The following information is designed to outline the functions and position requirements of this job. It does not identify all tasks that may be expected, nor address the performance standards that must be maintained. Essential functions may change based on organizational need.

General Position Summary:

Responsible for handling of instruments and functions as a scrub tech. Responsible for meeting the established standards of nursing practice in the operating room under direction of the circulation RN in conjunction with the OB Director. This position is also responsible for advanced non-license patient care duties.

In addition to the above duties, this position requires a certification as a surgical technician.

Essential Functions / Major Responsibilities:

• Completes daily assignment in accordance with infection control policies and procedures.

• Works effectively as an operating room staff member and communicates all pertinent information regarding patient status to Circulating Nurse.

• Utilizes opportunities for patient education.

• Participates in in-service programs, nursing committees and staff meetings.

• Uses and maintains supplies/equipment efficiently and in a cost effective manner. Collaboratively reviews charges to be submitted.

• Promotes harmonious relationships and favorable attitudes among the healthcare team.

• Supports and adheres to administrative and nursing service policies and procedures.

• Assist with orientation of new employees.

• Responsible for in-service training programs regarding new procedures and equipment as needed.

• Conforms to hospital dress code and operating room dress code.

• Assists with transferring patients from operating room table to cart or bed.

• Prepares surgical suite for surgical case in regards to preference cards, surgeon’s requests and patients’ special needs.

• Functions appropriately according to Surgical Technician skills list in OB services.

• Remains knowledgeable of the location, quantity of supplies and equipment in the operating room. Reports any unusual occurrences/incidents to Director or charge nurse and completes reports as appropriate in the incident reporting system.

• Knows location, purpose and use of all equipment and supplies.

• Certifies with Circulating Nurse correctness of sponge, needle and instrument counts according to operating room policies and procedures. Reports any unusual occurrences/incidents to Director or charge nurse and completes as appropriate reports in the incident reporting system.

• Assists with cleanup of operating room and preparation for the next case (scheduled or emergency) according to OR policies and procedures. Ensures a clean safe environment conducive to patients’ well-being and privacy.

• Assists with reprocessing of supplies, instruments, and equipment according to OR policies and procedures. Knowledgeable in and maintains aseptic technique.

• Assists in care, handling, maintenance and disinfection of supplies, equipment and instruments.

• Acts rapidly and effectively, follows hospital policies and procedures in any emergency situation.

• Conserves use of supplies to ensure cost efficient quality of care.

• Maintains and stocks the operating rooms and supply carts.

• Checks for adequate supplies and orders supplies following ordering policies.

• Assists in the cleaning, inspection, and disinfection of equipment used according to manufacturer’s recommendations and the organization’s infection control standards.

• Assists in the troubleshooting of equipment problems and calling appropriate resources if necessary for loaner equipment while ours is being repaired.

• Sets up the supplies of the mayo stand and prepares cautery and other necessary equipment prior to the procedure. Troubleshoots any potential problems and communicates with the registered nurse.

• Transports specimens to the lab.

• Discards disposables and suction contents in appropriate containers for blood-borne contamination at the end of the procedure.

• Displays proper etiquette and mannerisms that reflect the SHINE Behavior Standards.

• Promotes the Patient Safety Standards as a core value of the organization.

Secondary Functions:

• Functions as a Health Unit Coordinator: Responsible for operations of the nurses’ station involving multiple simultaneous tasks to ensure the smooth and safe flow of information. Serves as the unit receptionist, switchboard operator, and general “go-to person” for nurses, patient care technicians, physicians, ancillary staff, outside agencies, and visitors.

• Functions as a Patient Care Technician: Responsible for basic patient care, patient safety, emotional support to patients and families, maintenance of a safe environment, stocking of unit supplies, communication with staff and patients, and accurate documentation.

• Participates in departmental and association wide informational meetings and in services, including staff meetings, association wide forums, and seminars.

• Reviews department and association wide policies and procedures annually.

• All other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Completes all tasks as expressed in the Skills Delineation List.

Job Scope:

This job involves:

• Recurring work situations with occasional variations from the norm.

• A moderate to high level of complexity.

• Operation from established and well-known procedures.

• Performance of duties under moderate supervision.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• None.

Interpersonal Contacts:

Contacts:

• Are normally made with others both inside and outside the hospital.

• Are usually made with own department staff and supervisor as well as with other departments or locations.

• Frequently contain confidential/sensitive information necessitating discretion at all times.

• Are usually face-to-face, with some contact by telephone and e-mail.

• Are usually with patients, physicians, and staff.

Specific Job Skills & Mental Activities:

This position requires knowledge of general surgical instruments needed for surgical procedures within the scope of the Obstetrics department.

Must have excellent computer, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, supervisory, interpersonal skills, basic math skills, and be able to exercise independent judgment skills when necessary.

This position requires knowledge of hospital equipment and programs, including all Hospital Information Systems and department specific equipment.

This position requires self-direction and self-motivation.

Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Education, Licensures, and/or Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent (required).

• Current CPR/BLS certificate (required within 30 days of hire date).

• One year prior hands on patient care experience (required)

• OB Tech experience (preferred).

• Surgical Tech diploma or scrub tech certificate (preferred).

• In addition to the above requirements, this position requires one of the following certifications:

o Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).

o Tech in Surgery–Certified (TS-C).

Physical Demands & Job Conditions:

Exert up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. The worker is subject to contact with chemicals, contact with infectious fluids, heavy lifting, constant standing, and encounters with upset/disturbed individuals.

Physical motions include finger dexterity, standing, walking, stooping, crawling, talking, reaching, feeling, sitting, bending, kneeling, climbing, grasping, listening/hearing, handling, lifting up to 50-100 pounds, and repetitive motions of the hands, wrists, and feet.

This is considered a safety-sensitive position.

OSHA Exposure Category:

Involves exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.

Education

• High School or better

Licenses & Certifications

• BLS CPR AED Required
• Cert Surgical Technolog