Job Summary:

The Surgical Technologist is directly responsible to the Circulating RN, Team Leader RN, and Director of Surgical Services and indirectly to the House Supervisor. The Surg Tech is responsible as the scrub assistant to the surgeon during surgical and other invasive procedures. They pass sterilized instruments and/or supplies to the physician during the procedure without unnecessary delay. Assists coworkers in the provision of continuous, quality patient care for neonate, pediatrics, adolescents, adults and geriatric patients. They are responsible for adhering to regulations, standards, hospital and departmental policies and procedures. Participates in departmental Performance Improvement Activities. Acts as resource person for other personnel as appropriate.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the hospital’s mission, vision and values.
• Implements standards of practice, reviewing and revising as necessary to include respect for and sensitivity to culture, age, age-specific competencies, and persons with disabilities that reflect a change in practice.
• Promotes quality by incorporating current research findings, nationally recognized professional standards, and other expert literature into the provision of care, treatment and services.
• Understands performance improvement concepts and demonstrates understanding by defining performance improvement, and verbalizing at least one major goal of the performance improvement program within the hospital setting; ability to describe a quality improvement problem solving process using the Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) model and how its use assists in reaching improving patient outcomes and/or organizational quality improvement goals.
• Able to verbalize at least one departmental and hospital wide improvement initiative that has occurred within the last 12 months.
• Demonstrates and maintains a thorough knowledge of Federal, State, Local laws and CMS/JACH Accreditation standards.
• Confirms surgical/invasive procedure is scheduled: to include, procedure, patient’s name, DOB, surgeon, site, and laterality.
• Pulls and checks Dr.s Preference card for requested supplies, equipment and instruments and ensures readiness for scheduled/anticipated operative time.
• Confirms availability, readiness and completeness of needed supplies, instruments and equipment before patient enters OR suite.
• Confirms integrity and appropriate preparation of all sterile items before opening and again while preparing sterile field.
• Performs surgical hand scrub and dresses in appropriate surgical attire according to procedure.
• Prepares surgical field for the operation.
• Demonstrates appropriate counting of instruments, sponges and sharps per departmental protocol/policy. Exhibits knowledge of appropriate policy for an incorrect count.
• Assists surgeons with gowning, gloving, draping, and set up of sterile patient field. Hands instruments and supplies to physician in an appropriate and timely manner, anticipating needs for instruments/supplies and requests these in advance.
• Maintains and monitors sterile field until released by anesthesia, reporting and correcting breaks in sterile technique. Maintains a neatly arranged sterile surgical field.
• Demonstrates competency in manual dexterity during surgery. Knowledge of surgical anatomy and physiology and surgical procedures.
• Monitors all instrumentation and equipment during use, (I.e. electro-cautery instruments, electric and pneumatic drills, light sources, insufflation devices, etc.) for placement, settings and functioning, paying attention to any and all audible alarms.
• Verifies medication name, route, dosage, and expiration date with circulating RN. Labels medication as soon as placed on field. Maintains awareness of volume used and gives that information to Rn for charting at end of procedure.
• Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate use, assembly and disassembly of instruments and equipment used during the surgical/invasive procedure.
• Demonstrates appropriate handling and labeling of specimens.
• Performs as the second assist under the direct supervision of the surgeon in non-life-threatening procedures. (holding retractors, irrigating/suctioning body cavities, cauterizing vessels via instruments).
• Consistently uses two different patient identifiers before transporting when needed. Consistently and appropriately participates in “time out” according to facility policy.
• Is in compliance with information contained in the Infection Control policies (I.e. OSHA bloodborne pathogens standards and CDC guidelines) Demonstrates appropriate use of personal protective equipment, (I.e. gloves, gowns, goggles and masks) hand washing technique.
• Demonstrates containment of contamination during and after procedure, appropriate disposal of sharps (removes knife blades etc.), separation of regular trash and contaminated trash. Appropriate handling of contaminated instruments (I.e. open box locks, soaking in NaCL solution, cover and mark during transport).
• Performs other duties as assigned or required. (workroom/instrument room)
• Independently recognizes and performs duties which need to be done without being directly assigned. Establishes priorities: organizes work and time to meet them.
• Recognizes and responds to priorities, accepts changes and new ideas. Has insight into problems and the ability to develop workable alternatives.
• Accepts criticism in a constructive manner.
• Adheres to attendance and punctuality requirements per hospital policy. Provides proper notification for absences and tardiness. Takes corrective action to prevent recurring absences or tardiness.
• Uses time effectively and constructively. Does not abuse supplies, equipment, and service. Observes all hospital and departmental policies governing conduct while at work (e.g., telephone and computer use, electronic messaging, smoking regulations, parking, breaks and other related policies.)
• Understands, respects and displays sensitivity to culture, age and persons with disabilities.
• Participates actively in and positively affects the outcomes of customer service activities.
