Orthopedic Surgery Technician - United States Air Force Academy

SUMMARY

Provide support for surgical procedures ranging from routine orthopedic to complicated/trauma cases.  Exercise the universal precautions set forth by the Centers for Disease Control when providing direct patient care and/or indirect patient care involving possible exposure to contaminated items at the 10 MDG.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Record designated data on patient log and document appropriate information on intra-operative nursing notes.
• Responsible for aseptic technique maintenance during the process of preparing for and assisting in the surgical procedure.
• Select, assemble, and organize required supplies, equipment, and instruments for specific surgical procedures in accordance with operative work sheets, physician preference cards and/or conferring with physician or nurse in charge of surgical procedure(s).
• Hand instruments correctly in the position of use to the surgeon during the procedure, anticipating the surgeon’s needs.
• Clean operating room before, during and after surgery; remove and dispose of soiled and/or contaminated materials in accordance with 10th Medical Group policy; change linen.
• Replenish sterile packs and general supplies and restock shelves at the end of the schedule surgery day, from MTF Medical Logistics Office.
• Set up instruments, supplies, and equipment for specialized procedures. Assist provider during surgical and diagnostic procedures. Assemble, operate, and maintain diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. Order diagnostic, laboratory and radiographic procedures as directed. Accomplish cleaning and decontamination procedures (patient/exam rooms and instruments/equipment).
• Transport patients to the Operating Room (OR) assuring safe transportation of the patient. Screen patients prior to transport for drug allergies and sensitivities.  Ensure preoperative medication has been given, and that jewelry, dentures and any prosthetic devices have been removed. Check patient chart and identification band for completeness and comfort patients fearing surgery.
• Position or assist in positioning patients and draping the patients for the specific procedures.
• Follow preoperative nursing care plan in preparing patients in the OR, required to shave/prep operative sites/areas.
• Select, assemble, and organize required supplies, equipment, and instruments for specific surgical procedures in accordance with operative work sheets, physician preference cards and/or conferring with physician or nurse in charge of surgical procedure(s).
• Maintain alertness for complications developing during surgery such as hemorrhage, shock and cardiac arrest and immediately supply instruments, drugs and supplies to correct the conditions.
• Perform sponge, instrument, and sharp counts, and notify physician of any discrepancies, measure blood and fluid loss.
• Assist with application of dressing.
• Obtain sterile supplies, suture materials, instruments, equipment, linens, etc., from MTF Medical Logistics Office, for the surgical procedures in accordance with and reference to the work sheets and physician preference cards and/or conferring with physician or nurse in charge of surgical procedure (s), open instruments sets.  Pour solutions using aseptic technique.  Set up and adjust equipment such as electric coagulator, electric bone saw and drill.  Operate microscopes, air power drills, defibrillators, and resuscitators.  Make suction connections and adjust operating lights.
• Assist anesthetist during induction and throughout surgical procedures.
• Obtain supplies needed during surgery such as blood, drugs (under registered nurse supervision), solutions, instruments, and additional sterile supplies.
• Prepare specimens for laboratory; properly label specimens, record information in specimen book and take specimens to the laboratory.
• Set up and perform safety checks to ensure all equipment is properly functioning before any surgical procedure (s).
• Provide chaperone service, patient, and chart screening (checking patient vital signs – blood pressure, pulse, and temperatures), ensure appropriate forms are filled out, signed, and completed, escort patients to appropriate clinical/testing areas within the MTF.
• Check patients in for appointments, review medical records, and order radiological and laboratory tests as requested by physician.
• Apply casts and splints and remove sutures and/or staples per provider’s orders.
• Instruct patients/guardian on appropriate cast/splint/wound care.
• Schedule patients for follow up, pre-operative, post-operative appointments as requested by provider.
• Answer and screen telephone calls using proper etiquette and ensure confidentiality and privacy.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a high school degree or GED equivalent.
• Must have graduated from an approved Surgical Technology accredited program approved by a national recognized accreditation program.  Each profile packet shall include the name of the program, a description/copy of diploma or certificate and date of graduation.
• Must have and maintain current certification in basic life support (BLS) from the American Red Cross.  This certificate must be current at all times.
• At least one (1) year of experience, in the last two years, working as an Orthopedic Surgical Technician.
• Must obtain and maintain the site's required health screening and immunization requirements.
• Must obtain and maintain any necessary security access and/or background checks.
• Must obtain and maintain all required documents, certifications, licenses, etc. listed on the credentialling checklist, sent by Katmai’s Credentialing Specialist, for this position for initial hire. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Certification from the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist (LCC-ST) as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and/or The National Board of Certification of Orthopedic Technologists (OTC) is preferred. 
• Must be able to read, understand, speak, and write English well enough to effectively communicate with all patients and other health care providers.

WORK SCHEDULE

Full-time. May be required to work additional hours as needed to complete assignment or project.

TRAVEL

All Market contractors are subject to working at a duty location at any of the Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) or associated sub clinics within the Colorado Military Health System (CMHS).

DRIVING REQUIREMENT

Must have or be able to attain a valid state driver’s license and be insurable on the company’s automobile insurance policy. Driving may be required when traveling and/or short occasional amounts of local driving.  The expected driving time is less than 10%.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily indoors at a well-lit military treatment facility such as a clinic, outpatient facility or hospital.  The environment is normally air conditioned, but conditions may change dependent upon circumstances.  Work may need to be performed in a fast-paced environment requiring quick thinking and rapid judgements.  Employee will be exposed to a wide variety of clients in differing functions, personalities, and abilities.  Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and bodily fluids, latex, radiation or other contaminants and safety issues.  May be exposed to infection or diseases from contact with patients.  Work is highly social with patients and can be stressful with a high emotional element.  Decisions made may substantially impact patients and their families. Surgical Technicians shall have the flexibility to work at different Orthopedic locations if needed:  Peterson AFB, the 10th Medical Group Cadet Sports Medicine Clinic, Penrose or Memorial Hospitals, and Podiatry and Orthopedics at the 10th Medical Group main facility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Position consists of sitting for long periods of time, using hands/fingers, handling, reaching with hands and arms, speaking, or translating.  Periods of walking, standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, and lifting boxes weighing up to 30 pounds.  Moderate to extended periods of office work with heavy periods of computer usage. It is Katmai’s business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS PACKAGE

• Pay range: $33.70 per hour.
• H&W: $5.09
• Eligible Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & AD&D Insurance, Long-Term & Short-Term Disability Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Vacation & Paid Personal Time, 11 Paid Federal Holidays, and Leave of Absence.

Compliance:

To be considered for this position, all applicants must apply on the company website,  https://katmaicorp.com/life-at-katmai/

We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, familial status or any other characteristic protected by law. https://katmaicorp.com/life-at-katmai/#equal_opportunity Preference will be given to Ouzinkie Shareholders, Descendants of Shareholders and Spouses of Shareholders in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g) and Title 42 U.S. Code 2000e - 2(i).