Surgery Technician

Certified Surgical Technologist

Position Description:

The Certified Surgical Technologist assists surgeons during operative and invasive procedures. Ensures operating suite is adequately prepared for procedure. The Certified Surgical Technologist monitors PAR level of all surgical instruments and supplies. They are responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and participating in departmental staff meetings and performance improvement activities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Key Responsibilities:

• Interact professionally with patients and family.
• Provides patient with explanations and verbal reassurance, as necessary.
• Notifies appropriate licensed staff when patient complains of pain.
• Adapt procedures to meet individual needs of neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients for treatment.
• Prepare the room in a timely manner with all anticipated instruments, sutures, supplies and equipment for each individual surgical procedure.
• Demonstrates competence in care of specimens and accurately always handles specimens.
• Assists in positioning, prepping and draping of patients for surgical procedures.
• Accurately completes operating room counts (instruments, sponges, needles); follows proper procedure in the event of incorrect count; reports all discrepancies to Circulating RN and surgeon and/or corrects immediately.
• Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments/procedures.
• Maintains a safe environment for patients, co-workers and self, per hospital policies and procedures.
• Checks all equipment/instruments needed, prior to each procedure to ensure proper functioning.
• Protects patient’s sensitivities and right to privacy; closely observes patient with minimal disturbance.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.  Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Follows aseptic technique, when opening sterile supplies and setting up procedures.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Sets up, scrubs and prepares for procedures at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled time, unless otherwise directed by Circulating RN or Nurse Manager.
• Performs services requiring technical or manual skills under the direction of Circulating RN.
• Always maintains an orderly and sterile instrument table for the purpose of efficiency; follows department standard set up.
• Passes instruments and supplies to the surgeon during the procedure.
• Anticipates the needs of surgeon during intraoperative phase.
• Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon.
• Cleans and prepares rooms between procedures and after the last case; restocks supplies when necessary and organizes effectively for end-of-case clean up.
• Is fully responsible for the care of instruments/equipment during intra/postoperative phase, including cleaning and processing of instruments.
• Follows written procedures for steam sterilization; knows responsibilities and the necessity for chemical and biological monitoring.
• Consults with other staff members, when in question or unfamiliar with equipment or procedure.
• Regularly collaborates with other members of the nursing team, in order to maintain equipment and supplies for surgical procedures.
• Completes documentation within shift and meets current standards, policies and procedures.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationships with coworkers for the patient’s benefit.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of facts and good judgment within the Certified Surgical Technologist’s scope of practice.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of assigned case and instruments and/or trays to be pulled for the procedure.
• Other duties as assigned.

McKenzie Health reserves the right to assign, reassign, or eliminate duties and responsibilities as necessary. The description of critical job features is not exhaustive and may change as deemed appropriate.

Physical Requirements:

• Physically demanding, high-stress environment
• Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions
• Pushing and pulling heavy objects
• Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients
• Manual and finger dexterity
• Hand and eye coordination
• Standing and walking for extensive periods of time
• Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Corrected vision and hearing to within normal range
• Working under stressful conditions
• Working irregular hours including after hours

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situations.
• Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, be attentive to detail, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information.
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Must be able to pass a background check and drug screening.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum High School diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate of a Surgical Technology program.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Surgical Technologist Certification (CST) by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
• Licenses with the State as a UAP/Surgical Tech.
• Current BCLS Certification.

McKenzie Health is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.