What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Surgical Technician Operating Room position at St. Charles Health System?
The Certified Surgical Tech (CST) functions as a member of the Surgical Services Perioperative Team. The CST performs delegated duties consistent with their scope of practice and functions within the philosophy and overall plan of care delivery. The CST may perform the duties of Scrub Technologist and/or Second Assisting Technologist in accordance with Oregon Law (ORS 676.870). The CST maintains a safe and sterile environment by implementing technical and aseptic practices according to AORN Standards and St. Charles Health System (SCHS) policies and procedures. Practices as a CST while observing the recommendations of AST and their governing organizations. This position does not directly manage other caregivers.
Essential Functions And Duties
Functions as a member of the Surgical Services Perioperative team to assure patient care is accomplished in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner. Ensures the perioperative regime for each patient is implemented as prescribed by the physician.
Prepares the operating room and obtains necessary equipment. Drapes and covers operating and instrument tables; lays out supplies and equipment in appropriate fashion for scheduled or emergency cases. Assists and procures appropriate equipment that will be used during surgery, checks for any malfunctions, and makes any needed adjustments.
Conducts all duties utilizing the safety zone to minimize risk of exposure, as outlined in SCHS policies and procedures.
Follows established policies and procedures for counts of sponges, sharps, and instruments.
Participates in the Pre-Brief, Time-out, and Debrief of the surgical procedure.
Assists, when necessary, with positioning of the patient correctly on operating table.
Gowns and gloves surgeon(s) and assistants in preparation for procedure. Assists in preparing and draping sterile field.
Passes instruments and other supplies to the surgeon during procedure. Prepares sterile dressings and maintains highest standard of sterile technique during procedure. Anticipates needs of the surgical team and promotes efficient flow of the operative procedure. Works in a manner that minimizes distractions and maintains patient care focus.
Assists and follows established procedures and SCHS policies for counts of sponges, sharps and instruments. Follows established procedures for the care of specimens and tissue.
Participates in the cleaning of the operating room. Breaks down cases at the end of the procedure, gathers contaminated instruments and places them for decontamination and sterile processing. Performs these tasks in a way that protects equipment to avoid damage and safety of other caregivers, per SCHC policies and procedures.
Performs the following tasks when functioning as a Second Assist Technologist: holds retractors or instrument as directed by the surgeon, sponges or suctions operative site.
Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate.
Participates with team members in facilitating patient’s and family’s learning regarding the surgical experience. Practices creating a healing environment for patients, families and other caregivers.
Performs stand by call as assigned. Varies by department.
Supports the vision, mission and values of the organization in all respects.
Supports Lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.
Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients and guests.
Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.
Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate.
May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.
Education
Required: Graduate of a CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited program, ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) accredited program or military surgical technologist program or a combination of education and experience.
Preferred: N/A
Licensure/Certification/Registration
Required: Current NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) Surgical Technologist Certification, or current NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing) Surgical Technologist Certification. AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification.
Preferred: Current NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) Surgical First Assistant Certification (CSFA).
Experience
Required: N/A
Preferred: One (1) year experience in a high volume, multiple specialties operating room.
Essential Functions And Duties
Functions as a member of the Surgical Services Perioperative team to assure patient care is accomplished in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner. Ensures the perioperative regime for each patient is implemented as prescribed by the physician.
Prepares the operating room and obtains necessary equipment. Drapes and covers operating and instrument tables; lays out supplies and equipment in appropriate fashion for scheduled or emergency cases. Assists and procures appropriate equipment that will be used during surgery, checks for any malfunctions, and makes any needed adjustments.
Conducts all duties utilizing the safety zone to minimize risk of exposure, as outlined in SCHS policies and procedures.
Follows established policies and procedures for counts of sponges, sharps, and instruments.
Participates in the Pre-Brief, Time-out, and Debrief of the surgical procedure.
Assists, when necessary, with positioning of the patient correctly on operating table.
Gowns and gloves surgeon(s) and assistants in preparation for procedure. Assists in preparing and draping sterile field.
Passes instruments and other supplies to the surgeon during procedure. Prepares sterile dressings and maintains highest standard of sterile technique during procedure. Anticipates needs of the surgical team and promotes efficient flow of the operative procedure. Works in a manner that minimizes distractions and maintains patient care focus.
Assists and follows established procedures and SCHS policies for counts of sponges, sharps and instruments. Follows established procedures for the care of specimens and tissue.
Participates in the cleaning of the operating room. Breaks down cases at the end of the procedure, gathers contaminated instruments and places them for decontamination and sterile processing. Performs these tasks in a way that protects equipment to avoid damage and safety of other caregivers, per SCHC policies and procedures.
Performs the following tasks when functioning as a Second Assist Technologist: holds retractors or instrument as directed by the surgeon, sponges or suctions operative site.
Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate.
Participates with team members in facilitating patient’s and family’s learning regarding the surgical experience. Practices creating a healing environment for patients, families and other caregivers.
Performs stand by call as assigned. Varies by department.
Supports the vision, mission and values of the organization in all respects.
Supports Lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.
Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients and guests.
Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.
Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate.
May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.
Education
Required: Graduate of a CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited program, ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) accredited program or military surgical technologist program or a combination of education and experience.
Preferred: N/A
Licensure/Certification/Registration
Required: Current NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) Surgical Technologist Certification, or current NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing) Surgical Technologist Certification. AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification.
Preferred: Current NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) Surgical First Assistant Certification (CSFA).
Experience
Required: N/A
Preferred: One (1) year experience in a high volume, multiple specialties operating room.