Surgical Technologist

Summary:

The surgical technologist is a healthcare professional who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. Surgical technologists work under the supervision and delegatory authority of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

Surgical technologists are experts in the theory and application of the principles of asepsis and sterile technique to combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation and tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

Typical Schedule:

Monday through Friday - 6:45 am - 3:15 pm; This is a casual position that will be scheduled as needed after orientation is completed.

Qualifications:

• Graduate of operating room technician program or military operating room training and/or minimum of 2 years varied operating room scrubbing experience, required.
• Current BLS certification, required.
• National Board Certification, preferred.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of Operating room experience, preferred.

Responsibilities include:

• Donning OR attire and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Gathers, checks, and opens supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure.
• Performs the surgical scrub, and donning gown and gloves.
• Sets up the sterile back table and Mayo stand with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for the procedure.
• Performs initial instrument, sharps and sponge counts with the circulator.
• Assists the team members with gowning and gloving.
• Assists with draping the patient and establishing the sterile field.
• Participates in the surgical site and patient verification during the time out procedure.
• Secures tubing, cords, and other sterile accessories.
• Prepares and anticipates additional instrumentation, equipment, and supplies for usage during the procedure.
• Anticipates the needs of the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies to surgeon during procedure.
• Measures and passes medications, hemostatic agents and irrigation solutions utilized during the surgical procedure.
• Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon.
• Sponges or suctions the operative site.
• Applies electrocautery to clamps or forceps on bleeders.
• Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon.
• Coordinates the camera or changes out robotic arms/instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgeon.
• Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure.
• Performs additional counts, as necessary.
• Prepares sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices.
• Prepares and passes off specimen(s) as appropriate.
• Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization.
• Assists other members of the team with terminal cleaning of room.
• Assists in prepping the OR for the next patient.
• Participates in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure quality patient care.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Excellent clinical and assessment skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations.
• Knowledge of surgical procedures and sterile techniques
• Proficiency in using medical equipment and instruments.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Emotional resilience and ability to handle stressful situations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Knowledge of relevant healthcare regulations and standards