SCRUB TECHNICIAN

Position Summary:
Under the general supervision of the Surgical Services Supervisor, incumbent accomplishes the Surgical Services Department’s strategic objectives by providing strong clinical skills, being a team leader, preceptor, mentor, and active team membership. The Scrub Technician is expected to uphold and set the example of professional conduct of the profession and consistently displays planning and organizing the assigned functions required to operate and maintain departmental activities and services. Incumbents will support and provide strong quality of care with evidence-based practice and best practices. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information. Responsible for the delivery of safe, effective, and quality patient-family centered care in the OR and other areas of perioperative services for all patient populations. Facilitates the operative or other invasive procedure by preparing and providing the required sterile instruments, supplies and equipment. Maintains the sterile field and anticipates and responds to the needs of the surgical team.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Promote the mission, vision, and values of Sage Memorial Hospital.
• Perform procedures for which the Scrub Technician has been trained according to written policies & procedures.
• Assists with maintaining compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances, including accreditation with The Joint Commission (TJC).
• Function as a Scrub Technician during operative and other invasive procedures by:
  • Protecting the patient from injury caused by extraneous objects and chemical, electrical, laser, mechanical, and thermal sources.
  • Assembling supplies and equipment required for the procedure.
  • Preparing and organizing sterile supplies and instruments for the procedure.
  • Performing accounting procedures in concert with the Perioperative Registered Nurse to protect the patient from unintended retained surgical items.
  • Assisting with placement of sterile drapes.
  • Providing instruments and supplies to the surgical team during the procedure.
  • Maintaining an organized sterile field.
  • Ensuring sterility of the field and taking corrective actions as needed.
  • Preparing sterile dressings.
  • Performing interventions necessary to ensure that the patient’s procedure is performed on the correct site, side, and level.
  • Protecting the patient’s rights, dignity, and privacy.
  • Providing age-specific, culturally competent, ethical care within the legal standards of practice.
  • Providing consistent and comparable care regardless of setting.
• Responsible for motivating, teaching, and assisting department staff members in providing skilled patient care where appropriate.
• Ensure confidentiality of all patient information.
• Clean and prepare surgical instruments for processing and transport them to the decontamination areas.
• Display a professional spirit that fosters positive working relationships.
• Assist with post procedure cleaning of the operative or other invasive procedure room and preparation of room for subsequent patients.
• Participate in ongoing educational and competency verification activities applicable to the Scrub Technician activities.
• Collaborate effectively with other disciplines as applicable.
• Participate in quality review and performance improvement projects.
• Participate in the performance appraisal process.
• Use problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to foster effective work relationships with team members.
• Maintain required competencies.
• Pursues professional growth and participates in a professional organization.
• Act as a patient advocate and maintain privacy and confidentiality of individuals and health information.
• Participate in training, infection control, patient safety, and fire safety in-services when indicated.
• Accept and adapt to changes in work area and/or work duties.
• Practice infection control and patient safety procedures.
• Attend clinical staff meetings and training courses as appropriate.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by conducting research; attending seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; and conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Provide “On-call” duties as assigned.
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduate from an accredited surgical technology program (strongly preferred).
• One (1) year of clinical experience in respective department.
• Valid American Heart Association certification in BLS.
• Certification in ACLS, PALS, and NRP is required within 90 days of hire.
• Must successfully pass the Employee Health requirements (mask fit, immunizations), and Pre-Employment requirements (background investigation, drug screen).

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

• Knowledge of effective principles and practices of education and development.
• Knowledge of surgical and clinical instruments and equipment.
• Knowledge in clinical departments assigned.
• Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mathematics.
• Ability to perform effective interpersonal skills and function at a high level of independence.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language both verbally and in writing with staff and the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and demonstrate team-building skills with empathy and enthusiasm.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Familiarity with the Navajo Way.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.
• Ability to demonstrate excellence and continually seek improvement in outcomes.
• Ability to interpret applicable tribal, federal, and state laws, regulations, and requirements pertaining to the practice of Nursing.
• Ability to interpret TJC, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and Arizona Department of Health (ADOH) regulations.
• Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and presentation software (such as PowerPoint).
• Ability to apply critical thinking skills, analyze problems, project consequences, identify solutions, and implement recommendations.

Physical Demands:

• Physically demanding, high-stress environment
• Exposure to blood, sharp instruments and other devices, body fluids and tissue, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions
• Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients
• Manual and finger dexterity
• Hand and eye coordination
• Standing and walking for extensive periods of time
• Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Corrected vision and hearing to within normal range
• Working under stressful conditions
• Working irregular hours including call hours

Work Environment:
Work is generally performed in a clinical department with moderate noise level, where patient care is performed. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.