POSITION SUMMARY:

The Certified Surgical Tech (CST) is a member of the surgical team. The tech works with surgeons, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, and Registered Nurses delivering patient care before, during, and after surgery. The CST provides the team with instruments, supplies, and equipment as necessary during the surgical procedure. He/she anticipates the needs of the surgeon(s) and has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure. The CST has an understanding of the procedures being performed, anticipates the surgeon's needs, and is constantly vigilant in maintaining the sterile field. The CST is also responsible for sterile processing instruments from various areas of the Hospital and Clinics and maintains appropriate levels of these instruments throughout the facility.

The CST is a member of the Code Trauma Team and as such will be called in for codes and traumas.

The CST is responsible for maintaining supplies, checking expiration dates and overall organization in Sterile Processing, Operating Rooms, Procedure Room, as well as assuring equipment in each area is in proper working condition.

MINIMUM OF QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Education: High school diploma or equivalent. National Surgical Technologist certification required. Current CPR certification required. Demonstrrinciples of asepsis and sterile technique. Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology. Knowledge of basic medical terminology.

1. Experience: Previous Surgical Scrub experience required.

1. Job Knowledge: Demonstrated working knowledge of surgical procedures, instrumentation, and Sterile Processing organization.

1. Skills: Function calmly and effectively in emergent situations and peak work times. Demonstrate empathetic and compassionate attitude toward patients and their families. Maintain confidentiality. Provide patient care under supervision and follow verbal and written instructions. Prioritize patient care needs and unit needs appropriately. Function as an effective team member with other hospital staff and physicians

1. Limitations/Hazards (ADA):
2. a) Utilize manual dexterity to perform clinical assignment.
3. b) Walk and stand throughout assigned shift.
4. c) Provide lifting/moving assistance for patients of all sizes and capabilities.
5. d) Requires ability to move quickly, stand for long periods of time, tolerate frequent kneeling, bending, heavy lifting, and reaching.
6. e) Move quickly throughout the hospital during busy shifts and emergencies.
7. f) Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
8. g) May have exposure to blood, body fluids, and/or biochemical hazards.
9. h) Duties may require the ability to push/pull, stoop/bend, kneel, walk, sit, crouch/squat, stand, hold, flex/twist and reach (including reaching above shoulder level) for extended periods of time.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. __________

Appl. Initials

1.00 Job Performance

1.1 Demonstrates knowledge and ability to apply department policy and procedure as well as AORN (Association of Operating Room Nurse) standards and recommended practice pertinent to the Operating Room and to the Sterile Processing Department.

1.2 Demonstrates a working knowledge of, and willingness to adhere to, hospital, nursing, and departmental policies and procedures. Performs duties in accordance with such protocols.

1.3 Demonstrates knowledge of instrument and equipment inventory.

1.4 Assures proper maintenance of instruments and reports damage or loss to department supervisor.

1.5 Adheres to the practice of asepsis.

1.6 Differentiates sterilization methods for special equipment and instruments necessary for specific procedures.

1.7 Demonstrates the knowledge of operational principles of the autoclave. Is responsible for maintaining the autoclave in good working order. Informs supervisor of any repair work needed for the autoclave.

1.8 Demonstrates knowledge of the routine instrument packs and physician preference of organization and contents of each pack.

1.9 Prepares and knows the specific uses of all equipment and supplies used for surgical procedures.

1.10 Displays dexterity in the use of surgical instruments, and knowledge of the step-by-step procedure for specific surgical cases.

1.11 Develops and improves skills in assisting the surgeon(s) and in the organization of work by learning to use economy in time, motion, and materials.

1.12 Checks supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure relevant to surgeon(s) preference.

1.13 Establishes sterile field.

1.14 Scrubs, gowns, and gloves appropriately.

1.15 Assists in draping sterile field.

1.16 Assists in transferring patient to OR table and positioning patient using appropriate equipment.

1.17 Passes instruments, etc. to surgeon(s) during procedure.

1.18 Anticipates the needs of the surgeon(s) in order to expedite the procedure, thus minimizing patient's exposure.

1.19 Uses sound judgment in emergency situations, instituting established procedures in a calm and efficient manner.

1.20 Completes sponge and needle counts with the circulator according to AORN guidelines and hospital policies and procedures.

1.21 Cleans room in readiness for next patient.

1.22 Handles specimen and passes on to circulating nurse appropriately.

1.23 Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization.

1.24 Assists other members of the team with terminal clean-up.

1.25 Assures department monitoring and integrity of tracking records are accurate and complete within a timely manner.

1.26 Is responsible for weekly operational and aseptic testing of the autoclave and maintaining records of said tests.

1.27 Practices hospital, state, and national Infection Control Standards.

1.28 Performs shift and weekly inventory and maintains set level of supplies.

1.29 Demonstrates prudence in assessing and evaluating anticipated extra supply needs.

1.30 Performs daily, weekly, and monthly department cleaning in accordance in accordance with policy and procedure.

1.31 Responds to all codes occurring while on duty or on-call performing in accordance to code team policy and procedure and within scope of job description.

1.32 Is familiar with duties in cases of Code Red (fire), Code Blue (cardiac arrest), and Code Triage (Internal or External Disaster).

1.33 Responsible to participate in shared on-call rotation outside of normal staffing hours including weekends, nights & holidays.

1.34 Performs other duties as assigned/required.