Certified Surgical Technologist

Summary of Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

Facilitates the operative or other invasive procedure by preparing and providing the required sterile instruments, supplies and equipment. Maintains the sterile field and anticipates and responds to the needs of the surgical team.  

Essential Job Functions

• Functions as the scrub person and assists as trained during operative and other invasive procedures by assembling supplies and equipment required for the procedure.

• Prepares and organizes sterile supplies and instruments for the procedure and performs surgical counts with the circulating RN according to policy.

• Maintains an organized sterile field and ensures the sterility of the field by taking corrective action as needed. Assists with the placement of sterile drapes. Provides instruments and supplies to the surgical team during the procedure and maintains aseptic technique.

• Retrieves and collects specimens and labels specimens appropriately and correctly.

• Reports any implanted devices, catheters, drains, and packing to the circulator.

• Provides complete case preparation and knows, with the ability to adapt, of special instruments, supplies, and equipment needs for patient populations.

• Demonstrates knowledge of patient’s rights and responsibilities according to the patient's age and understanding.   

• Demonstrates understanding of patient's Advance Directives.

• Assists in CPR as needed.

• Assists with pre and post-procedure cleaning of the operative or invasive procedure room and necessary instruments.

• BSMH Surgical technologists are expected to practice and deliver care in accordance with the core concepts and intention of the BSMH policy.

• Participates in ongoing educational and competency verification opportunities.

• Participates in financial accountability by utilizing resources in a cost-conscious manner and offers performance improvement initiatives.

• Participates in all patient safety care measures.

• Accessible for "on call" as scheduled and is available within the time frames as indicated by the department.

• Participates in the orientation of new staff and students as assigned.

• Prepares and performs surgical skin prep and clipping as indicated by procedure. Inserts urinary catheter as required.

• Demonstrates flexibility regarding unit/area staffing and scheduling needs.

• Maintains personal grooming and attire consistent with BSMH policy.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification

Must be certified by one of the following: Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) (TS-C is not accepted for Surgical Tech jobs in Cincinnati), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) (required)

If employed in South Carolina NBSTSA certification is required.  If certified prior to 2008 NBSTSA or NCCT certification is accepted.

If employed in Virginia, must be certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or its successor and hold a certification with the Virginia Board of Medicine.

BLS Basic Life Support, American Heart Association (required at hire for Roper St Francis Healthcare locations; preferred at hire, required prior to independent patient care at BSMH)

Education

Associate degree, Vocational Certification, or Military Certificate in Surgical Technology (required)

Work Experience

One year of perioperative, operating room, or related military surgical technology experience (preferred)

Training

None

Language

None

Patient Population

Neonates (0-4 weeks)

Infant (1-12 months)

Pediatrics (1-12 years)

Adolescents (13-17 years)

Adults (18-64 years)

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Working Conditions

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur

May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights

May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids*

May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse

May be required to use physical restraints

May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials*

May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.

May have periods of constant interruptions

Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions

Prolonged periods of working alone

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Lifting/Carrying (0-50 lbs.)   34-66%

Lifting/Carrying (50-100 lbs.)    1-33%

Push/Pull (0-50 lbs.)    34-66%

Push/Pull (50-100 lbs.)    1-33%

Stoop/Kneel   1-33%

Crawling    0%

Climbing    0%

Balance    34-66%

Bending    34-66%

Sitting    1-33%

Walking   1-33%

Standing   67-100%

Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards

Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)

Perform shift work

Maneuver weight of patients

Hear alarms/telephone/audio recorder

Reach above shoulder

Repetitive arm/hand movements

Finger Dexterity

Color Vision

Acuity - far

Acuity - near

Depth perception

Use of latex products

Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents

Exposure to moving mechanical parts

Exposure to dust/fumes

Exposure to potential electrical shock

Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy

Exposure to high pitched noises

Gaseous risk exposure

Skills

Ability to Follow Instructions

Able to Work Independently

Anatomy

Anticipate Needs

Communication

Critical Thinking

Infection Control

Knowledge of AORN and AST Recommendations

Move with a sense of urgency

Physiology

Possess Surgical Conscience

Professionalism

Self-Directed

Takes Direction

Teamwork

Microsoft Office