Certified Surgical Technician

Typical pay range: $35.73 - $49.13

ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Certified Surgical Technician

REPORTS TO POSITION: Operating Room Manager

DEPARTMENT: Operating Room
DATE LAST REVIEWED: August 16, 2017

OUR VISION: Creating America's healthiest community, together

OUR MISSION: In the spirit of love and compassion, better health, better care, better value

OUR VALUES: Accountability, Caring and Teamwork

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: The Operating Room departments provide specialized care to patients throughout their perioperative experience.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Certified Surgical Tech (CST) functions as a member of the Surgical Services Perioperative Team. The CST performs delegated duties consistent with his/her scope of practice and functions within the philosophy and overall plan of care delivery. The CST may perform the duties of Scrub Technologist and/or Second Assisting Technologist in accordance with SCHS policies and procedures. The CST maintains a safe and sterile environment by implementing technical and aseptic practices according to AORN Standards and SCHS policies and procedures. Practices as a CST while observing the recommendations of AST and their governing organizations. This position does not directly manage other caregivers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Functions as a member of the Surgical Services Perioperative team to assure patient care is accomplished in a safe, efficient and cost effective manner. Ensures the perioperative regime for each patient is implemented as prescribed by the physician.

Prepares and sets up the operating room by helping with room setup and getting necessary equipment. Drapes and covers operating and instrument tables; lays out supplies and equipment in appropriate fashion for scheduled or emergency cases. Assists and procures appropriate equipment that will be used during surgery, checks for any malfunctions, and makes any needed adjustments

Conducts all duties utilizing the safety zone to minimize risk of exposure, as outlined in SCHS policies and procedures.

Follows established policies and procedures for counts of sponges, sharps, and instruments.

Participates in the Pre-Brief, Time-out, and Debrief of the surgical procedure.

Assists, when necessary, with positioning of the patient correctly on operating table.

Gowns and gloves surgeon(s) and assistants in preparation for procedure. Assists in preparing and draping sterile field.

Passes instruments and other supplies to the surgeon during procedure. Prepares sterile dressings and maintains highest standard of sterile technique during procedure. Anticipates needs of the surgical team and promotes efficient flow of the operative procedure. Works in a manner that minimizes distractions and maintains patient care focus.

Assists and follows established procedures and SCHS policies for counts of sponges, sharps and instruments. Follows established procedures for the care of specimens and tissue.

Participates in the cleaning of the operating room, breaking down cases at the end of the procedure, gathers up contaminated instruments and places them for decontamination and sterile processing that protects equipment to avoid damage and safety of other caregivers handling equipment and in a manner that , per SCHS policies and procedures

Performs the following tasks when functioning as a Second Assist Technologist: holds retractors or instrument as directed by the surgeon, sponges or suctions operative site

Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, supporting the health system's corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violations of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all company investigations and proceedings

Deliver customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate

Participate with team members in facilitating patient's and family's learning in regard to the surgical experience. Practices creating a healing environment for patients, families and other caregivers.

Performs stand by call as assigned. Varies by department.

Supports the vision, mission and values of the organization in all respects.

Supports Value Improvement Practice (VIP- Lean) principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.

Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients and guests.

Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, supporting the organization's corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.

Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate.

May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.

EDUCATION

Required: Graduate of a CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited program, ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) accredited program or military surgical technologist program or a combination of education and experience required.

Preferred: N/A

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION
Required: AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification

Preferred: Current NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) Surgical Technologist Certification

EXPERIENCE
Required: N/A
Preferred: 1 year experience in a high volume, multiple specialties operating room preferred.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION:

Excellent communication and customer service skills, particularly in dealing with stressful interactions.

Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.

Strong team working and collaborative skills.

Basic experience in computer applications necessary to record time, obtain work directions, and complete assigned CBL's

Position Specific:

Experienced in all aspects of aseptic technique

Knowledgeable regarding instrumentation, equipment and supply needs for all types of surgical procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Continually (75% or more): Standing and walking, keyboard operation, use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level.

Frequently (50%): Sitting, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 1-25 pounds. The use and operation of a motor vehicle for Home Health and Wound Caregivers.

Occasionally (25%): Bending, stooping/kneeling/crouching, climbing ladder/step-stool (varies by area), reaching overhead, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 25-50 pounds, grasping/squeezing, ability to hear whispered speech level.

Rarely (10%): Climbing stairs.

Never (0%): Climbing ladder/step-stool (varies by area), operation of a motor vehicle.

Exposure to Elemental Factors

Rarely (10%): Wet/slippery area, chemical solution.

Never (0%): Heat, cold, noise, dust, vibration, uneven surface.

Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Category

Risk for Exposure to BBP

Schedule Weekly Hours:
0

Caregiver Type:
Relief

Shift:
Variable (United States of America)

Is Exempt Position?
No

Job Family:
TECHNICIAN CLINICAL

Scheduled Days of the Week:
Variable

Shift Start & End Time:
0645-1915