Certified Surgical Tech (CST) / Scrub Tech

Major Responsibilities

Demonstrates competency in the physical care of the patient according to CGHS/unit patient care standards, including the following as appropriate for the unit:

• pre and post-op care
• post-mortem care
• unit-specific basic skills competencies
• patient in restraints
• Placement of electrodes for cardiac monitoring
• patient with infectious disease including TB, hepatitis, AIDS, among others
• patient in isolation
• correct positioning of patients
• transfer of patient (e.g. bed to stretcher)
• patient with latex allergies
• Assist in identifying patients at risk for falls and preventing falls
• Maintain a clean, safe and comfortable environment for the patient, including correct handling of body fluids, proper body mechanics

Utilizes effective communication and interpersonal skills

• Reports pertinent patient information to the appropriate person(s) in a clear, concise, accurate and timely manner.
• Establishes therapeutic relationships with health care team through effective use of verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Utilizes appropriate lines of authority.
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with hospital policies
• Demonstrate OE competency in interacting with patients and surgeons

Demonstrates competence in the following organizing skills

• Time management
• Problem solving
• Prioritization
• Organization of work and environment
• Timely response to physician/nurse/anesthesia requests

Participates in maintaining supplies, equipment and pod cleanliness:

• Maintains a neat and orderly appearance of work areas.
• Restocks supplies as needed.
• Reports broken, malfunctioning or missing equipment to the appropriate person.
• Notifies the designated person of all supplies used so appropriate charges can be made.
• Properly handles and stores of equipment.

Demonstrates self-growth/accountability

• Participates in quality assurance activities.
• Participates in at least 75% of unit meetings or initials minutes of meetings not attended.
• Maintains awareness of hospital/division/unit procedure/policy changes which affect the delivery of patient care.
• Verbalizes how his/her job supports CGHS values, mission and vision.

Demonstrates “Commitment to Co-workers”

Demonstrates competency in

• Competency in 2 or more specialties.
• Serving in Preceptor role after completion of Preceptor Training.
• Preparation and maintaining a sterile field
• Assembling of instrumentation and equipment needed for procedures
• CPR
• Preparation, collecting and handling of all specimens
• Procedure/Equipment set-up
• Assisting with emergency situations
• Revising surgeon preference cards
• Assisting peri-operative team with positioning of patients
• Anticipating the needs of the surgeon
• Prepping of patients
• Counting of sponges/tapes/needled/instrumentation
• Competency in building and assembling of specialty instrumentation-Assist in Instrument Processing
• Knowledge of policies and procedures. Assist with review and revision of policies as needed.

Demonstrates competency in the effective and efficient use of supplies and equipment by:

• opening supplies only when needed
• utilizing the most cost-effective supplies
• assuring all charges entered in a timely manner
• Maintaining appropriate other supplies and equipment and verification of expiration dates
• Sequester and report faulty equipment, arranging for replacement and/or repair
• Maintaining cleanliness of equipment and supplies
• Revising and reviewing preference cards for appropriateness of supplies

In order to expedite turnaround time, assist the nurse in moving patient, cleaning the room, timely counting, assembly of next-case supplies.

Minimum Job Requirements

Education: Minimum education of a High School Diploma or GED is required. Successful completion of Surgical Technology program, either technical or military is required.

Certification / Registration / License: Certification in Surgical Technology required.

Work Experience: One year experience preferred.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Must be able to use visual near and distance acuity. Must have verbal ability to communicate in person and over the phone or radio. Must be able to assist co-workers in transfers and transport supplies, patients/residents, or equipment using good body mechanics. Must have functional range of motion of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spines, upper and lower extremities with a grip strength of 60-80 pounds, specific to the job class evaluation. Must be able to forward reach, overhead reach, bend, squat, kneel and change from one position to the other rapidly. Must be able to lift 25-60 lbs. and carry 25-50 pounds specific to job class evaluation. Must be able to tolerate high noise, busy atmospheres, and noxious odors. Must be able to work in noisy environments and be self-directed to complete jobs as ordered. Must be able to remain calm under stressful situations. Must be able to assess and respond to multiple situations simultaneously. Must be able to assist co-workers in multiple overlapping tasks simultaneously.Must be able to prioritize job tasks and organize workspace to be efficient and conducive to completing work tasks as assigned in a timely manner. If job class is identified as falling under POPE C, the individual must pass the cardiac recovery test.