Certified Surgical Technologist, Operating Room, 40hrs, Days

I. Major Responsibilities:

1. Demonstrates independent functioning and proficiency in the scrub role in all cases in assigned specialty on an ongoing basis. Scrubs for all physicians in assigned service area, providing high quality evidenced-based clinical care with minimal supervision. Promotes teamwork within the team by formally precepting co-workers.
2. Prepares the Operating Room for cases. Selects and checks case cart and preference cards for correct instrument pan(s), packs, sterile supplies and additional items needed for the case.
3. Anticipates need for special equipment and supplies before procedure and requests it from the circulating nurse. Sets up back table and Mayo tray with instruments and supplies according to the procedure and surgeon preference card. Performs surgical count with circulating nurse according to established policy.
4. Responds to needs of surgeon and other team members. Assists operative team and anticipates needs of the surgeon and/or assistants during cases including the need for special equipment and supplies. Remains constantly observant of the operative field, recognizing emergency situations and performs emergency procedures as directed. Utilizes a variety of OR equipment such as microscopes, CUSA, steam sterilizers, suction, compressed air/gas, etc.
5. Passes and tracks instruments, sutures, and supplies during procedures. Labels all medication and solutions on sterile field. Monitors sponges, needles and instruments throughout the case. Cares for specimens to prevent loss or damage. Uses caution when handling specimens to ensure proper anatomical identification.
6. Assists in completing procedures. Participates in closing counts at appropriate times, sponge and needle count at change of shift according to the count policy. Assists in the application of dressing and/or cast. Assists with transferring patient from OR table to stretcher/bed when appropriate.
7. Prepares operating room and supplies for subsequent cases. Communicates with others to facilitate the timely turnover of operating rooms. Assures all sharps from back table are disposed of properly in biohazard sharps receptacle. Participates in cleaning, decontamination and sterilizing instruments and equipment. Turns over back table and gathers appropriate supplies and equipment for subsequent cases.
8. Participates in the maintenance and rotation of stock for the department.
9. Participates in maintaining cleanliness of the department.
10. Serves as a preceptor to new staff in specified clinical area. Mentors students and/or staff as requested.
11. Follows the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct policy and actively contributes to maintaining a positive work environment for patients, patients' families/friends, visitors, co-workers, medical staff and customer groups.

Standard Staffing Level Responsibilities:

1. Complies with established departmental policies, procedures and objectives.

2. Attends variety of meetings, conferences, seminars as required or directed.

3. Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations.

4. Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements.

5. Respects diverse views and approaches, demonstrates Standards of Respect, and contributes to creating and maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients and visitors.

6. Maintains, regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.

7. Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

All responsibilities are essential job functions.

II. Position Qualifications:

License/Certification/Education:

Required:

1. Successful completion of an accredited school of surgical technology having obtained the required surgical technologists' certification as of the date of hire.

2. All Surgical Technologist Certified employees will have obtained a surgical technologist credential administered by a nationally recognized surgical technologist certifying body accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and recognized by the American College of Surgeons and the Association of Surgical Technologists.

3. Maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification every two years. Maintains AST membership and required educational units.

Unless certification, licensure or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed in this description may be substituted for the above requirements.

Department-specific competencies, including age-specific competencies and their measurements, will be developed and maintained in the individual departments. The competencies will be maintained and attached to the departmental job description. Responsible managers will review competencies with position incumbents.

Experience/Skills:

Required:

* Certified surgical technologist with more than one year of experience.

* Meets all Level 1 criteria * Demonstrates advanced knowledge and proficient practice in the first scrub role in a minimum of 3 surgical service lines/specialties. performed at home campus * Demonstrates a higher level of critical thinking and problem-solving skills

* Applies knowledge related to emergency situations and surgical procedures in the operating room

* Demonstrates critical thinking skills in relation to anticipating the perioperative needs of the patient and surgeon

* Exhibits a higher level of collaboration with peers in making decisions related to surgical patient care

* Participate in Unit Based Council meetings or activities to promote process improvement

* Precepts and mentors new hires

III. Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions:

Work is considered medium. Position requires work indoors in a patient care environment, with frequent exposure to some of the following conditions (extreme cold, extreme heat, vibrations, hazards, noise), as part of the essential functions of this position