Surgical Technologist

Job Profile Summary 

​This role focuses on providing medical and clinical support services to patients.  In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Surgical Services duties: Responsible for medical services involving the excision or incision of a patient's body, such as interventional pain management and other procedures. This position also works to provide a safe environment for patients undergoing invasive procedures or surgery.  A clinical technologist role that has specialized knowledge or skills gained through a combination of vocational education, training, and experience. This role will be most commonly applied to patient care and/or scientific/laboratory jobs.  An experienced level role requiring basic knowledge of job procedures and tools obtained through work experience and requiring vocational or technical education.  Works under moderate supervision, works through problems of a routine nature, but may at times require interpretation or deviation from standard procedures and communicates information that requires some explanation or interpretation. 

Job Overview 

This position is a proficient Surgical Technician who practices under the supervision of the surgical team in the Operating Room to deliver patient care throughout the perioperative experience. Assists the Surgeon during surgery by providing the appropriate instruments and in maintaining and organizing operating room equipment. Performs according to the policies, procedures, philosophy, and objectives of the department and hospital.  Works cooperatively within department and other services to create a system of quality health care. 

Job Description 

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Before July 1, 2013, employed as a surgical technologist in a surgical facility;  OR Successfully completed a training program for surgical technology in the military; OR Graduated from an accredited Surgical Tech Program.
3. If employed as a Surgical Technologist after July 1, 2013, Surgical Technologist Certification (CST) is required.

4. 12 Months to Less than 3 Years of healthcare experience.

5. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. 

1. Functions in a professional manner as the Surgical Technologist Operating Room on a wide variety and in all stages of surgical procedures. 

2. Maintains strict aseptic technique during set-up, patient draping and during surgical procedure. 

3. Scrubs on surgical cases, participates in surgery by organizing the instrumentation to the surgeon, participating in surgical counts. 

4. Selects and prepares the appropriate instruments, supplies and equipment for surgical cases.   

5. Performs related activities under the direction of the surgeon.   

6. Performs all counts with the circulating nurse according to Operating Room policy. 

7. Manages all intraoperative medications in accordance with Operating Room policy. 

8. Manages surgical specimens according to Physician’s orders and Hospital policy. 

9. Follows Operating Room procedures for the proper decontamination of instrumentation, equipment, and room turnover. 

10. Assists in the positioning, moving and transporting of patients as needed. 

11. Reports equipment and supply problems to the Charge Nurse, Service Lead or Clinical Nursing Director as needed.   

12. When not participating on surgical cases, assists with positioning obtaining needed items during surgery and assists in room turnover activities.   

13. Participates in Operating Room activities related to quality improvement, continuing education, orientation of new personnel and emergency preparedness. 

14. Remains knowledgeable about service specific equipment ensuring safe and efficient utilization. 

15. Maintains a collaborative work relationship with peers and colleagues in order to create a positive work environment. 

16. Performs the role of Preceptor for staff in training. 

17. Assists in orientation of new personnel (i.e. aides, orderlies, technicians, nurses, etc.) to the protocols, policies, rules and regulations of the Operating Suite.  

18. Remains knowledgeable about equipment ensuring safe and efficient utilization across multiple surgical specialties. 

Physical Requirements:  

1. Ability to work within the semi-restricted and restricted environment of the Operating Room and other Perioperative support areas. 

2. Stands under hot surgical lights for prolonged periods of time.  

3. Possibility of muscle strain from lifting patients and heavy equipment, shocks and burns from cautery units and autoclaves. Possibility of cuts from sharp instruments.  

4. Frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals, blood and bodily fluids, extreme noise levels, radiation, lasers, drastic fluctuations in ambient temperature, etc. 

5. Ability to wear a protective lead apron for extended periods of time and exposure to radioactivity, harmful anesthesia gases and septic infections. 

6. Requires frequent lifting and positioning of patients, materials, equipment, power tools, instruments, etc. 

7. Frequent contacts with patients, physicians and nursing staff in Operating Room. 

Skills & Abilities: 

1. Advanced knowledge of aseptic technique and infection prevention practices. 

2. Intermediate knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, and pharmacology to ensure that optimal patient care is provided. 

3. Intermediate knowledge of computers, surgical equipment, and infrastructure. 

4. Intermediate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span.  

5. Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively interact with staff, patients, physicians, vendors, and other departments within the hospital. 

6. Demonstrates advanced knowledge in all procedures related to their surgical specialty area and has sufficient general knowledge to assist in other specialties as needed. 

7. Displays proficient knowledge and skills related to procedures performed outside of their surgical specialty area and demonstrates the ability to competently support multiple service lines and case types within the Operating Room.