Surgical Tech

JOB TITLE: Surgical Technologist REPORTS TO: Surgical Unit Manager

DEPARTMENT: Nursing STATUS: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, who is immediately available, participate as a member of the perioperative nursing team. Perform preoperative holding area duties, perform direct and indirect perioperative nursing tasks for pediatric and adult patients having surgical and endoscopy procedures, assist the RN in the preoperative holding and assist anesthesia personnel. Demonstrate competence in Central Sterile.

Under the supervisor of a qualified surgeon, perform the second assisting duties during the surgical procedure. Perform all tasks in a manner that is cost-effective without compromising quality of care; participate in departmental quality assessment and improvement activities; meet hospital continuing education and certification requirements. Work 8-hour shift assigned and take call as assigned on a rotating basis.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate from an accredited surgical technology program or documented on-the-job training. Certified as a surgical technologist or in pursuit of certification. Current CPR certification. One year experience as an operating room technician. Must have good communication skills, verbal and written.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Position-Specific Standards

Preoperative Duties

• Identify the patient.
• Ensure that extraneous objects such as jewelry and prostheses have been removed from the patient.
• Transport patients to the surgical suite.
• Performs shave preps.
• Review the preoperative checklist in accordance with OR policy and procedure.
• Take and record vital signs and report deviations to physician or registered nurse.
• Check consent form to ensure that it conforms to hospital policy and procedures.
• Check physician’s orders to ensure that all preoperative orders are completed.
• Review laboratory data and report deviations to physician or registered nurse.
• Monitor intravenous infusions in accordance with OR policy and procedure.
• Select supplies and equipment for surgical procedures.
• Prepare the OR for surgical procedures.
• Prepare the OR bed and set up the fracture table.
• Check supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure.
• Open sterile packages using sterile technique.
• Set up and prepare anesthesia equipment, monitors and supplies for surgery.

Intraoperative Duties

• Assist in placing and positioning the patient on the OR bed for all surgical procedures.
• Tie and secure sterile gowns.
• Don sterile gloves using the open glove method.
• Hold extremities during the operative prep.
• Apply monitor leads, pulse oximeters, and blood pressure cuffs.
• Assist anesthesia personnel with the administration of general and regional anesthesia.
• Assist the circulating perioperative nurse during major surgical procedures.
• Catharize the urinary bladder.
• Measure urinary output.
• Perform the operative scrub prep.
• Apply tourniquets and set up the electrosurgical unit and other specialized surgical equipment.
• Weigh sponges and record blood loss.
• Collect and prepare surgical specimens and cultures.
• Complete the operative record for charge forms.
• Provide scrub service for major/minor surgical procedure sin at least four surgical services and circulating services for endoscopy procedures.
• Assist the surgeon in applying casts and splints.

Postoperative Duties

• Transport postoperative patients to the patient care unit after local procedures.
• Assist the RN and anesthetists in transporting postoperative patients to the post-anesthesia recovery unit.
• Transport patient specimens, cultures, blood and body fluids to pathology and the laboratory.
• Perform OR sanitation tasks.
• Clean anesthesia machines after use and change breathing circuits.
• Stock OR and anesthesia carts with supplies.