Surgical Technologist

Description

Job Title: Surgery Technologist FT M-F 6:30A-3:00P W/Call RotationReports To: RN; Nurse Director
Job Summary:Addresses the psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care related to the surgical environment. Communicates with surgeon and anesthesiologist continuously and as needed about patient condition. Assists surgeon during operative and invasive procedures. Ensures operating suite is adequately prepared for procedure. Monitors PAR level of all surgical instruments and supplies. Cleans and sterilizes all surgical instruments. Participates in performance improvement activities.
Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

• Interacts professionally with patient and family.
• Provides patient with explanations and verbal reassurance, as necessary.
• Notifies appropriate licensed staff when patient complains of pain.
• Adapts procedures to meet individual needs of neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients for treatment.
• Prepares 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 handles specimens at all times.
• 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 safe environment for patient, 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.
• Always maintains an orderly and sterile instrument table for the purpose of efficiency; follows department standard set up.
• Anticipates needs of surgeon during intraoperative phase.
• Cleans and prepares rooms between procedures and after last case; restocks supplies, when necessary and organizes effectively for end-of-case clean up.
• Is fully responsible for 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.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationship with co-workers for the patient’s benefit.

Requirements

Professional Requirements:

• Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Completes annual education requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirements.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.
• Completes in-services and returns in a timely fashion.
• Attends annual review and department in-services, as scheduled.
• Attends 12 staff meetings or reads and returns monthly staff meeting minutes.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.

Regulatory Requirements:

• Minimum High School diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred Graduate of a Surgical Technology program.
• Current BLS Certification.

Language Skills:

• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.

Skills:

• Basic computer knowledge.

Physical Demands:

Mobility, sight, hearing, verbal communication, changes in temperature, exposure to disagreeable elements, exposure to biological, mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards. Frequent standing and walking. Lift up to 100 pounds. Carrying up to 40 pounds. Pushing/pulling up to 450 pounds.

This position is a safety sensitive position pursuant to Amendment 98 to the Arkansas Constitution § 2(25). A safety sensitive position means any position in which a person performing the position while under the influence of marijuana may constitute a threat to health or safety. This position is therefore “safety sensitive” due to the fact it requires the following: performing life-threatening procedures; working with hazardous or flammable materials, controlled substances, food, or medicine; and a lapse of attention while working in this position could result in injury, illness, or death.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.