Surgical Technician

Description

Under the guidance of the Operation Manager for Surgical Services, the surgical technician assists in the nursing care and preparation of the surgical patient by performing routine and delegated duties according to MEDARVA policies. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Not Applicable 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Selects and prepares appropriate supplies for the operative procedure based on knowledge, the information from the preference card, and the physicians plan of care. Uses supplies and equipment appropriately. 
• Participates in operative procedures and anticipates the needs of the operative team. May assist in moving and positioning the patient. Anticipates and recognizes problems as they arise and Initiates appropriate corrective action when necessary. 
• Provides direct and indirect patient care using the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient requirements as directed by the physician; use medical equipment in accordance with standards; demonstrate continued competence in all facets of ambulatory surgery. 
• Participates with time-outs; verifies correct operative site with OR team members. 
• With Circulator, performs sponge, needle and instrument counts when appropriate to surgery being performed. 
• Mixes medications safely and accurately. Properly labels all syringes and medication containers on sterile field. 
• Maintains working status of instruments and equipment; ensures that broken and/or missing instruments are properly repaired or replaced; notifies Operations Manager for Surgical Services or appropriate Service Coordinator if loaner equipment is needed.   
• Works with surgical team to turn over room after procedures. 
• Is cross-trained to function in more than one specialty as needed and shares responsibility for covering late cases. 
• Carries out physician orders efficiently and appropriately. 
• Practices principals and techniques of Universal Precautions. Makes use of PPE available. 
• Participates in quality improvement activities and seeks ways to improve systems and services. 
• Completes mandatory annual education, participates in staff meetings and in-services, and is responsible for own professional development. 
• Will address and respond to all complaints in a timely manner; will notify Clinical Nurse Manager of Surgical Services/CNO of any physician or patient complaints. 
• Demonstrates and adheres to SPSC Mission, Vision and Value Statements. 
• Protects and maintains confidentiality of information; provides information on a need to know basis; adhere to all HIPPA compliance practices. 
• Treats all patients with actions that contribute to high levels of patients’ service. 
• Demonstrates effective communication skills by conveying necessary information accurately, listening effectively and asking questions when clarification is needed. 
• Follows fire/emergency safety, hazard communications and infection control procedures. 
• Observes cost containment practices. 
• Respects and complies with all decisions made by management. 

Requirements

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required 
• Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills  
• Has a clear understanding of and ability to apply principles of surgical asepsis and patient safety 
• Exhibits ability to proper scrub and/or assist surgeon in operative procedures 

Education and Experience: 

• High School Graduate or Equivalent 
• Possess a current ORT Certification 
• Licensed with the VA State Board 
• Graduate of an accredited school of surgical technologists preferred 
• Minimum of two years knowledge and experience in an operating room preferred 
• 2 years ambulatory surgery experience preferred 

ADA Job Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Physical Demands: Intermittent lifting and supporting of patients required; must intermittently lift and support up to 100 pounds or more while assisting patients.  Walking, standing, lifting, reaching with hands and arms, carrying, stooping, kneeling, crawling, bending, squatting, handling, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, prolonged sitting, vision, eye-hand coordination, tasting or smelling. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance, vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. 
• Communication Skills: Writing, speaking, hearing, reading, interpersonal relationships, receiving instructions, giving instructions. 
• Intellectual Skills: Short and long term memory, abstract reasoning, decision making, directing others, mathematical calculations. 
• Work Situations: Work Situations: Working as part of a group, working with the public, performing a variety of duties. 

Disclaimer: 

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, but not all-inclusive, listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. See ADA checklist for specific related criteria.