Certified Surgical Technologist

Description

Main Function:  An Operating/Procedure Room Technician performs technical responsibilities relative to assisting physicians with the instrumentation of surgical intervention. Monitors PAR levels of all surgical instruments and supplies. Participates in staff meetings and performance improvement activities. Works under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Philosophy

• Supports the facility's ideology, mission, goals, and objectives
• Performs in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures
• Follows the facility's standards for ethical business conduct
• Recognizes patients' rights and responsibilities and supports them in performance of job duties
• Participates in facility committees, meetings, in-services, and activities
• Shares input regarding-short and long-tern goals of the facility. 

2. Work Quality

• Performs duties in an accurate and organized manner
• Adheres to policies and procedures in performance of duties
• Ensures knowledge of job and asks questions when unsure
• Completes duties within appropriate timeframes

3. Personal Attributes

• Shows initiative and dependability including punctuality and attendance
• Displays good judgement
• Cooperates and is flexible 
• Follows appropriate dress code presenting a professional image

4. Customer Service

• Fosters a culture of outstanding patient service showing courtesy in interactions with patients, physicians and co-workers
• Presents good telephone skills 
• Responds promptly to patient needs and co-workers requests

5.Communication and Teamwork

• Expected to be a positive and responsible team member with a good attitude
• Presents good oral and written communication (documentation) skills 
• Promotes effective communication among the facility's clinical areas, business office, and physician practices

6.Professional Competence

• Participates in continuing education and other learning experiences
• Shares knowledge gained in continuing education with staff
• Seeks new learning experiences by accepting challenging opportunities and responsibilities  
• Welcomes suggestions and recommendations 
• Maintains current CPR Certification 

7. Safety/Risk Management

• Adheres to safety policies and procedures in performing job duties and responsibilities
• Reports observed or suspected safety violations, hazards, and policy/procedure noncompliance to direct supervisor or Administration 
• Performs according to established compliance policies and procedures 

8.Duties

• Performs specified functions to meet the requirements of each approved procedure
• Assembles supplies and equipment for scheduled procedures according to physicians' preference cards
• Inspects equipment for proper working condition
• Follows principles of aseptic technique and prescribed operating/procedure room procedures 
• Adheres to aseptic technique when opening sterile packages and preparing for the procedure
• Arranges instruments according to given procedure 
• Confirms that instruments work properly 
• Maintains availability of instruments and supplies to avoid delays 
• Reports observed or suspected breaks in sterile technique and takes action according to policy 
• Correctly uses, cares for, cleans, and sterilizes instruments, supplies and equipment as directed 
• Handles equipment and instruments correctly to provide appropriate availability and safety 
• Assists in maintaining adequate supplies in the operating room for immediate access during procedure 
• Assists in storing and stocking supplies/works closely with Materials Manager
• Maintains and updates instrument cards and surgeons' preference cards
• Responds in a timely manner to meet the needs of the patient and physician 
• Accurately anticipates physician's needs in surgery 
• Documents patient-care records and other forms according to facility policies and procedures 
• Accurately advises others responsible for care of the patient about the patient's status
• Other duties as assigned 
• Compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, and Red Flags 

Qualifications:

• Cooperative work attitude toward co-employees, management, patients, visitors, and physicians
• Ability to promote favorable facility image with physicians, patients, insurance companies, and general public 
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems in a timely manner

 Reports to Operating Room Manager 

Requirements

Required:

• High School Graduate or GED certificate recipient 
• Completion of surgical scrub technician program 
• CST Certification 
• Strong ethical and moral character references 
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification 

Preferred:

• Two years of previous operating room experience
• ASC experience 
• Computer literacy

Job Quality Requirements:

• Accuracy 
• Attention to detail 
• Timeliness
• Organizational skills
• Efficiency
• Little supervision needed to accomplish tasks 
• Physical stamina for extra working hours, if needed

Dependability:

• Attendance 
• Punctuality 
• Ability to follow instructions 
• Ability to meet deadlines

Physical/mental Requirements:

• Ability to walk, sit, and stand for long periods 
• Visual and auditory acuity for frequent use of computer, telephone, and occasional use of other office equipment
• Capability for occasional overhead and low reaching
• Physical strength for equipment needs and patient-care activities 
• Visual and auditory acuity for timely responsiveness and patient-care assessment activities 
• Ability to move quickly in response to patient needs
• Ability to frequently make judgements on/respond to problems
• Ability to occasionally make judgements on/responds to disasters/emergencies, actual events, or drills
• Hepatitis immunization/negative TB test (annual tine testing)

Contacts:

• Patients
• Patients' family/significant others
• Physicians and physician office personnel 
• Facility personnel 
• Vendors 
• Administration 
• Medical director 
• Governing body