Certified Surgical Technologist

Department:          Surgery Department
Reports To:           Nurse Manager, Surgical Services

SUMMARY
The Surgical Technologist assists with various types of surgical operations and performs related services, prepares and sterilizes supplies and equipment for the entire hospital system.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Responsible for observing aseptic techniques in preparing and assisting with surgical procedures.  Providing necessary instruments, supplies, and equipment for operations, according to hospital policy and routine of surgeon.
• Dons cap and mask, prepares for and dresses in sterile gown and rubber gloves.
• Sets up operating room with instruments and supplies which vary according to procedures performed.
• Arranges instruments and other articles in specific order, placing those used immediately on mayo stand near surgeon.
• Anticipates surgeon's needs, such as instruments, sponges, sutures, and suction tubes, and places them in his hands in such a manner that surgeon need not divert attention from operative field.
• Observes patient during surgical procedure for complications, such as hemorrhage and furnishes emergency equipment and supplies to prevent fatality.
• Manages contaminated instruments and supplies during operation to prevent spread of infection.
• Preserves and labels operative specimens for laboratory analysis.
• Provides special equipment such as cauteries, electro-surgical machines and diagnosis lights, ensuring that they are in working order, and manipulating such instruments to aid in efficiency of surgeon and avoid hazard to patient.
• Observes progress of surgery, providing additional instruments, supplies, or other items as needed.
• Cooperates with members of operating staff in observing aseptic techniques and sterilization procedures in preparing for and assisting with surgery.
• May apply dressings.  May perform suturing if competent and properly trained.
• Disinfects floors and furniture in room, between each case.
• May go to ward to bring patient from surgery.
• Assists during orientation of new personnel by explaining and demonstrating techniques and methods used in the operating room.
• Cleans or directs cleaning and sterilization of contaminated instruments, equipment and supplies.
• Performs High-Level Disinfection and Sterilization procedures according to both the manufacturer’s instructions and evidence-based guidelines.
• Re-sterilization of unused sterile supplies.
• Care and storage of delicate instruments.
• Cleaning of contaminated operating rooms.
• Care and disposal of infectious linen.
• Supports the policies and procedures of the organization and the standards of the Joint Commission as required for full accreditation.
• Considers age-related factors in care, treatment, education, and evaluation of patients ranging from neonates, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics.  Applies knowledge of age related factors appropriately in accordance with professional standards and departmental policies and procedures.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Graduate of accredited Surgical Technologist program. NBSTSA or NCCT certified. 
• One year experience in the surgery department preferred within the last five years.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Certification from an approved surgical technologist program.  NBSTSA or NCCT certified.  BLS certification.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before patients and/or patient's family.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.  Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to walk.  The employee is occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Welia Health is an equal-opportunity employer.