This job description defines the tasks and responsibilities normally expected of the Surgical Technologist, but it should be understood that it is not all inclusive and is subject to change by the Surgical Services Manager or the Director of Patient Care Services.

The Surgical Technologist will provide patient care under the direction and supervision of the Surgeon, Surgical Services Manager, and his/her RN designee. He/she will assist in other tasks to assist the patient care process in the Surgical Suite.

SPESIFICATIONS

· Forecasts needs for special equipment and supplies for specific procedures coordinating activity with Surgery Services Supervisor.

· Picks instrument sets and other appropriate instrumentation keeping in mind the proposed surgery, possible complications and the surgeon’s preferences

· Checks the room for necessary equipment prior to opening the case.

· Organizes own time effectively

· Identifies patient, surgeon and staff needs and sets priorities accordingly by communicating, in a pleasant manner, with all involved personnel.

· Adheres to standards of care, department objectives and individual objectives.

· Follows the hospital and nursing department policies and procedures.

· Identifies deficiencies in patient care and initiates corrective action.

· Participates on appropriate committees.

· Scrubs, gowns, and gloves self and other team members for the operative procedure.

· Drapes the patient or assists the surgeon with draping according to approved methods.

· Utilizes and assists others to utilize and monitor sterile technique.

· Handles instruments and equipment correctly and assures they are properly functioning.

· Reports malfunctioning device to Circulating RN and takes appropriate actions to remove from the field and obtain a replacement.

· Reports malfunctioning devices to Surgical Services Manager by filling out occurrence report when necessary.

· Assures that sponge and sharp counts are done prior to beginning of surgery, before peritoneum is closed and after peritoneum is closed.

· Verifies that surgeon knowledge counts and their findings.

· Assists with preparation of patient for procedure including positioning skin preps, and draping.

· Handles instruments and equipment during procedures as requested by surgeon including: retracting tissue, cutting sutures, sponging blood, irrigating wounds, specimen handling, sponge/sharp counts, and any other similar functions.

· Anticipates the surgeon’s needs during the case.

· Anticipates time needed to set up back table so as to be ready for surgeon entrance into the field.

· Utilizes proper safety procedures to protect self, team members, and patient from hazards: chemical, infectious, and physical.

· Tests drains and catheters prior to handling to surgeon.

· Assists with table, instrument, and room clean-up/turn-overs following the procedure.

· Cleans the surgical suite and maintains orderliness in work area and utility rooms.

· Assists in maintaining and replacing supplies in the department.

· Provides interdepartmental transportation of patients, specimens, and messages. Assures patient safety during care, transportation, lifting, and ambulation.

· Respects the privacy and confidentiality of patients.

· Responsible for the preventive maintenance and repair of instruments and equipment.

· Notifies and coordinates with the Surgical Services Manager the anticipation of replacement or purchase (new) of instruments and equipment.

· Participates in new product evaluation and gives feedback to the Surgical Services Manager.

· Understands and utilizes the standards of instrument sterility and autoclave use.

· Contributes to the efficient use of financial resources.

· Verifies with Circulating RN the type and outdate of medications and solutions being placed on sterile field.

· Participates in hospital committees as assigned.

· Communicates effectively and harmoniously with staff in the Surgical Services department, with surgeons, and other hospital staff.

· Communicates anticipated and critical changes in patient care to other health team members.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Greets all patients, visitors, physicians, and other staff members in a courteous, respectful and professional manner at all time. Responds to all patients with empathy and positive interpersonal skills at all times.
2. Reports for scheduled shift on time and prepared to assume responsibilities.

• Reports to work in proper uniform/attire.
• Leaves for meal break on time and returns on time.
• Varies work schedule to meet the needs of the department.
• Ensures the department manager has approved all scheduled overtime.
• Seek supervisor approval before working beyond scheduled hours that will result in overtime.
• Schedules all time off with supervisor’s approval.
• Strictly adheres to hospital attendance/tardiness policies 100% of the time.
• Performs all duties as assigned.
• Wears I.D. badge in a visible location at all times on hospital property.
• Protects I.D. and access badge and reports any issues or loss immediately to supervisor or to the Human Resource Department.

