Surgical Technologist I

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Functions as a member of the multidisciplinary team providing a safe environment for all age groups of surgical patients. Assists the perioperative nurse with patient care, prepares and maintains supplies in the operating room (OR), ensures that procedure preparations are based on individual patients and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. Provides guidance to Surgical Technologist I and Surgical Technologist Pathways employees, as needed.

Responsible primarily for less complex cases.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Functions in the scrub role by preparing, organizing, and anticipating needed instruments, supplies, and equipment for safe patient care and operative procedure.

3. *Will not first assist with any procedure; will not do any incision closures.

4. *May apply skin staples when skin edges have been approximated by credentialed provider.

5. *May apply skin sealant and steri-strips as part of the dressing after skin has been closed.

6. *Defines and practices aseptic technique and infection control principles as they apply to the OR.

7. *Safely and efficiently passes surgical instruments and supplies in the operating room (OR) and labor and delivery room (LDR).

8. *Properly identifies, preserves and manages tissue and fluid specimens and cultures.

9. *Manages supplies, instruments and equipment appropriately according to Medical Center procedure.

10. *Assists the nurse in perioperative care of the patient including transporting and positioning

11. *Counts/preps surgical instruments and supplies.

12. *Delivers medications (drugs or biologicals) received in the surgical suite to the appropriate operating room via case cart or medication cart.

13. *Handles and prepares medication for use on the sterile field in the operating room under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and physician.

14. Participates in continuous quality improvement measures to achieve positive patient outcomes.

15. Provides patient care in accordance with patient's rights.

16. Participates and practices safety through active prevention and precautions.

17. Ensures personal/visitor safety through measures of prevention and universal precautions.

18. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

19. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

20. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk "*". Refer to the Job Description Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.) Attach Addendum for positions with slightly different roles or work-specific differences as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of asepsis and sterile technique.

2. Knowledge of standard and transmission-based precautions.

3. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

4. Skill in holding retractors and cutting sutures.

5. Ability to practice proper body mechanics to ensure personal and patient safety.

6. Ability to maintain a sterile surgical field.

7. Ability to perform accurate sponge, sharp and instrument counts.

8. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

9. Ability to operate and maintain relevant surgical equipment.

10. Ability to consistently adhere to organizational and departmental safety and infection control procedures.

11. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

12. Ability to effectively perform work under stressful and in emergent situations.

13. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

One (1) year prior experience working as a Surgical Technologist or two (2) years Sterile Processing experience required.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Certification in Basic Life Support (CPR) required. Bryan Health recognizes American Heart Association (for healthcare professionals), American Red Cross (for healthcare professionals) and the Military Training Network.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT) - Characterized as medium work requiring exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.