• Uses effective collaborative effort strategies as evidenced by peer relationships that enable the group to work together to accomplish the daily workload within the allotted time frame and achieve departmental goals.
• Recognizes and understands that as a member of an interdependent group, collaboration and compromise is required in order to maintain the effectiveness of the group as a whole to effectively resolve problems.
• Timely notification to Director of Surgical Services of potential problems or concerns. When faced with a problem or concern, is proactive by presenting suggested solutions at the time that the Director of Surgical Services is made aware of the problem.
• Displaying teamwork ability to promote cooperation and collaboration: gaining support for programs and goals.
• Supports Patient Rights
• Displays honesty and respect for others, and respect for the organization.
• Treats internal and external customers as the most important part of the job.
• Is sensitive to customer’s emotion’s, thoughts and feelings
• Refrains from negative comments of any kind where the public or other customers can hear.
• Takes appropriate actions to resolve a patients concerns.
• Effective and timely processing of customers' requests according to hospital and departmental policies
• Utilizing verbal communication methods, which enable others to clearly understand what is being said.
• Utilizing verbal and nonverbal behaviors without being defensive, manipulative, aggressive or controlling.
• Using written communication that is legible, timely and at a level based on the position specific requirements.
• Interacts with coworkers, other hospital staff, physicians, and the public in a courteous, professional and efficient manner.
• Establishes good rapport and working relationships with coworkers, other hospital staff, physicians and the public.
• Observes dress code policy and wears hospital identification as required by our policies and procedures.
• Understands and abides by all departmental policies and procedures as well as the Code of Ethics, HIPAA requirements and patient rights.
• Is knowledgeable and adheres to JACH/CMS standards specific to the position.
• Participates actively in ensuring that all state and federal rules and regulations are followed as they apply to this position.
• Conducts business in an ethical and trustworthy manner at all times when dealing with patients, visitors, physicians, and fellow employees.
• Attends scheduled in-service and mandatory in-services. Communicates ideas to Director for a safer layout of equipment, tools, and/or processes.
• Follows standard precautions and transmission-based precautions as shown by consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Adheres to procedures for the disposal of waste – household waste and biohazard waste as well as the proper disposal of sharps.
• Uses proper body mechanics at all times. Seeks assistance when necessary to move heavy objects or to transport or transfer a heavy patient.
• Is knowledgeable in the hospital safety program and takes steps to maintain a safe environment. Adheres to safe work practices in order to prevent injuries and illnesses.
• Is knowledgeable of all emergency preparedness procedures and understands his/her role in response to each of the emergency codes (Code Blue, Code Pink, Code Green, Code Orange, Code Yellow, Code Gray, Code Silve, Code Violet etc.).
• Maintains the department in a neat, clean, orderly manner, especially in own work area.
• Eliminates or assists in eliminating any seen or known hazards in the workplace. Reports any unsafe conditions to the Director of Surgical Services or to Biomed.
• Demonstrates good safety habits and judgement by maintaining a safe environment at all times
• Complies with all hospital safety and injury prevention policies and regulations (hospital safety policies and procedures).
• Understands the performance improvement concepts and demonstrates understanding by defining performance improvement, and verbalizing at least one major goal of the performance improvement program within the hospital setting; ability to describe a quality improvement problem solving process using the Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) model and how its use assists in reaching improving patient outcomes and/or organizational quality improvement goals.
• Able to verbalize at least one departmental and hospital-wide improvement initiative that has occurred within the last 12 months.
• Cooperates with others in the improvement of services offered at our institution. Continually makes recommendations that assist in the improvement of services.
• Continually strives for self-improvement in the areas of responsibility by attending continuing education classes.
• Monitors patient safety/well-being during construction/remodeling activities in the facility.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.
• Participates actively and positively affects the outcome of customer service activities.

Education and Experience:

• Graduate of an ORT training program with a minimum of two years experience in a surgical setting preferred.
• Experience in scrubbing minor and major procedures in the generalized surgical specialties.
• Knowledge of theory, techniques and practices of sterile technique.
• BLS upon hire and maintain current.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent analytical and writing skills.
• Strong computer skills to include Microsoft Word, EMR and database products.
• Must be highly motivated and willing to assume additional jobs and duties as needed.
• Must be able to handle stress of working efficiently with frequent interruptions and distractions.
• Hours must be flexible to accommodate for needs during call shifts, Accreditation surveys or other unscheduled events.
• Must be able to prioritize tasks and adhere to strict deadlines.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent sitting, standing and walking
• Occasional twisting, reaching, grasping, bending, pulling and pushing
• Occasionally lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds
• Occasional exposure to hazardous chemicals, infections and ionizing radiation
• Occasional requirement to wear Personal Protection Equipment