Able to identify abnormalities and alert charge nurse. Assisting in basic desk duties. Applies learned principles in coordinating activities directed at assisting the surgical team in the implementation of care. Assisting licensed personnel in the deliverance of patient care activities and related non-professional services.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provides daily physical and emotional care to patients; i.e., bathing, toileting, feeding, ambulating, etc. Transports patients as needed. Answers call lights in timely fashion, assists licensed personnel as directed. Alerts nursing personnel to changes in patient condition, needs.
• Maintains daily logs i.e., refrigerator temps, eye washing stations, nitrazine controls. Keeps environment neat and tidy, including patient care areas and utility areas. Maintains stock, ordering supplies when necessary. Prepares rooms in a timely manner with all anticipated instruments, sutures, supplies and equipment for each procedure. Checks all equipment/instruments needed, prior to each procedure to ensure proper functioning. Check supplies for outdates.
• Follows aseptic technique, when opening sterile supplies and setting up procedures. Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments/procedures. Assists in positioning, prepping and draping of patients for surgical procedures. Accurately completes operating room counts (instruments, sponges, needle s); follows proper procedure in the event of incorrect count; reports all discrepancies to circulating nurse and surgeon and/or corrects immediately. Always maintains an orderly and sterile instrument table for the purpose of efficiency. Anticipates needs of surgeon during intraoperative phase. Is fully responsible for care of instruments/equipment during intra-postoperative phase, including cleaning and processing of instruments. Demonstrates competence in care of specimens and accurately handles specimens at all times.
• Protects patient's sensitivities and right to privacy; closely observes patient with minimal disturbance. Maintains safe environment for patient, co-workers and self, per hospital policies and procedures. Interacts professionally with physicians and co-workers. Displays prompt, courteous accurate telephone skills.
• Regularly collaborates with other members of the nursing team in order to maintain equipment and supplies. Demonstrates an awareness of the need for cost containment and the economical use of patient supplies.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationship with coworkers for the patient's benefit.
• Actively participates in Quality Improvement activities.
• Contributes to the 24-hour coverage of the maternity unit for emergency cesarean deliveries.
• Maintains desk and lab supplies for the unit.
• Assists patient through the continuum by ensuring that admission, transfer and discharge procedures are carried out.
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Education:

• High School diploma
• Graduated from accredited Surgical Technology Program (unless meets grandfathered-in criteria)

Experience:

• One year experience as a surgical technician desirable; clinical experience in a healthcare facility.

Training/License:

• C.N.A. preferred. Understanding of aseptic technique and infection control. Basic understanding of anatomy, physiology and medical terminology
• Current Surgical Technology Certification or achievement of certification within 12 months of graduating from a surgical technology program (unless meets grandfathered-in criteria).

Other:

• BLS Certificate through American Heart Association 
• 15 Hours of continuing education annually related to surgical technology