Surgical Technologist

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on providing medical and clinical support services to patients. The role involves performing surgical services duties, including medical services requiring excision or incision of a patient's body, such as interventional pain management procedures. This position also works to provide a safe environment for patients undergoing invasive procedures or surgery. A clinical technologist role with specialized knowledge or skills gained through vocational education, training, and experience.

The role is commonly applied to patient care or scientific/laboratory jobs. An experienced level role requiring basic knowledge of job procedures and tools obtained through work experience and vocational or technical education. Works under moderate supervision, works through routine problems, but may at times require interpretation or deviation from standard procedures and communicates information requiring explanation or interpretation.

This position is a proficient Surgical Technician who practices under the supervision of the surgical team in the Operating Room to deliver patient care throughout the perioperative experience. The technician assists the Surgeon during surgery by providing the appropriate instruments and maintaining and organizing operating room equipment. Performs according to the policies, procedures, philosophy, and objectives of the department and hospital.

Works cooperatively within department and other services to create a system of quality health care.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Before July 1, 2013, employed as a surgical technologist in a surgical facility; OR successfully completed a training program for surgical technology in the military; OR graduated from an accredited Surgical Tech Program.
• If employed as a Surgical Technologist after July 1, 2013, Surgical Technologist Certification (CST) is required.
• 12 months to less than 3 years of healthcare experience.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.

• Functions in a professional manner as the Surgical Technologist in the Operating Room on a wide variety and in all stages of surgical procedures.
• Maintains strict aseptic technique during set-up, patient draping and during surgical procedure.
• Scrubs on surgical cases, participates in surgery by organizing the instrumentation to the surgeon, participating in surgical counts.
• Selects and prepares the appropriate instruments, supplies and equipment for surgical cases.
• Performs related activities under the direction of the surgeon.
• Performs all counts with the circulating nurse according to Operating Room policy.
• Manages all intraoperative medications in accordance with Operating Room policy.
• Manages surgical specimens according to Physician’s orders and Hospital policy.
• Follows Operating Room procedures for the proper decontamination of instrumentation, equipment, and room turnover.
• Assists in the positioning, moving and transporting of patients as needed.
• Reports equipment and supply problems to the Charge Nurse, Service Lead or Clinical Nursing Director as needed.
• When not participating on surgical cases, assists with positioning obtaining needed items during surgery and assists in room turnover activities.
• Participates in Operating Room activities related to quality improvement, continuing education, orientation of new personnel and emergency preparedness.
• Remains knowledgeable about service specific equipment ensuring safe and efficient utilization.
• Maintains a collaborative work relationship with peers and colleagues in order to create a positive work environment.
• Performs the role of Preceptor for staff in training.
• Assists in orientation of new personnel (i.e. aides, orderlies, technicians, nurses, etc.) to the protocols, policies, rules and regulations of the Operating Suite.
• Remains knowledgeable about equipment ensuring safe and efficient utilization across multiple surgical specialties.

• Ability to work within the semi-restricted and restricted environment of the Operating Room and other Perioperative support areas.
• Stands under hot surgical lights for prolonged periods of time.
• Possibility of muscle strain from lifting patients and heavy equipment, shocks and burns from cautery units and autoclaves, and possibility of cuts from sharp instruments.
• Frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals, blood and bodily fluids, extreme noise levels, radiation, lasers, drastic fluctuations in ambient temperature, etc.
• Ability to wear a protective lead apron for extended periods of time and exposure to radioactivity, harmful anesthesia gases and septic infections.
• Requires frequent lifting and positioning of patients, materials, equipment, power tools, instruments, etc.
• Frequent contacts with patients, physicians and nursing staff in Operating Room.

• Advanced knowledge of aseptic technique and infection prevention practices.
• Intermediate knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology,…