Job Summary:

Assists the nurse in giving nursing care to patients undergoing surgical procedures. Assists surgeon during operative and invasive procedures. Ensures operating suite is adequately prepared for procedure. Monitors PAR level of all surgical instruments and supplies. Participates in departmental staff meetings and performance improvement activities. Acts as patient advocate while promoting teamwork with physicians and other personnel.

FLSA:

NON-EXEMPT

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Interacts professionally with patient

Provides patient with explanations and verbal reassurance, as necessary.

Notifies appropriate licensed personnel 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) according to Benefis Policy and Procedure.

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.

Sets up, scrubs and prepares for procedures 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.

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 intraoperative and immediate postoperative phase, being fiscally responsible by preventing damage and loss of instrumentation.

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. As changes occur, communicates changes in procedures to co-workers by updating Physician Preference Cards. Actively participates in Supply Management Processes.

Completes documentation within shift and meets current standards, policies and procedures.

Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationship with co‑workers for patient's benefit.

Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of facts and good judgment within the Operating Room Technologist's scope of practice.

Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of assigned case and instruments and/or trays to be pulled for the procedure.

Demonstrates the ability to deal with pressure to meet deadlines, to be accurate, and to handle constantly changing situations.

Demonstrates the ability to deal with a variety of people, deal with stressful situations, and handle conflict.

Completes one in- service a year.

Attends annual review and department in-services, as schedulded.

Mentors and Precepts new staff and surgical technologist students.

Professional Requirements:

Adheres to dress code.

Completes annual educational requirements.

Maintains regulatory requirements.

Wears identification while on duty.

Maintains confidentiality at all times.

Attends department staff meetings as required within the department.

Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work in designated time.

Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.

Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.

Coordinates efforts in meeting Joint Commission, federal, state and local regulations and standards

Communicates and complies with the Benefis Health System Mission, Vision and Values as well as the focus statement of the department.

Complies with Benefis Health System Organization Policies and Procedures.

Complies with Health and Safety Standards and Guidelines.

Education/Experience Requirements:

Minimum High School diploma or equivalent.

Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist Program preferred

Operating Room Technologist Certification preferred OR 10 years of surgical technologist experience in a medical setting.

Current BLS Certification.

Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in the operating room preferred.