The CST, under the guidance of a Registered Nurse, is responsible for the care and safety of the patients who come under his or her care. Included in this assignment is the responsibility of processing instruments for sterilization for a variety of departments. He/she also assists with procedures performed in all areas of Surgical Services under the guidance of Registered Nursing staff. Takes OR call.

Areas of Responsibility:

Patient Care

• Recognizes and reports relevant patient data to assure that pre, intra, and post-operative needs are met within scope of care.
• Anticipates needs of surgeon to provide quality patient care.
• Able to perform in crises or complex situations, promptly grasping situation and performing role.
• Recognizes and recommends when changes in policy and procedure need to be made to assure quality care.
• Keeps current in areas of responsibility, safety, C.Q.I., and surgeon preferences.
• Contributes of knowledge to staff by giving in-services and reporting on new developments in areas of job responsibility.

Skills

• Demonstrates knowledge of aseptic techniques, familiarity with surgical instrumentation and equipment, and the principles of microbiology as they pertain to the containment of contamination and the sterilization/disinfection process.
• Demonstrate proper handling specimens to circulating nurse.
• Assists with preparing, processing and providing functioning supplies, equipment, and linen for areas and procedures assigned.
• Anticipates and provides supplies consistently in a timely fashion.
• Assists with the research, input and evaluation of new equipment and supplies.
• Assist with preference card updates and prepare case carts.

Unit Coordination

• Assists in staff scheduling, taking on-call hours and flexing hours as needed.
• Participates willingly in the orientation of new staff and evaluating their readiness for independent functioning.
• Assists in evaluating the work performance of other staff by providing objective feedback to the supervisor.
• Able to coordinate work in surgery.
• Assists in transfer of patients in assigned areas, as needed.
• Seeks opportunity to assist other staff as needed. Contribute to teamwork and spirit.

Work Habits

• Adheres to the Bill of Rights, Vulnerability and Confidentiality policies.
• Treats patients and all others with courtesy and respect.
• Strives to welcome, be helpful and make a positive impact in everyone's hospital experience using AIDET.
• Attends continuing education, reads literature and attends staff meetings (70% mandatory).
• Assist River's Edge Hospital & Clinic to maintain compliance.
• Refers to Policy and Procedure Manual found in PolicyStat.
• Does not abuse sick time and work break policies. Comes to work prepared to meet the daily needs of the patient and the work load.