Surgical tech

Overview

The Surgical Technologist, under supervision, provides technical patient care to all ages, according to a plan of care established by a team of professionals coordinated by the Registered Nurse.

The Surgical Technologist demonstrates excellent customer service performance in that his/her attitude and actions are at all times consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission and Values of Covenant HealthCare, and the commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation

Responsibilities

• Has clinical contact with patients in all age groups (neonatal, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric) and is able to appropriately assess, care for and treat them according to the age appropriate care guidelines as defined by Covenant HealthCare.
• Informs the RN of any/all pertinent information regarding changes in patients condition or surgeons needs.
• Demonstrates interpersonal skills in dealing with patients, families, and co-workers.
• Communicates supply inventory needs to RN/Supply Coordinator.
• Maintains clean and orderly patient/unit environment.
• Labels and reports any malfunctioning instruments.
• Performs departmental projects as needed.
• Provides direct/indirect patient care as directed by RN, surgeon, anesthesiologist and/or CRNA.
• Actively participates in patient outcome activities and continuing education activities.
• Updates and maintains knowledge, skills, and competencies related to area of practice.
• Adheres to unit/department policies, procedures, and unit structure standards.
• Maintains confidentiality in relation to patient/family, and the organization.
• Actively participates in training/orientation of students and new staff.
• Responsibilities as a scrub person: Checks supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure.
• Sets up sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment and medication/solutions as appropriate.
• Performs appropriate counts with RN according to standard.
• Gowns and gloves surgeons and assistants.
• Helps in draping sterile field.
• Passes instruments, etc., to surgeon during procedure.
• Reports break in sterile technique.
• Maintains highest standard of sterile techniques during procedure.
• Prepares sterile dressings and applies as directed by surgeon.
• Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization as needed.
• Assists other members of team with terminal cleaning of room.
• Assists in preparing room for next patient.

Responsibilities

as an assistant: May sponge operative site, hold retractors and cut sutures as directed by surgeon. May cauterize previously clamped vessels as directed by surgeon. May remove clamps from vessel after cauterized or tied by surgeon. May assist with staple insertion for wound closure.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE High School Graduate or equivalent Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist program. BLS certification Preferred certification for Surgical Technologist.

• KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES Strong knowledge of surgical instrumentation. (Examination, identification, care and assembly) Working knowledge of the sterilization process.
• Working knowledge of a Case Cart system.
• Understanding sterile techniques and operating room protocol.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
• Strong Customer Service skills.
• Strong Communication skills.
• Ability to work either independently or in a group.
• Ability to resolve problems effectively.
• Ability to motivate and precept new employees.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS Ability to maintain punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards. Constant standing Frequent lifting up to 25 lbs. Frequent carrying, stooping, twisting, reaching, handling, feeling, talking, hearing, near vision, midrange vision, far vision, depth perception, visual accommodation, color vision, and field of vision Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs. Occasional walking, sitting, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, crouching, and squatting