SURGICAL TECHNICIAN - NWSC (PT)

JOB TITLE: Surgical Technician/Technologist
REPORTS TO: Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Administrator

JOB SUMMARY
The Surgical Tech is responsible for assisting the surgical team in providing safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care in the operating room. The Surgical Tech prepares the operating room, instruments, equipment, and supplies for scheduled procedures; establishes and maintains the sterile field; anticipates the needs of the surgeon and surgical team; and performs assigned intraoperative duties in accordance with policies, established standards of care, and demonstrated competency.

The Surgical Tech works collaboratively with the Circulating RN, surgeons, anesthesia providers, Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Administrator, and other members of the perioperative team to promote patient safety, aseptic practice, efficient room operations, and continuity of care.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Possess a certificate or associate degree from an accredited surgical technology program; OR may receive on-the-job training based on approval of the Clinical Administrator or Clinical Supervisor.

EXPERIENCE
Previous surgical tech or operating room experience in the majority of the services provided preferred, or completion of an accredited surgical tech program. (Technician is non-certified; Technologist is certified). Prefer tech who has completed certification testing by the Association of Surgical Technologists.

SKILLS

• Must possess a high degree of confidentiality in all matters with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Must be able to interact effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Knowledge of surgical procedures, instrumentation, sterile technique, aseptic practice, and infection-prevention principles.
• Knowledge of surgical counts, specimen handling, sharps safety, implants, instruments, equipment, and supplies appropriate to assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to follow surgeon preference cards, policies, established procedures, and direction from licensed clinical personnel.
• Ability to perform effectively in urgent, changing, and high-stress situations.
• Strong organization, accuracy, attention to detail, timeliness, and dependability.
• Ability to prepare and maintain the sterile field and anticipate the needs of the surgeon and surgical team.
• Good hearing is necessary.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Effective computer and keyboarding skills.
• Must have ability to learn and use Microsoft Office Suite products including Word and Outlook.
• Ability to learn new computer software applications.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
BLS (AHA) required.
Certification as a Surgical Technologist preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepare for scheduled procedures by reviewing surgeon preference cards and pulling required instruments, supplies, implants, equipment, and other items needed for the assigned case.
• Prepare and organize the operating room and establish the sterile field using appropriate aseptic technique and Center procedures.
• Arrange instruments, equipment, medications, solutions, and supplies on the sterile field as appropriate for the assigned procedure and within established responsibilities.
• Maintain sterile-field integrity throughout the procedure and immediately identify and communicate contamination or breaks in aseptic technique.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and surgical team and safely pass instruments, supplies, sutures, and other items during the procedure.
• Participate in required surgical counts with the Circulating RN in accordance with policy and immediately communicate count discrepancies.
• Handle specimens on the sterile field appropriately and transfer specimens to the Circulating RN according to established procedures.
• Assist with the proper handling, preparation, and documentation of implants and implantable devices, as assigned.
• Assist with patient positioning, preparation, draping, and other perioperative activities as directed and within demonstrated competency.
• Maintain awareness of sharps safety and account for instruments, needles, blades, and other items used within the sterile field.
• Prepare used instruments and supplies for safe transport to the decontamination area following completion of the procedure.
• Assist with cleaning, disinfection, decontamination, assembly, and sterilization of instruments, equipment, and supplies when assigned, appropriately trained, and competency validated.
• Assist with operating room turnover, cleaning, restocking, and preparation for subsequent procedures in accordance with Center processes.
• Inspect instruments and equipment for cleanliness, integrity, and proper function and promptly report damaged, missing, or malfunctioning items.
• Follow established infection-prevention, bloodborne-pathogen, hazardous-material, sharps-safety, waste-handling, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Protect patient rights, privacy, dignity, and confidentiality and maintain the confidentiality of Center information.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrate knowledge of Center emergency procedures and assist effectively during emergency situations within assigned responsibilities.
• Participate in orientation, mentoring, staff education, competency activities, and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities as assigned.
• Promote professional communication, teamwork, accountability, efficiency, and respectful collaboration with physicians and all members of the healthcare team.
• Pursue own professional growth through continuing education and in-services.
• Attend meetings as assigned.
• Assist in other areas of the Center when appropriately trained and competency-validated and when consistent with the individual's education, training, certification, and assigned responsibilities.
• Perform other surgical technology and clinical support responsibilities as assigned by the Clinical Supervisor or Clinical Administrator and appropriate to the individual's education, training, certification, competency, and scope of responsibility.