Surgical Technologist I

Surgical Technologist I Position Summary This is the first level in the surgical technologist career ladder. Incumbents at this level are both entry level and fully competent as surgical technologists and hold a surgical technologist certification or have been employed as a surgical technologist in a surgical facility on or before July 1st, 2013 or have successfully completed a training program for surgical technology in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the United States or in the United States Public Health Service (MA Senate Bill 2058, December 2012). Principal Duties and Responsibilities Provides for a clean, safe and efficient area conducive to optimal patient care. Utilizes aseptic surgical techniques in the preparation of materials, supplies and equipment for surgical procedures (e.g., assistance with gowning and gloving; preparation and draping of the surgical area; provision of a sterile field, instruments, suture, and related materials; anticipation of the Surgeons' needs; holding of retractors, observing and reporting possible breaks in aseptic technique; and assisting in maintaining a sterile, dry, unobstructed field). May assist with proper patient safety measures, i.e., safety strap application, protective padding and arm-board placement under the delegation and direction of the circulating nurse. In collaboration with the RN, assists with the preparation and positioning of patients maintaining proper body alignment of patient and self to ensure safety precautions. Assists in the transfer of patients from stretcher to bed, ensuring that the bed is locked and secure during transfer. Performs appropriate counts with circulator to verify removal of all countable items from surgical site in accordance with established procedure. Receives (from RN) medication passed onto the sterile field to be administered by the surgical team. Assists the circulator and surgical team in accounting for amounts of medications and irrigations administered. Handles all surgical specimens according to procedure. Relates the type of specimen to the circulator to ensure proper labeling. Ensures the availability of equipment and supplies for any type of emergency. Checks for expiration dates on sterile products and resolves any deficiencies identified. Communicates essential information of the constantly changing requirements of the surgical team, i.e., updating preference cards. Ensures the efficient and effective cleaning of the operating room according to established protocols. Cleans and restocks rooms utilizing knowledge of aseptic technique. Disposes of all waste materials according to established protocols. Pays particular attention to the disposal of hazardous (knife blades) or infected material. Separates instrumentation into appropriate containers. Follows individualized protocols for the care and maintenance of specialized instrumentation. Ensures the appropriate par levels of supplies and the presence of necessary equipment and furniture to prevent time consuming delays between procedures. Under the supervision or direction of the RN, assists with and reinforces teaching and emotional support for patient and family during the perioperative phase. Makes appropriate use of supplies, equipment and other resources helping to maintain a cost-effective program for patient, unit and institution. Assists in evaluation of products, equipment and systems which may have an impact on planning and implementing the budget. Remains informed on personnel policies and incorporates them in behavior as indicated. Anticipates the needs of the surgical team to facilitate the smooth and timely flow of the procedure. Functions in an on-call capacity following individual hospital or unit policy for availability and response time. Keeps current regarding developments in technical instrumentation, trends and techniques through appropriate journals as well as internal and external educational programs. Participates in staff meetings. Technologists who demonstrate high level of skill and expertise may act as preceptors to new staff members. Skills, Abilities & Competencies Ability to follow detailed instructions. Ability to communicate effectively with patients, physicians, and other medical center personnel. Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills. Must work cooperatively as part of a team as well as independently. Knowledge of basic anatomy, medical terminology, and treatment procedures commonly used in the administration of anesthesia. Understanding of aseptic technique and institutional infection control policies. Demonstrates an awareness of and sensitivity to patient/family rights and cultural/religious beliefs and age-specific needs. Knowledge of HIPPA, Confidentiality and Privacy policies, plus emergency protocols. Knowledge and understanding of service specific specialty instrumentation and equipment. Ability to problem solve. Demonstrated skills in teamwork, collaboration, and communication. Receptive to feedback, participates in conflict management. Ability to function independently in emergency situations. Must have knowledge of patient care, aseptic technique and be always conscious of both. Personal attributes such as good judgment, dependability and initiative are necessary. Must be aware of safety standards and hazards in the room. Must have knowledge of patient positioning and assist circulator when necessary. Must have knowledge of care and handling of surgical instruments. Must have knowledge of care and safety hazards of all specialty equipment. Understands the normal and recognizes deviation from normal within his/her specialty. Demonstrates expertise on the use and maintenance of equipment and/or machinery required for area of specialty. Is aware of and utilizes accepted standards of care and participates in the evaluation of those standards. Must possess interpersonal skills sufficient to interact efficiently with other members. Must possess ability to work in frequently stressful situation requiring quick action and adaptability to rapid change. Must recognize that work requires ability to carry through with identified skills as failure to do so may result in serious harm to patients, self or co-workers, i.e., infections, injuries, prolonged surgical and anesthesia times Education and Experience requirements High school diploma or equivalent and completion of an accredited Surgical Technologist Program (see substitution below). Current Surgical Technologist Certification is required within one year from the date of graduation from a surgical technologist program or have been employed as a surgical technologist in a surgical facility on or before July 1st, 2013 or have successfully completed a training program for surgical technology in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the United States or in the United States Public Health Service (MA Senate Bill 2058, December 2012). Graduates who have not obtained their certification will have one year from the date of graduation from a surgical technologist program to obtain their certification. Preferred experience: 1 year experience as Surgical Technologist in an Operating Room or Ambulatory Surgery is preferred. Basic Life Support (BLS)