Surgical Technologist - Certified, Central Processing

Description:
The Certified Surgical Technologist utilizes knowledge of surgical instrumentation and equipment, procedures, sterile technique, and asepsis to maintain the operating room environment and assist the surgeon in meeting the needs of patients and their significant others during surgical procedures or deliveries performed at MRMC. At times the CST also works under the direct supervision of the staff nurse to assist the nurse in meeting the patients’ basic needs of comfort, hygiene, and nutrition through obtaining data for assessment, assisting in the provision of care, and supporting the smooth operation of the department by performing tasks associated with general unit organization and orderliness. The CST does not supervise other workers.
Skills Required- Minimum Education: Two year degree in surgical technology. Preferred Education: Not specified Specialization/Certification: Certified as a CST in SC Work Experience: Zero to less than 1 year of related work experience

Responsibilities:

1. Must be flexible, punctual, and be willing to learn in the surgical environment. 
2. Regular, punctual and dependable attendance. Clocking in per policy expectations. 
3. Work under the supervision and delegator authority of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. 
4. Ensures the availability and preparedness of OR rooms, supplies and equipment needed to support efficient and effective perioperative processes.  
5. Follows procedures regarding verification of medical implants. 
6. Responsible for having sterile instruments, sutures and equipment necessary for the surgical procedure, along with a working knowledge of each device. 
7. Verifies sterilization method – Steam/Sterrad; Inspects package integrity & verifies disposition of chemical indicators; checks instrument tray filters. 
8. Assist with positioning and prepping according to the standards of practice and policies and procedures of the department and the hospital. 
9. Performs initial instrument, sharps and sponge counts with the circulator and performs additional counts as necessary. 
10. Assists with draping the patient and establishing the sterile field.  
11. Participates in the surgical site and patient verification during the time out procedure. 
12. Required to maintain the sterile field to ensure patient/employee safety by maintaining highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure. 
13. Anticipates needs of the surgeon during the operative period. 
14. Follows procedures as related to medication management on the surgical field. Handles and labels drugs and solutions under supervision. 
15. Demonstrates competence in the preparation and care of specimens; accurately handles and passes off specimen(s) as appropriate.  
16. Assist in lifting, turning, positioning and preparing patients for surgical procedures, using proper body mechanics.  
17. Assist in maintaining a clean and safe environment.  
18. Follows Point-of-Use cleaning per competency validation 
19. Cleans and prepares instruments for decontamination cleaning and terminal sterilization per competency validation. 
20. Assists other members of the team with terminal cleaning of room. 
21. Assists with cleaning and preparation of the OR between procedures and after the last case; restocks supplies when necessary; performs periodic cleaning of storage areas and equipment as assigned.  
22. Uses standard precautions and appropriate personal protective equipment when working around or handling hazardous substances, including blood and body fluids. 
23. Call team responsibilities – readily available and reports to work promptly when “called in” on call within 30 minutes. 
24. Participates in one in-service presentation yearly. 
25. Performs all duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• 0 to 3 years' experience

Certifications/Education:

• Graduate of accredited Surgical Technology Program
• Certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

Requirements:

Licenses and Certifications:

• Cert Surgical Technologist