Certified Surgical Technologist

JOB TITLE: Certified Surgical Technologist

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Physician and/or Registered Nurse

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES: 

Surgical technologists, also called "scrubs" or operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. Surgical technologists are members of operating room teams, which most commonly include surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS:

• A graduate of an accredited surgical technologist program.
• Must be certified to perform CPR with 0-2 years of clinical experience in a related field.
• Total Joint/orthopedic experience is not required but preferred.
• Certified or certification pending 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prepares and maintains medical equipment for surgical procedures.
• Before an operation, surgical technologists helps prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions.
• Follows facility regulations and industry procedures to tend to patient during pre-operation procedures.
• Performs pre-operation preparations to the patient's skin, body and medical equipment.
• Assembles both sterile and non-sterile equipment, as well as adjust and check it to ensure it is working properly.
• Gets patients ready for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites.
• Transports patients to the operating room, helps position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical “drapes.”
• Observes patients’ vital signs, checks charts, and assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves.
• Passes instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants.
• Holds retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Helps prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and help apply dressings.
• Operates sterilizers, lights, or suction machines, and help operate diagnostic equipment.
• After an operation, helps transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients in the center.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge of the principle of growth and development of the life span and the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s requirements relative to his/her age specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the center’s policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills in the nursing process.
• Demonstrates the ability to utilize recognized channels of communication.
• Demonstrates the ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships with patients, co-workers, and other health team members.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:  Requires sitting and standing associated with a normal office environment. Surgical technologists work in clean, well-lighted, cool environments. Must stand for long periods and remain alert during operations. At times may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials.