Surgical Technician

POSITION: Surgical Technician

DEPARTMENT: ASC

REPORTS TO: RN/ RN Administrator

JOB SUMMARY: Trained technician who assists the practitioner and registered nurse in rendering professional care to patients undergoing surgical procedures within the center, in accordance with established procedures. Works under the direct supervision of the registered nurse. Functions cooperatively with practitioners and staff exhibiting teamwork characteristics.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school graduate and possess a Surgical Technologist License or graduate from Surgical Technology program.
• One or more years of related work experience in operating room preferred.
• Maintain a Washington State Surgical Technologist License.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Able to read, write and communicate.
• Demonstrates a commitment to quality in patient care and maintaining standards of courtesy and friendliness to coworkers.
• Membership in surgical specialty society encouraged.
• Maintains Basic Cardiac Life Support certification.
• Able to maintain and comply with patient confidentiality and integrity policy on all matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• General

• Assists in preparing operating room for planned procedure.
• Demonstrates care and handling of surgical instruments per facility policy.
• Observes universal precautions.
• Participates in Performance Improvement/Safety Program.
• Assists with maintaining adequate inventory of supplies.
• Assists with housekeeping responsibilities as directed by nursing staff.
• Prepares specimen containers and maintains adequate supply.
• Performs other tasks and duties as directed by the clinical director or practitioner, which are within their legal limitations.
• Seeks educational opportunities and accepts responsibilities for own professional growth and development. Participates with in-service opportunities and staff meetings.
• Must maintain patient right to privacy by not discussing privileged information outside of the work area or within hearing range of visitors, family, or patient.
• Keeps all working areas clean, neat, and stocked.
• Cleans rooms after each patient and makes them ready for the next patient.
• Assists with answering the phone when necessary.
• Sets up and assists with all surgical procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge and awareness of exposure control plan.
• Prepares operating room for surgical cases.
• Scrubs hands and arms, dries, and dons sterile gown and gloves according to AORN standards.
• Sets up sterile operating field with instruments and supplies necessary for that procedure; arranges instruments, sutures, drapes, and supplies per AORN standards.
• Observes strict aseptic technique throughout the entire procedure and reports breaks in technique to the circulating nurse and the surgeon.
• Dresses surgeon and assistants in sterile gown and gloves.
• Assists with draping the operative site.
• Passes instruments, supplies, and sutures to the surgeon and assistants as needed and in such a manner so that their attention is not diverted from the operative field.
• Pays strict attention to the work of the operating team and anticipates their needs.
• Keeps sterile tables neat and orderly.
• Sees that all instruments, needles, sponges, and other supplies are removed from the operative field.
• Responsible for having correct sutures and instruments for surgeon at all times.
• Isolates “dirty” or contaminated instruments and supplies as used, so as to minimize the spread of infection.
• Helps clean the room following the procedure by caring for instruments, supplies, and equipment used in the sterile field.
• Receives the specimen and prepares it for the laboratory.
• Returns to the room immediately following the case to prepare for the following procedure.
• Assists with cleaning and restocking room at completion of assignment.
• Checks the surgeon’s preference card is current and accessible.
• Other duties as needed.

• Physical Demands

• Visual Activity: Average visual acuity is acceptable. Must be able to use visually orientated medical equipment, i.e., B.P. monitor. Must be able to read and administer medication and perform physical assessments.
• Auditory Acuity: Average acuity is acceptable. Must be able to use auditory orientated equipment, i.e. stethoscope. Must be able to communicate person-to-person and via telephone.
• Hand/Eye Coordination: Must be able to adequately perform the use of scissors, syringes, tape, gauze, and other simple medical supplies.
• Hand Dexterity: Average acceptable. Must be able to adequately perform hand movements in the categories as follows: fine manipulation, gross manipulation, simple grasping, firm grasping, and hand twisting.
• Partial Body Mobility: Must be able to maneuver upper body adequately to lift 1 to 15 lbs. on a regular basis from floor to waist, 1 to 5 lbs. from waist to shoulder and 1 to 5 lbs. from shoulder to overhead. Must be able to push, pull, bend, twist, and reach up to 66% of the time.

May be exposed to the following hazards:

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Communicable Diseases
• Chemicals
• Steam
• Pressurized Cylinders
• Sharp Objects
• Moving Parts of Equipment

Safety Equipment provided includes:

• Gloves
• Glasses
• Protective Gowns
• Hair Restraints
• Masks/Shoe Covers
• Fire Extinguisher
• Sharps Containers
• Bio-Hazard Disposal

This posting is for a temporary position with the possibility of becoming permanent