Surgical Technologist First Assistant

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

*PATIENT SAFETY/COMPETENCY:

• Provides care to patients that assures their safety and meets nursing/organizational/accreditation and licensure standards.

• Consistently uses two patient identifiers when providing care.

• Maintains safe medication processes including five rights of administration, IV pump usage, double checks on high-risk meds, and medication reconciliation.

• Performs required falls assessments and interventions.

• Follows all infection control standards (hand hygiene, isolation, etc.).

• Coordinates the activity of time out prior to the start of procedures.

• Communicates with physician and/or organization resources as needed to ensure patient safety. Uses SBAR communication techniques.

*PATIENT SATISFACTION:

• Develops rapport with patient/families that establishes trust, feeling of security and that needs are met or surpassed.

• Uses key phrases adopted by organization or department.

• Readily apologizes and recovers patient trust when the perception is that needs have not been met.

*DOCUMENTATION/COMMUNICATION/DELEGATION:

• Communicates effectively in interactions.

• Consistently maintains professional communication.

• Shift and transfer reports are concise and appropriate.

• Handoff communications include walking rounds, active communication and follow content guidelines.

• Notifies physician, family, and supervisor of patient change in condition as warranted; appropriately uses rapid response team and chain of command processes.

• Communicates with the health care team to address patient needs throughout the continuum of care. Documents thoroughly and accurately as mandated.

• Telephone orders are "read back verified".

• Complies with "do not use" abbreviation list.

• Appropriately delegates to members of healthcare team.

*NURSING PROCESS/PRIORITIZATION:

• Applies the nursing process in a comprehensive approach to patient care.

• Completes nursing assessment, identifying patients for referral to other disciplines (e.g., nutrition, rehabilitation, etc.) and incorporates findings into the plan of care.

• Reflects individualized and measurable patient care goals and reassessment of goals on the appropriate communication tool (e.g.IPOC).

• Assesses and reassesses pain according to policy, appropriately documenting and intervening following the assessment.

• Performs appropriate interventions and documentation related to promoting patient safety (e.g. restraints, side rails, positioning, preventing skin breakdown).

• Follows evidence-based practice protocols when they are implemented at RHS.

• Appropriately prioritizes on an ongoing basis.

*PATIENT FAMILY EDUCATION:

• Effectively educates patients/families regarding medications, treatments, tests and care throughout the hospitalization and prepares them for post hospitalization.

• Supports patient education content with information from the nursing assessment and IPOC.

*PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

• Completes mandatory job specific requirements within specified time frame (e.g., skills validation/revalidation, current licensure and certification, employee health related requirements, attending mandatory training and CBL modules.

• Attends required percentage of staff meetings (75% attendance).

• Continues own professional growth through attendance at in-services, staff meetings, and continuing education programs provided by Mercyhealth.

*RESOURCE UTILIZATION:

• Uses time and resources prudently. Follows staffing guidelines.

• Prioritizes patient flow issues, continually teaming with other departments and focusing on moving patients to appropriate placement.

• Looks for ways to improve efficiency without negatively impacting patient safety or satisfaction.

• Manages workflow to minimize supply waste or over utilization.

• Maintains productive capacity using any down time for enhanced patient family education and support, department improvement activities or professional development.

CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduate of an accredited nursing program. BSN or upon hire BSN completion agreement for enrollment in an accredited BSN Completion

Program. Prefer 2 (Two) years of OR nursing experience.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE

Licensed as an RN in the State of practice Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days (Other certifications per unit requirements: ACLS), Completion of an accreditive RNFA training program.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Passing the Driver's License Check and/or Credit Check (for those positions requiring).

Passing the WI Caregiver Background Check and/or IL Health Care Workers Background Check.

Must be able to follow written/oral instructions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

May include color blind test (per department guidelines)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Occupational Exposure: Category A - All partners in the specified job classification have occupational exposure.

AGE OF PATIENTS SERVED

Adolescents (13 years - 17 years)

Adult (18 years - 64 years)

Geriatric (65 years and older)

INFORMATION ACCESS

Partner may access patient care information needed to perform their job duties.

WORK CONTACT GROUP

Partners, physicians, patients/family, visitors, vendors

SPECIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or smell. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

LEVEL OF SUPERVISION

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

SUPERVISES

Supervises nursing support staff as appropriate