OR TECH - CERTIFIED

Under the general supervision of the Perioperative Manager, and the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Surgical Technologist is responsible for filling the surgical scrub role on all types of minor and major surgical procedures, dependent upon individual competencies in each surgical specialty. The Surgical Technologist assists physicians and nurses in various medical and technical procedures. All functions must be performed in compliance with the mission and philosophy of Memorial Hospital of Converse County, standards of practice, and regulations of governing agencies.

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program preferred

• Certification as a Surgical Technologist (CST) preferred but not required

• Minimum two (2) years of previous experience as an operating room technician desired

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required

Surgical Preparation & Aseptic Technique

1. Performs surgical hand scrub and dons sterile gown and gloves according to gowning and gloving policy.

2. Maintains proper sterile technique when gowning and gloving the surgeon and draping the patient.

3. Implements principles of medical and surgical asepsis in accordance with recognized national standards and hospital-specific policies and procedures.

4. Utilizes surgeon preference cards to select packs, supplies, and instruments for each assigned case.

5. Pulls supplies for upcoming cases and checks the room for cleanliness, availability of supplies, and readiness of equipment at the beginning of each day.

6. Creates and maintains a safe sterile environment in which surgery may take place.

Intraoperative Responsibilities

1. Assists the surgeon in all scrubbed cases across minor and major surgical procedures within individual competencies.

2. Accounts for sponges, needles, instruments, and other potential foreign bodies; performs sponge, instrument, and needle counts according to count policy.

3. Handles specimens per established policy.

4. Uses medical equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.

5. Provides physical safety and comfort for the patient throughout the perioperative experience.

6. Helps provide cost-effective patient care and assists in the reduction of waste.

Instrument Processing & Room Management

1. Transports instruments to the decontamination area utilizing appropriate technique and in compliance with established policies and procedures.

2. Demonstrates knowledge of instrument processing from decontamination through storage of sterile packages.

3. Makes decisions concerning equipment and/or instrumentation sterilization.

4. Puts unused sterile supplies and instruments away at the end of the day.

5. Restocks operating rooms to established PAR levels.

6. Performs housekeeping duties as required within the surgical suite.

7. Manages biohazardous waste disposal in accordance with established procedures.

Patient Care & Safety

1. Supports patient care and patient flow throughout the perioperative process.

2. Demonstrates knowledge of cultural, spiritual, and age-related considerations when interacting with and caring for patients.

3. Maintains patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and hospital policy.

4. Adheres to strictest confidentiality in dealing with patients, families, hospital personnel, and the public.

Compliance, Safety & Professional Standards

1. Complies with hospital practice standards regarding competent performance of duties.

2. Maintains a safe work environment in compliance with OSHA guidelines and infection control standards.

3. Follows all hospital and departmental safety policies and procedures and reports unsafe situations to the supervisor.

4. Demonstrates knowledge of and participation in the hospital's performance improvement, infection control, and risk management programs.

5. Demonstrates knowledge of hospital-wide emergency management codes and plans.

6. Adheres to hospital and departmental dress code and wears name badge at all times.

Teamwork & Professional Conduct

1. Demonstrates a cooperative work attitude toward coworkers, employees, management, patients, visitors, and physicians.

2. Functions as a team member following the rules of engagement of the department and hospital.

3. Models the core values of Memorial Hospital of Converse County continuously.

4. Demonstrates a positive, "can-do" attitude and has a proactive approach to problem resolution.

5. Anticipates customers' needs and provides for them as efficiently as possible.

6. Keeps supervisor apprised of work progress and communicates work-related information only as necessary to conduct hospital business.

7. Attends 100% of department meetings or documents review of materials presented.

8. Willingness to adjust personal schedule periodically as workload fluctuates and department needs require.

9. Completes work in an acceptable timeframe in an independent and efficient manner.

10. Supports other hospital personnel in the performance of their duties.