3. Attends and participates in meetings and is responsible for information communicated at meetings and in email.

• Attends all mandatory in service on a timely basis as scheduled.
• Participates as an active team member at staff meetings.
• Reads communications and acts upon in a positive and informative manner.

4. Identifies own educational needs and maintains appropriate skill level through educational opportunities.

5. Exercise a commitment to practicing behaviors that are in agreement with the spirit of cooperation and reflect the values described in the Code of Mutual Respect and Professionalism.

6. Assists all patients, family members, physicians, visitors, and employees in a professional and courteous manner.

• Extends special attention and sensitivity to all patients, visitors, physicians, and fellow employees.
• Actively promote diversity and inclusion across organization for both patients and coworkers while avoiding any language or actions considered to be discriminatory or derogatory regarding race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status.
• Assists in maintaining an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork with other departments and community partners.
• Demonstrates a genuine willingness to prevent or resolve inter-personal conflicts.
• Demonstrates the ability to participate in and/or implement team decisions.
• Adheres to HIPAA and all applicable privacy laws at all times, only sharing information on a “need to know” basis.

7. Follows Infection Control procedures at all times.

• Clinical Personnel: Strictly adheres to standard precautions by adhering to the usage of personal protective equipment when handling blood or body fluids.
• Non-Clinical Personnel: Washes hands and other skin surfaces with soap and water thoroughly and often in an effort to control spreading of germs within the department and facility.
• Adheres to isolation procedures at all times as applicable.

8. Adheres to the following environmental care standards.

• Demonstrates adequate knowledge of safety policies and procedures, the use of MSDS sheets, hazardous material procedures, and safety codes.
• Code Blue, Code Gray, Code Silver, Code Amber, Code Red, Code Orange, Rapid Response Team
• Demonstrates adequate knowledge of security issues, i.e. personal protection, protection of personal and hospital property.

9. Be familiar with and comply with the Mid-Valley Hospital & Clinic Personnel Handbook and Policies.

10. Be familiar with the collective bargaining agreement (Union Contract) of the UFCW 21 and Mid-Valley Hospital.

11. Demonstrates the ability to adapt to varied age-specific patient populations.

• Non-Clinical Personnel: This position has no responsibility for the assessment, treatment, or care of patients. However, the ability to communicate and interact with patients of all ages is required.

EDUCATION:

Graduated from an accredited surgical technologist training program or school.

Completed an approved course or on the job training.

EXPERIENCE:

Have a minimum of 1 year of experience in operating room scrubbing (may be waived at the discretion of the Surgical Services Manager). He/she must demonstrate professional behavior. They must participate in continuing education and demonstrate motivation for continued self-improvement. CPR required.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE/REGISTRATION:

Current state certified or registered technologist.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

Ability to communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and educational levels; i.e. patients, families, employees, physicians, etc.

CAREER PATH: Surgical Suite Manager, Director of Patient Care Services, RN

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Standard equipment required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

May be required to work any shift in emergencies.

May be required to work any day of the week.

Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects or hold instruments. May stand in one area for extended periods of time.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This person spends 95% of their time in temperature controlled office space. The potential for exposure to biohazardous agents or exposure to blood-borne pathogens and other potential infectious agents is high. This position requires contact with patients and staff under a wide variety of circumstances. This person is subject to varying and unpredictable situations, many interruptions, long irregular hours, multiple calls and inquires, and on-call status.

One or more of the following conditions affect the respiratory system or the skin. Fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation. These conditions are present to a degree or a length of time sufficient to cause marked discomfort or possible bodily injury to the worker.

WAGE AND COMPENSATION

Wage range $ 24.60 hr. - $ 47.06 hr. – DOE

Mid-Valley Hospital offers a benefit package. This includes accrued vacation time in the amount of .076923 vacation hours per hour worked. Accrued sick leave at an accrual of .04615 per hour, Life insurance and a profit-sharing plan. We also offer medical, dental and vision insurance plans. Employees can enroll in a 403(b) deferred compensation plan and/or a 457 deferred compensation plan.