Surgical Technician (Per Diem)

Performs a variety of roles to assist in the care of patients in the operating room in accordance with established policies and protocols for surgical technologists. 

Contributes to a safe, effective environment for the surgical patient. Contributes to a culture of safety. Applies and enforces principles of aseptic technique. Checks all equipment to be used on sterile field and reports or corrects unsafe conditions prior to placing on the sterile field. 

Verifies exposure to sterilization process and integrity of sterile packaging. Demonstrates ability to operate sterilizers and all equipment used in operating room.

Assists surgeon and first assistant by passing surgical instruments, supplies, and sponges. Assists as needed when no assistant is available. 

Initiates sponge, instrument, and sharp counts at the appropriate time. Maintains awareness of location of all countable items throughout the procedure in order to maintain a correct count.

Assists with the adequate preparation of the operating room for surgery. Communicates with circulating nurse concerning proper preparation and disposition of specimens. Aides nurses with duties related to the care of the patient while in the operating room. 

Organizes and inspects surgical instrumentation. Checks for cleanliness, damage, and function. Reports any damaged instruments to sterile processing for repair or replacement and replaces on the field as needed.

Pulls disposable supplies for scheduled surgical cases according to the preference cards 3 business days in advance in order to ensure any missing supplies can be obtained in time for the case. Communicates missing supplies to surgical purchaser.

Creates and updates surgeons preference cards as needed. 

Fills in for sterile processing staff when they are unavailable. Decontaminates & inspects instruments. Able to run the washer decontaminator, ultrasonic cleaner, sterilizers, and scope cleaning equipment according to policies and procedures. 

Participates in continuing education to improve skills and abilities and stay abreast of current technologies.

Education: Completion of Surgical Technician program required. Certification preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 1 year related experience or equivalent.
Licenses & Certifications: BLS; Surgical Technician Certification preferred.
Required Skills & Knowledge: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, must have the ability to read and comprehend written instructions to interpret medical orders and medical records. Able to utilize deductive reasoning, common sense and critical thinking to problem solve and demonstrate the ability to make independent, appropriate judgments based upon evidence based practice.