Job Description
The primary objective of this job is to improve quality, treat and support patients and family members in a caring professional manner, and fulfill the hospital’s mission to serve our patients and their families.
Job Responsibilities
- Responsible for the smooth functioning of activities during the surgical procedure. This person is garbed in sterile attire and must remain within the sterile field.
- Knowledgeable of the proposed surgical procedure, anticipates the surgeons’ needs, and efficiently carries out instructions by the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and circulating nurse.
- Assists the circulating nurse in assembling and preparing all supplies, instruments, and equipment required for the surgical procedure, utilizing the physician resource map as a tool.
- Assists in the proper opening of sterile supplies onto the sterile field, mindful to avoid unnecessary opening of supplies.
- Checks the order, tidiness, and proper functioning of suction, lighting, and equipment.
- Knowledgeable in patient positioning for surgical procedures and assists as needed.
- Performs surgical scrub according to hospital procedure, removing jewelry and nail polish; artificial tips or overlays are prohibited.
- Prepares drapes, instruments, and sutures on the sterile field for efficient delivery of the surgical procedure under strict aseptic technique.
- Inspects all instrumentation and operative scopes for cleanliness, proper functioning, and visualization before the procedure; reports any issues to the circulating nurse.
- Performs initial, relief, and closing counts with the circulating nurse, ensuring all items are accounted for as per hospital policy.
- Verifies the operative site with the circulating nurse.
- Assists in gowning, gloving, and draping of the sterile field.
- Maintains the integrity and safety of the sterile field, constantly visualizing the operative field.
- Immediately reports any breaches in aseptic technique or complications.
- Limits conversation at the operative field to promote infection control.
- Labels, mixes, and dispenses medications/contrast media under supervision on a sterile field, as directed by the physician.
- May assist in cutting sutures or holding forceps during skin stapling under physician supervision.
- May irrigate the operative site, suction blood/fluids, or smoke from arteries or lasers under supervision.
- Supports extremities to improve visualization under supervision.
- Holds retractors after placement by the physician.
- Secures specimens, notifies the surgeon of specimen identity.
- Continuously cleans surgical instruments of gross debris during the procedure.
- Assists in packing instruments, reporting damaged items for repair.
- Helps in cleaning the operating room, disposing of trash and linens properly.
- Disassembles suction canisters for disposal.
- Verifies the labeling and number of surgical specimens.
- Remains after the procedure to assist with patient transfer.
- If the patient is on hold, may leave to prepare for the next case, with the anesthesiologist and circulating nurse present.
- Transports instruments and specimens to the soiled utility room, ensuring they are covered and contained.
- Records specimens in logs, labels jars with patient info, and ensures proper storage.
- Demonstrates efficiency and time management, and identifies cost containment opportunities.
Supplemental Duties and Responsibilities
- Under RN supervision, identifies psychosocial needs of the patient.
- Interacts with the patient, considering psychosocial and emotional needs.
- Assists in positioning the patient for surgery, based on age and needs.
- Prepares the room environment to meet patient needs.
Job Qualifications
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent; knowledge of instrumentation and supplies; graduate of an accredited operating room technology program.
Certification: Nationally approved certification as a Surgical Technician.
Work Experience: Previous experience in a clinical or medical-related position, e.g., Sr. PCA, medical assistant, or roles utilizing medical terminology.
Additional Salary Details
The listed salary range or hourly rate is a good faith estimate and may be adjusted based on various factors such as location, experience, education, and internal policies.