Surgical Technologist; OR Tech

Kansas Spine and Surgical Hospital, Wichita, KS, USA

The Surgical Technologist (OR Tech) in the first scrub role handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. This position must understand the surgical procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. This position ensures aseptic and sterile technique throughout procedure and has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the surgical procedure.

This position performs and understands the cleaning process and maintains cleanliness of the operating room during turnover in between surgical cases.

• Donning OR attire and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Gathers, checks and opens supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure.
• Performs the surgical scrub, and donning gown and gloves.
• Sets up the sterile back table and mayo stand with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for the procedure.
• Accountable for all sterile fields count prior to, during, and after closing of surgical procedure.
• Assists the team members with gowning and gloving.
• Assists with draping the patient and establishing the sterile field.
• Participates in the surgical site and patient verification during the time out procedure.
• Secures tubing, cords and other sterile accessories.

• Prepares and anticipates additional instrumentation, equipment and supplies for usage during the procedure.
• Anticipates the needs of the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies to surgeon during procedure.
• Measures and passes medications, hemostatic agents and irrigation solutions utilized during the surgical procedure.
• Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon.
• Sponge or suctions on the operative site.
• Applies electrocautery to clamps or forceps on bleeders.
• Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon.
• Coordinates the camera or changes out robotic arms/instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgeon.
• Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure.
• Performs additional counts as necessary.
• Prepares sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices.
• Prepares and passes off specimens as appropriate.
• Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization.
• Assists other members of the team with terminal cleaning of room.
• Assists in prepping the OR for the next patient.
• Participates in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure quality patient care.
• Perform and understand the process of instrumentation that is damaged or is improperly functioning. Will notify the appropriate staff of the need to replace or repair such items.

The Surgical Technologist in the second scrub role assists the surgeon and/or surgical assistant during the operation by carrying out tasks including sponging, suctioning, cutting suture, holding retractors and manipulating the endoscopic camera. This role is distinct from that of the first scrub and surgical first assistant.

The Surgical Technologist assisting the circulating nurse obtains additional instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary while the surgical procedure is in progress. He/she monitors conditions in the operating room and constantly assesses the needs of the patient and surgical team.

• Assist with transferring patients to the operating room table.
• May help monitor the comfort of the patient and provide verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient.
• Assists with positioning the patient, using appropriate equipment and anatomical principles to avoid patient injury.
• Understands how and where to apply the electrosurgical grounding pad.
• May assist with applying tourniquets and monitors before the procedure begins.
• May assist with the patient skin prep prior to draping by the sterile surgical team.
• Anticipates additional supplies needed during the procedure.
• Properly cares for specimens.
• If needed, help transport the patient to the post anesthesia care unit.
• Make accurate notes and turn in changes to surgeon’s preference cards.

• Adhere to established hospital safety requirements and…