Surgical Technologist

JOB TITLE: Surgical Technologist

FLSA STATUS (Exempt/Non-Exempt): Non-Exempt

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: ASC Director

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: NONE

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Surgical Technologist provides intraoperative support by preparing the operating room, maintaining a sterile field, and anticipating the needs of the surgical team. This role ensures the safe and efficient delivery of care by managing instruments and supplies, assisting with complex orthopedic procedures, and supporting patient safety through adherence to established protocols.

Essential Functions

• Serve as scrub person for orthopedic spine and general orthopedic surgical procedures, including participation in complex cases as needed.
• Prepare the operating room by assembling surgical packs, instruments, and supplies according to department procedures and surgeon preference.
• Ensure sterility of all supplies and instruments during setup and throughout the procedure; monitor aseptic technique, immediately reporting and correcting any breaks in sterility.
• Anticipate surgeon needs and provide intraoperative support by draping patients, passing instruments, retractors, sutures, and medications, suctioning and sponging wounds, applying dressings, holding extremities, and assisting with patient positioning.
• Conduct and document sponge, needle, and instrument count pre-operatively, intra-operatively, and prior to closure in collaboration with the circulating nurse.
• Inspect and troubleshoot surgical instruments and power equipment before use; remove and report faulty equipment as necessary.
• Monitor and report blood and fluid loss; adjust instrumentation and supplies in response to procedural changes and patient condition.
• Manage and maintain adequate surgical supply levels; restock rooms at the end of shift and perform monthly inventory of supplies, durable equipment, and medications.
• Assist in decontamination, cleaning, and reprocessing of instruments, equipment, and surgical rooms in accordance with established procedures.
• Support proper specimen identification, labeling, and disposition using departmental protocols.
• Transport surgical equipment to appropriate cleaning areas and assist sterile supply with reprocessing instrument sets.
• Follow Standard Universal Precautions, hand hygiene, PPE use, and safety practices to protect patients and staff.
• Interact appropriately and respectfully with patients and team members, serving as a resource to the health care team.
• Recognize and respond to emergency situations; adjust priorities and resolve problems promptly as needed.
• Attend required in-services, conferences, and meetings; comply with organizational policies, procedures, and safety standards.
  
  
  

EDUCATION

• Associate’s degree in surgical technology from accredited school
  
  
  

Experience/Knowledge

• (3) years of experience in a directly related area
• Surgical Technologist Certification
• Current BLS for Healthcare Provider CPR or CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certification
  
  
  

Skills

• Preparing and maintaining sterile surgical fields and instrumentation
• Operating, assembling, and troubleshooting surgical equipment and sterile processing tools
  
  
  

Abilities

• Ability to remain calm, focused, and precise in high-pressure, fast-paced surgical environments
• Ability to follow complex directions and respond quickly to changing circumstances during surgical procedures
  
  
  

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Clinical settings with exposure to bright lighting, sterile environments, and frequent standing for extended periods.
  
  
  

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS

• Ability to stand for extended periods (often several hours) during surgical procedures.
• Frequent walking, bending, reaching, and positioning of patients.
• Manual dexterity and steady hand–eye coordination to handle delicate surgical instruments.
• Ability to lift, move, and position patients and equipment (typically up to 25–50 pounds, with assistance for heavier loads).