Surgical Technician; Operating Room

Position: Surgical Technician (Operating Room)
The Primary Purpose of this Position is:
To provide assistance in the Operation Room to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures; and participate with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the supervision of the perioperative registered nurse and surgeon.

The Organizational Location of the Position is:
Operating Toom, Perioperative Care, Patient Care Service, VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), Dallas, TX.

Duties include but are not limited to:

Functions as a primary and lead scrub person responsible for handling surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures including but not limited to: open heart, thoracic, vascular, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, orthopedic, urology, reconstruction surgery (plastics), general surgery, robotic, endovascular, and pain management. Creates, maintains and oversees the sterile field. Performs as a scrub nurse for a wide variety of complex surgical invasive procedures and possible complications.

Anticipates and prepares surgical instruments and equipment for the next phase of surgery, Mentors and shares information related to complex procedures with inexperienced staff on the surgical team. Passes operating surgical Instruments to the surgeon. Identifies, assembles, handles, manages and operates specialized complex medical equipment such as microscopes, LASERS, PHACO-emulsifier machine, robot, specialized surgical tables and positioning devices. Handles instruments, equipment, supplies, and implants used in laparoscopic and endo vascular surgery.

Communicates and collaborates with members of the surgical team to include the perioperative registered nurse, staff surgeon, surgical residents, anesthesia providers and other ancillary staff to achieve positive patient outcomes. Collaborates with the surgical team to develop and implement a surgical procedure plan of care to assure that all necessary surgical supplies, instruments and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure.

Collaborates with the surgical team to initiate and request procurement for instruments, supplies, implants and equipment.

In conjunction with the circulating registered nurse, performs sponge, sharps, and instrument counts to verify accuracy. Accounts for all surgical instruments and equipment during the surgical procedure. Handles surgical specimens. Ensures that instrumentation and equipment are prepared for thorough cleaning prior to leaving the OR for SPS. Assists the surgeon by performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, cutting sutures, and preparing the methyl methacrylate (cement).

Prepares prosthesis and surgical devices (i.e. pain stimulators, intraocular lens, hip and knee prosthesis) during procedures.

Processes, disassembles, cleans, re-assembles, and/or sets up Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) following manufacturers' guidelines and SPS Standard Operating Procedures. Inspects and performs all recommended tests to assure that the equipment meet operational, sterilization and/or cleanliness requirements. Reprocesses equipment; and, monitors and interprets biological/chemical tests as indicated. Uses and/or puts on proper personal protective devices. Prepares/tests equipment using disinfectant agents as prescribed by SPD SOP, Infection Prevention Procedures, and/or manufacturers' instructions/guidelines.

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm or 2:00pm to 10:30pm

Position Description/PD#:
Surgical Technician (Operating Room)/PD07623A

Physical Requirements:

Duties regularly require manual assistance in lifting and positioning patients, most of which are in stages of unconsciousness. Requires recurring prolonged standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, reaching, and prolonged stretching to provide easy accessibility of instruments and supplies for the surgeon, The surgical technician must be dexterous in passing instruments to surgeons without compromising principles of aseptic technique and in a manner requiring little or no effect from the surgeon.

The surgical technician must move expeditiously in taking emergency action.