STERILE PROCESSING TECH - SURGICAL SERVICES

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

• High School graduate or GED certificate required.
  
• Shift 7a-3p. Will take calls. Will have surgical call after hours. Experienced preferred.
  
• Must   be able to read, write and speak the English language to communicate effectively and
  tactfully with staff, vendors, and the public.

• Acts as a member of the surgical team in the operating room working with the physician, certified registered nurse anesthetist, and registered nurse, delivering direct patient care before, during and after surgery.

• Has the ability to handle instruments, supplies and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure, anticipating the needs of the physician and has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure. Has a thorough understanding of the procedures being performed and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field.

• In addition to operating room responsibilities, performs routine nonprofessional patient care activities relating to patient hygiene, safety, and comfort under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.

• Performs general clerical duties by preparing, compiling, and maintaining records as directed by the surgical services department manager.

• A current CPR Certification.

•  Assist in Outpatient Service Center and Endoscopy areas as indicated.

•  Assure compliance with regulations and protect the interest of the hospital.

• Must be of good moral character.
• Willingness to work beyond normal working hours when necessary to effectively and efficiently perform duties.  

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Good verbal and written communication skills.

• Visual/hearing ability sufficient to comprehend written/verbal communication.

• Ability to perform tasks including physical activity which may include heavy lifting, i.e. patient from bed to wheelchair or to bedside commode, and extensive bending and standing, i.e. range of motion, dressing changes.

 JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process admissions, transfers, and discharges, making sure all papers have the proper patient identification, and ensuring charts have been checked for completeness as per proper procedure for all pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients for all surgical department.

• Willingly answers patient requests in a friendly, cooperative manner for patients of all ages.

• Strives to establish good rapport with patients, families, visitors, coworkers, and supervisory staff.  Willing to perform duties as assigned on an age specific basis.

• Assist in admission of new patients to unit, i.e., assisting to bed, assisting to bathroom, as needed for any age patient.

• Collects routine urine specimens as assigned for all pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.

• Check identification on all ages of patients.
• Reports pertinent, age specific data to team members.

• Assist in preparation of surgical patients of all ages and positioning for surgical procedures under the supervision of a registered nurse and assists patients as necessary in a friendly manner.

• Applies the principles of asepsis in a knowledgeable manner to provide optimum, age specific patient care.

• Provides a safe, efficient, age specific environment for the surgical patient.

• Functions under all aspects of surgical techniques, both routine and special surgical procedures, and perform them in a professional manner for patients of all ages. 

• Respects the patient’s inherent right to privacy, dignity, and safety for all age groups.

• Demonstrates strictness with aseptic technique – no compromises.

• Assists in setting up of cases by assembly of equipment and supplies according to physician preference cards – ensures all items are in place prior to the procedure.

• Passes instruments in a firm manner so they can be readily grasped and in position for use.

• Properly assists in appropriate positioning of patients and moving patients to and from the operating table.

• Appropriately drapes patient.

• Knows various types of sutures and needle, drains and dressings and when they are used.

• Recognizes emergency situations and acts promptly and efficiently to institute necessary precautions.

• Follows proper procedures in gowning and gloving techniques for self and surgical team.

• Implements proper procedures for ca re of supplies, instruments, and equipment at the conclusion cases. Performs decontamination of instruments and equipment using detergents and disinfectant solutions as per procedure.

• Properly cleans and provides preventive maintenance on equipment as outlined in the equipment manual and departmental policies and procedures.  Reports inoperable equipment damage to the proper department manager.

• Consistently utilizes universal barrier precautions.

• Cooperates in maintaining a clean, hazard free environment.

• Practices care and economy in the use of equipment and supplies, promptly reporting any malfunction to the proper authority.

• Abstracts, reviews, and enters patient/departmental data into the specified logs with accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ability to set-up a Mayo tray in an efficient manner.

• Knowledgeable regarding use of computer and capable of navigating and using required programs to maintain departmental data.

• Establish and maintain a good rapport with co-workers, physicians and intra-departmental personnel.

• Consistently respond in calm, productive manner when involved in problematic situations.

• Demonstrates understanding of emergency procedures, fire drills, evacuation procedures and internal/external disaster policies and procedures and role in each.

• Physically and emotionally capable of performing responsibilities.

• Adapts to unavoidable changes in workload, schedule, or assignment in a professional manner.

• Utilizes proper body mechanics and personal safety precautions.

• Is familiar with policies and procedures of the hospital as well as departmental policies and procedures.

• Consistently displays initiative, recognizing and assuring responsibility for work which needs to be performed but not directly assigned.

• Willingly accepts assignments and/or duties as delegated by the Division Director of Patient Care Services or designee to perpetuate the mission of the Tombigbee Healthcare Authority Operating Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital.

• Dutifully complies with the Corporate Compliance Policy. Patient Rights and all laws, rules, regulations and standards of conduct to my immediate supervisor, the Compliance Officer or the Chief Executive Officer.