Surgical Technician

Summary

The Obstetrical Technologist assists in patient care, surgical services, and delivery room services under the supervision of a registered nurse. The responsibility of this person is to carry out the function of the scrub role during surgical procedures, assists in deliveries, and maintain the supplies and equipment necessary for the specialized care of Obstetrical patients. The Obstetrical Technologist exemplifies the Rush mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Responsibilities Applies the correct principles of aseptic technique. •Establishes and protects the integrity of the sterile field and back table at all times. •Recognizes breaks in technique by self and others. Takes corrective action and reports events to RN in room. •Handles/secures instruments, cords and draping materials utilizing aseptic technique. Applies the correct techniques of disinfection and antisepsis. •Prepares instrumentation and equipment for decontamination per established protocols •Performs high level disinfection for vaginal ultrasound probe according to established protocols. •Perform daily quality monitoring of Metracide OPA solution per hospital standard. •Change Metrazyme solution according to unit standard in triage daily Demonstrates basic operating room technical skills •Participates in surgical cases in select areas as assigned. •Demonstrates competency in scrubbing all assigned surgical procedures. . •Prioritizes scrub activities based upon the type of surgical procedure and the needs of the surgical team members. •Obtains and safely assembles necessary supplies and equipment specific to the surgical procedure, surgeon preference, and individual patient needs •Assists in opening sterile supplies •Applies knowledge of anatomy and physiology to individualize set up for surgical procedures. Safely carries out the scrub role during the surgical procedure •Cares for and handles surgical instruments/equipment according to Operating Room protocols. •Demonstrates manual dexterity in handling instruments and equipment •Assures proper functioning of equipment in the room as delegated by the RN •Identifies specialty instruments by type, function and name. •Accounts for sponges, needles, instruments and other miscellaneous counted items according to Operating Room policies and procedures. •Notifies the surgical team of any sponge, needle, instrument or miscellaneous count is incorrect •Maintains an orderly sterile field, Mayo stand and back table throughout the surgical procedures. •Demonstrates knowledge of progressive steps in specific surgical procedures. •Anticipates the needs of the surgical team •Communicates variation in surgical procedure to RN •Anticipates emergent circumstances and communicates the information to the RN •Dons Personal Protective Equipment according to policy and procedure. •Disposes of biohazard waste appropriately. Actively participates in maintaining each patient's dignity and safety at all times. •Works, collaboratively with all members of the health care team to assure that (1) each patient's privacy is protected and (2) every patient record is considered strictly confidential. •Assists in transferring the patient to and from the OR/delivery bed to the transport cart/wheelchair. Functions in an efficient manner at all times while maintaining a safe, orderly, and well-equipped environment. •Actively maintains a safe work environment: Keeps patient rooms and unit orderly, according to guidelines, unit routine and regulatory standards i.e. the Joint Commission Standards. •Monitors unit specific items each shift i.e. baby blankets, lift equipment, vaginal/Cesarean packs. Notify charge RN and missing department of required items. •Maintains and replenishes supplies according to established unit quantities/PAR for the designated area •Assesses the functioning of OR equipment each shift ie D&C machine, suction set up. •Monitor PAR levels of OR instruments, dilators, suture, speculums, and supplies each shift. •Opens and utilizes supplies and equipment judiciously.

•Stocks unit supplies as returned from Sterile processing Demonstrates consideration and cooperation within the Obstetrical area. •Exhibits, consistently, professional interactions with managers, co-workers, physicians and all other Obstetrical personnel. •Demonstrates flexibility by accepting routine and non-routine assignments as delegated by the RN staff. •Offers ideas for clinical/system improvements to the OB Nursing leadership team. •Actively attends and participates in unit/area meetings/pertinent in-services. •Present to work on time and attends OB huddles at 7AM/7PM followed by unit report. •Notifies the Charge RN (designee) when assignments are completed and when leaving the unit. •Sets priority of duties based on needs of patient and unit, under the direction of the RN •Demonstrates sound judgment and decision making at all times. Assists unit personnel by carrying out additional duties as delegated •Reports to charge RN or designate for assignment of duties. •Performs infant equipment assessment each shift in the LDRs, and ORs. •Monitor integrity/expiration of neonatal boxes each shift. If compromised or expired, notify charge RN. •Performs quality safety checks on the Glucometer. This includes stocking of the supplies according to PAR. Notified charge RN of variances i.e. failure, incomplete, error. •Police unit for repairs/replacements i.e. soiled curtains, broken equipment, structural repairs and notify the appropriate department. •Assists the obstetrical staff in the delivery room as instructed by the Obstetrical team. This can include but not be limited to: •Opens and counts the delivery field before and after deliveries. •Prepares the infant radiant warmer for delivery. •Obtaining supplies and equipment as needed in the delivery. •Assistance with pt care during the delivery i.e. holding leg, pericare as instructed by the obstetrical team. •Transport and tubing of cord blood gases to the lab. •Collects and transports placenta specimens to the designated unit location. •Transports and processes soiled instruments according to unit standard. Supports transfer of patients, supplies and specimens. •Assists with admission, discharge, and supports unit transfer processes, within, and from L&D. •Transports laboratory specimens and patient belongings as required. •Transports vaginal probe to and from area of use for high level disinfecting. Demonstrates a professional work style in interactions with internal and external customers. •Communicates all pertinent information to the appropriate team member throughout the shift and to the oncoming shift. •Negotiates break time and communicates departure and return time with the charge RN. •Demonstrates initiative and self-direction in work habits. Other Information Required Job Qualifications: •High school diploma or equivalent. •Analytical ability. •Excellent communication and customer service skills. •Must be able to interact effectively with others in difficult situations. Preferred Job Qualifications: Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist program preferred (except current Obstetrical Surgical Techs as of 9/1/2013) Physical Demands: • Work requires the ability to walk throughout the Medical Center and to be standing or walking most of the designated shift. • Work requires lifting or carrying objects 35-40lbs. and lifting and positioning patients, some of whom may exceed 300 lbs. • The ability to check documents for errors and use a keyboard to enter or retrieve data. • Work conditions include performing procedures where carelessness could result in injury or illness and contact with potentially infectious materials and/or strong chemical agents.