Surgical Technician, Labor

The Surgical Technician for our Labor and Delivery Unit works under the direction of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of 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. 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 physicians performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. May include day, evening, night, weekend, holiday ,and or on-call hours. Report-back time for on-call per department guidelines. Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

*Handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. Has an understanding of the

procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. Has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality

patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field.

*Assists the surgical team before, during, and after surgery by performing the following duties:

*Checks instruments, supplies, and equipment needed for surgical procedures.

*Scrubs, gowns, gloves, and sets up sterile table with instruments and supplies, equipment and medications solutions needed for

each procedure

*Assists with patient placement and positioning on the table. Assists in draping sterile field according to procedure physician

preference.

*Performs appropriate counts for sponges, needles, and instruments with circulator according to policy prior to the operation and

before incision is closed.

*Gowns and gloves surgeon and assistants. Creates and maintains sterile field. Maintains highest standard of sterile technique

during procedure.

*Passes instruments, etc. to surgeon during procedure. May sponge operative site, hold retractors during surgery, cut suture and

cauterize previously clamped vessels as directed by surgeon. Prepares sterile dressings.

*Assists other members of team with cleaning the operating room after each procedure. Assists in prepping room for the next

patient.

*Participates in department performance improvement activities.

*Assists in training new personnel and students.

CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
Graduate of an CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technology program required of surgical technologist experience
One year or more of surgical technologist experience

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE

Certified Surgical Technologist through NBSTSA
Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days (other certifications per unit requirements: ACLS, PALS, PEARS, NRP)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Passing the Drivers License Check and or Credit Check (for those positions requiring).

Passing the WI Caregiver Background Check and or IL Health Care Workers Background Check.

Must be able to follow written oral instructions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

NA

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Occupational Exposure: Category A - All partners in the specified job classification have occupational exposure.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to cold, hot, or wet conditions; fluoroscopic radiation; laser light; surgical smoke; and the risk of bloodborne pathogens. Required personal protection equipment PPE includes eye and face protection, impervious gown, shoe covers, head cover, gloves, and lead apron.

AGE OF PATIENTS SERVED

Neonate (birth - 28 days)

Infant (29 days - less than 1 year)

Pediatric (1 year - 12 years)

Adolescents (13 years - 17 years)

Adult (18 years - 64 years)

Geriatric (65 years and older)

INFORMATION ACCESS

Partner may access patient care information needed to perform their job duties.

WORK CONTACT GROUP

Partners, physicians, patients family, visitors, vendors

SPECIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or smell. The employee must regularly lift and or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.

LEVEL OF SUPERVISION

Move Supervisory responsibilities are conducted in accordance with directives of management, the organizations policies, and applicable laws.

SUPERVISES

May directly supervise mentor up to one surgical technician student. When acting as a preceptor, carries out those responsibilities in accordance with the hospitals and schools policies and applicable laws. Serves as an educator, nurturer, and role model for the student. Acts as a resource and is supportive of the student by sharing knowledge obtained through work and life experiences. Responsibilities include guiding and enhancing the learning of the student by providing options, ideas, meaningful feedback, and

information with instruction when identifying problems, prompting the student to think on their own and work it out.