Surgical Technician

JOB TITLE: Surgical Technologist

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Physician and/or Registered Nurse

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

Surgical technologists, also called scrubs and surgical or operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. Surgical technologists are members of operating room teams, which most commonly include surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS:

• A graduate of an accredited surgical technologist program.
• Must be certified to perform CPR with 0-2 years of clinical experience in a related field.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prepares and maintains medical equipment for surgical procedures.
• Before an operation, surgical technologists elp prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions.
• Follows hospital regulations and industry procedures to tend to patient during pre-operation procedures.
• Performs pre-operation preparations to the patient's skin, body and medical equipment.
• Assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment, as well as adjust and check it to ensure it is working properly.
• Get patients ready for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites.
• Transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical "drapes."
• Observe patients' vital signs, check charts, and assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves.
• Pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants.
• Hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and help apply dressings.
• Operate sterilizers, lights, or suction machines, and help operate diagnostic equipment.
• After an operation, help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to be on your feet for long periods and lift or turn disabled patients.
• Requires sitting and standing associated with a normal office environment.
• Ability to concentrate for periods of up to four hours
• Ability to communicate verbally both in person and on the telephone.
• Ability to use computer keyboard and to view a computer monitor

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients in the center.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge of the principle of growth and development of the life span and the posses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his/her age specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the center's policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills in the nursing process.
• Demonstrates the ability to utilize recognized channels of communication.
• Demonstrates the ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships with patients, co-workers, and other health team members.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS: Requires sitting and standing associated with a normal office environment. Surgical technologists work in clean, well-lighted, cool environments. Must stand for long periods and remain alert during operations. At times may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials.

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS: Normal busy office environment with much telephone work. Occasional evening and/ or weekend work.

This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve.