Description

The Certified Surgical Technician is responsible for preparing the operating room and sterile field for surgical procedures by preparing sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment using sterile technique; anticipating the needs of the surgical team based on knowledge of human anatomy and pathophysiology, and how it relates to the surgical patient and procedure.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs scrub activities based on principles of aseptic technique, infection control, universal precautions guidelines, environmental control, and life safety guidelines.
• Anticipates needs of patient and surgeon in core area and call areas.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills, ability to prioritize activities and integrate experiences across core area and call areas when performing the scrub role.
• Under supervision of the RN, demonstrates ability to prepare medications for procedures to be used by physician. 
• Knows of routine drugs used intra-operatively, dosages, and/or concentration and appropriate route of administration. 
• Prepares and knows the specific uses of equipment, instrumentation and supplies used for surgical procedures on assigned patients in core areas and call areas.
• Locates and operates equipment. Handles and operates equipment properly. 
• Initiates service request and reports to supervisor action taken when wear or malfunction of equipment occurs.
• Performs scrub role, without assistance in core area, by locating supplies, equipment, and instruments.
• Prepares room utilizing preference cards and resource people to maintain competency level.
• Independently prepares the operating suite/sterile field for adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients for the intra-operative experience in core area.
• Differentiates and demonstrates knowledge of sterilization methods required for instruments or equipment.
• Implements and maintains preference cards in an updated complete form utilizing automated process and clinical information systems appropriately and efficiently.
• Understands and can perform sterilization of instruments and equipment according to AORN and manufacturer standards. Cleans and prepares instruments for sterilization at completion of case.
• Restocks supplies and organizes case using preference card system.
• Demonstrates the spirit of the philosophy, mission, and values of the hospital through words and actions and implements them into departmental processes, programs, and the working environment.
• Applies the principles and values of customer service and continuous quality improvement while performing day to day activities of the position.
• Maintains and protects confidentiality regarding all aspects of patient care, personnel and strategic issues. Adheres to Confidentiality Policy.
• Maintains positive working relationships and fosters cooperative work environment. Adheres to the hospital’s Guidelines for Appropriate Conduct in the HR Manual.
• Displays honesty and mutual respect when communicating with peers and other departments.
• Follows through on problems that may compromise effective job performance by using appropriate chain of command.
• Adheres to safety practices and meets requirements of National Patient Safety Goals.
• Utilize concepts of age/developmental stages in interactions with patients and families.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or its equivalent; completion of accredited school of surgical technology or the equivalent in clinical surgery training.

Certification, Licensure

• Current certification as a surgical technician form the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or another recognized program.

Experience, Training, Knowledge

• One (1) to three (3) years previous surgery experience in at least two (2) specialty areas preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Current BLS certification.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, some computer skills, effective oral and written skills, work in a team setting, work with frequent interruptions.