Surgical Technologist Cert-PN

Job Summary

Allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings. The surgical technologist works under the supervision of the registered nurse and medical staff to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and minimally invasive surgical procedures. This individual works to ensure that the operating and office procedure room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent.
Minimum Years of Experience: None.
Substitutable Education & Experience: None.
Required Certifications/Licensure: National Certification through NBSTSA. Other certifications acceptable based on HR Recruitment policy;

CPR certification, for direct patient care givers.
Required Training: Completion of a recognized vocational or hospital based Operating Room Technician course or its equivalent.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrates competence to provide developmentally appropriate care/treatment for the following populations: Infant (Birth – 1 yr.); Child (1 – 12 yrs.); Adolescent (13-17 yrs.); Adult (18-65 yrs.); Geriatric (>65 yrs.)
• The surgical technician will perform assigned patient care tasks under the direction and supervision of a designated Registered Nurse, and works under the direction of the surgeon for procedural related tasks.
• Assesses and anticipates needed supplies for scheduled procedures.
• Assesses the need for comfort and safety measures for individual patients.
• Assesses and anticipates the needs of the surgeon to expedite the procedure by passing instruments, sponges and suture.
• Prepares operating and office procedure room with the assistance of other personnel in accordance with procedures for disinfection of furniture and equipment.
• Selects and secures appropriate instruments, equipment and supplies according to a particular surgical procedure.
• Exercises proper sterile technique, opens and arranges sterile field in accordance with accepted protocol for each surgical procedure to be performed, both routine and special procedures.
• Knowledgeable about sterilization methods for special equipment and instruments, necessary for specific surgical procedures.
• Maintains a working knowledge of the composition of all surgical trays and specialty items used in all operating room procedures.
• Inventories and orders supplies needed for the processing of instruments.
• Displays dexterity in the use of surgical instruments and knowledge of the step-by-step process for the specific surgical procedure.
• Demonstrates knowledge of policies and procedures effecting practice.
• Participates in maintaining a safe and clean environment.
• Assists in performing and documenting equipment, drug and environmental checks as required by administrative & OR policies, office policy and regulatory agencies.
• Follows appropriate Infection Control policies and procedures.
• Assists with maintaining cleanliness of the work environment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the use and care of equipment.
• Displays appropriate skill in the use and maintenance of assigned equipment.
• Follows through with appropriate disposition of equipment used.
• Demonstrates knowledge of supplies available to the unit and office.
• Displays knowledge of decontamination, packaging and sterilization of instrumentation and supplies.
• Working with the circulating nurse and anesthesia personnel, assists in positioning the patient on the operating table, prepares and/or assists in the preparation of the operative site, drapes, or assists in draping the patient, at the request of the surgeon. When necessary, assists the anesthesiologist or anesthetist during administration of anesthetic.
• Working with the physician and other support staff for office procedures, assists in positioning the patient on the exam table, prepares and/or assists in the preparation of the operative site, drapes, or assists in draping the patient, at the request of the surgeon.
• Under the direction of the surgeon performs such duties as holding retractors, suction, and applying dressings, etc. Acts as a surgeon’s first or second assistant in the absence of the surgeon’s first assistant within their realm of practice (except suturing, injecting medications and cutting tissue).

Duties & Responsibilities

• Upon completion of the surgery, assists in moving the patient off the operating table onto the stretcher and transporting to the recovery room. 
• Upon completion of the office procedure, assesses the patient and assists in transportation when needed.
• Assists in clearing the operating and/or office procedure room for the next procedure including appropriate disposal of contaminated linen and waste, cleaning instruments when necessary and disinfecting equipment.
• Participates in counts with the circulating nurse to assure that all counts are correct.
• Observes for break in technique and takes corrective action.
• Collaborates with the Associate Care Manager/Registered Nurse to continuously update the nursing plan of care and recommends interventions to meet identified patient goals.
• Evaluates and recommends updates to surgeon preference cards and notifies appropriate personnel of needed changes.
• Meets unit specific critical elements related to different case types.
• Labels drugs on the field.
• Prepares labels and verifies specimens according to protocol and surgeons preference.
• Uses proper documentation related to sterilization procedures.
• Signs/verifies initials on instrument count sheet.
• Signs preference list when pulling of case is completed.
• The Surgical technologist will demonstrate those behavior, philosophies and values which serve to uphold the ideals and enhance the image of Lexington Medical Center.
• Abide by the Code of Conduct
• Respect the patients’ “Bill of Rights”
• Identify educational needs for self and maintain current knowledge with documentation to support at least 12 hrs. of continuing education per year.
• Participate in peer review as requested
• Role modeling for students and other personnel.
• Contributing to and demonstrating knowledge of unit and office activities (i.e. unit-practice, unit/office meetings, etc.)
• Maintains a positive attitude through change processes.
• Maintains a professional appearance.
• Precepts new staff and student populations sharing knowledge of procedures to enhance learning.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.