborates effectively with other disciplines as appropriate.
• Participates in quality review and performance improvement projects.
• Uses problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to foster effective work relationships with team members.
• Pursues professional growth and participates in a professional organization.
• Participate in ongoing educational and competency verification activities applicable to scrub person activities.
• Acts as a patient advocate and maintains privacy and confidentiality of all appropriate information.
• Ability to read, write and comprehend medical terminology.
• Possesses knowledge of a variety of surgical procedures.
• Precepts new and incumbent employees to the scrub role.
• Adheres to departmental and organizational policies and procedures.
• Complies with annual requirements.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate from an accredited school of surgical technology, or equivalent training as a Surgical Technician in the Armed Forces.

Experience:

• Minimum one (1) year perioperative experience required.
• Minimum five (5) years' perioperative experience if equivalent training as a Surgical Technician was obtained thru the Armed Forces, preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Critical thinking, math, and basic computer skills.
• Able to process requests.
• Works as a team player. 
• Demonstrates respect and professionalism in all interactions.
• Excellent oral and communication skills. 
• Decision making and problem solving. 
• Able to read, write, see and hear English.

Licenses, Certifications:

• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), through The National Board of Surgical Technologist and Surgical Assistant (NBSTSA).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Physical Requirements:

• Physically demanding, high-stress environment requiring prolonged periods of standing, reaching, walking throughout the working day. Sits occasionally on a hard or cushioned stool.
• Position will be required to stoop, bend, lift, and carry items weighing up to 35 pounds for routine performance of essential functions.
• An individual in this position may be exposed to: Adverse indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, Blood borne pathogens, Blood and body fluids, Physical hazards (e.g., needle pricks, etc.), communicable diseases, chemical hazards, radiation, and repetitive motions.
• Full range of body motion, able to lift, push, or pull up to 100 pounds, if necessary, to assist lifting and moving patients.
• Manual and finger dexterity, as well as hand and eye coordination.
• Corrected vision and hearing to within normal range.
• Frequently sitting at desk working on computer.
• Ability to flex working hours.