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 the assembly and preparation of all supplies, instruments, and equipment required for the proposed surgical procedure, utilizing the physician resource map as a tool.
- Assists the circulating nurse in the proper opening of sterile supplies onto the sterile field, ensuring supplies unnecessary for the procedure are not opened.
- Checks the order, tidiness, and proper functioning of suction, lighting, and equipment.
- Is knowledgeable in patient positioning for surgical procedures and assists as needed.
- Performs surgical scrub according to hospital procedure after removing all 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.
- Visually inspects all instrumentation and operative scopes for cleanliness, proper functioning, and visualization before the procedure; reports any issues.
- 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 and gloving the surgical team and draping the sterile field.
- Maintains the integrity, safety, and efficiency of the sterile field by constant visualization.
- Immediately reports any breaches in aseptic technique or complications for corrective action.
- Limits conversation at the operative field to promote infection control.
- Responsible for labeling, mixing, and dispensing medications/contrast media under supervision.
- May assist in suturing, holding forceps, irrigating the operative site, suctioning blood/fluids, or supporting extremities under supervision.
- Securse all retrieved specimens, notify the circulating nurse of their identity.
- Continuously cleans surgical instrumentation of gross debris during the procedure.
- Assists in packing instruments and ensuring damaged instruments are repaired.
- Assists in cleaning the room, disposing of trash and linen properly.
- Disassembles suction canisters for proper disposal.
- Verifies the correct labeling and number of surgical specimens.
- Remains in the room after the procedure to assist in patient transfer.
- Prepares for subsequent cases if the patient is on hold.
- Transports instrumentation and specimens to the soiled utility room, ensuring they are contained and labeled appropriately.
- Documents specimens as required.
- Demonstrates efficiency and time management, and identifies cost containment opportunities.
Supplemental Duties
- Under RN supervision, identifies psychosocial needs of the patient.
- Interacts with the patient considering their emotional needs.
- Prepares the room environment to meet patient needs.
Job Qualifications
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent; knowledge of instrumentation/supplies. Graduate of an accredited operating room technology program.
Certification: Nationally approved certification as a Surgical Technician.
Work Experience: Previous experience in a clinical/medical-related position, e.g., Sr. PCA, medical assistant, or similar role utilizing medical terminology.
*Additional Salary Details: The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith estimate at the time of posting and may be adjusted based on various factors such as location, experience, and credentials.