Surgical Technologist

Summary

The Surgical Technologist is responsible for planning, preparing, and maintaining surgical instrumentation and the surgical field peri‑operatively. The Surgical Technologist also performs various related activities post‑operatively in relation to room and instrument decontamination. This position is part of the 1199

SEIU Bargaining Unit at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. This position reports to the Nurse Manager, Operating Room and operates within established organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

• Provide emotional support to patients when appropriate.
• Perform surgical skin prep using principles of aseptic technique.
• Provide appropriate barriers when draping sterile field.
• Demonstrate knowledge of surgical procedures by anticipating needs and preparing equipment in advance.
• Demonstrate knowledge of surgical instruments and update surgical trays as necessary.
• Perform ongoing assessment of operative procedure.
• Determine deviations from the norm and provide for the indicated supplies and equipment.
• Under the direction of the surgeon, retract tissue, hold tissue, suction body fluids, sponge and irrigate without harm to body tissue.
• Under the direction of the surgeon, cauterize bleeders if it is essential to the progress of the case.
• Communicate unusual occurrences at the sterile field to the circulating nurse.
• Safely assist in the moving and positioning of patients.
• Perform surgical counts in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ensure that appropriate instruments, supplies, and equipment are assembled for procedures.
• Ensure that room sets are thorough.
• Research case requirements when indicated.
• Perform surgical hand scrub per CDHC policy.
• Use principles of aseptic technique in all aspects of job, including opening sterile supplies.
• Reprocess instruments when needed.
• Assist with room clean up, mindful of minimizing turnover time.
• Perform autoclaving functions.
• Collaborate with other OR and Childbirth team members, surgeons, and management team to solve problems and improve care delivery.
• Communicate problems and related information to the appropriate person.
• Assume role of preceptor in collaboration with the Nurse Manager and Charge Nurse to ensure a systematic and effective orientation program.
• Maintain established hospital and departmental policies and procedures, objectives, confidentiality, quality improvement program, compliance, safety, infection control, and environmental standards.
• Maintain professional growth and development through attendance at seminars, workshops, conferences or in‑services, professional affiliations, or journals to stay abreast of current trends in field of expertise.
• Meet annual competency and retraining requirements.
• Attend meetings as required.
• Perform other functions/duties as requested.
• Additional duties include CSP processing, stocking carts, stock rotation, and picking case and room set up for AM cases.

High School Diploma or Equivalent required and Other Certificate/Diploma Surgical Technology required

Certified Surgical Technologist [CST] - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) required

(No specific experience requirements provided.)

• Remain calm and establish priorities appropriately during a crisis.
• Maintain competencies in:
  • Laser surgery: equipment and safety.
  • Orthopedics: arthroscopic surgery, fracture management, T.J.R.
  • ENT: minor, major.
  • OB: caesarean section.
  • GYN: laparoscopy, major.
  • Urology: open, closed.
  • General: minor, major, thoracic, vascular, pacemakers.
  • Ophthalmology.
  • All endoscopic surgery.

• Standing Frequently (34-66%)
• Walking Frequently (34-66%)
• Sitting Occasionally (3-33%)
• Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device)
• Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs
• Pushing Occasionally (3-33%)
• Pulling Occasionally (3-33%)
• Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Balancing Frequently (34-66%)
• Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)
• Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%)
• Crouching Occasionally (3-33%)
• Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Reaching Frequently (34-66%)
• Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%)
• Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%)
• Feeling…