Description

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons’ assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures and help count sponges, needles, supplies and instruments. The staffing of the Center is based on a teamwork concept. Employees may be cross trained in other clinical areas and may be expected to perform duties other than their normal ones as staffing and patient needs change.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Promotes the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
• Performs necessary tasks for a scrub role using technical skills.
• Assures patient/personal safety by maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Ensures proper instrumentation for each procedure.
• Follows all principles of sterile technique. Adhering to principles of Universal Precautions.
• Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and Center related business.
• Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
• Prepare dressings or bandages and apply or assist with their application following surgery.
• Operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, and diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
• Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
• Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.
• Participates in all counts (instrument, sponge sharps, etc.) as necessary.
• Assists with maintenance of supplies and equipment.
• Maintains established Center and departmental policies and procedures.
• Documents concisely, precisely, and accurately on all records or documents as indicated by policy. 
• Participates in quality assessment activities as directed for the continuous improvement of patient care and for the Center. Compliance with continuing and mandatory education programs.
• Ability to respond quickly, physically, and mentally when priorities and/or the patient’s condition changes. 
• Regular, physical attendance on a predictable basis is essential to the performance of this job.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Basic computer skills (e.g., Microsoft® Word).
• Uses problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to foster effective work relationships with team members.
• Function independently without constant supervision. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
• Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Ability to read and legibly write, communicate appropriately and effectively, understand, and execute instructions as needed and visually distinguish color.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Qualifications and Experience

• High school graduate or equivalent, preferred.
• Graduate of an accredited school of surgical technology or LVN license in state of employment, preferred.
• Certified in surgical technology, preferred (CST or CORT).
• One-year experience and/or training in surgical setting, preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, preferred.