Surgical Technologists

Description

• Applies knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology and operative technique relative to all procedures.
• Applies principles of asepsis and infection prevention.
• Identifies breaches in aseptic technique and implements interventions for resolution.
• Assists with position, prepping and draping of the patient.
• Provides assistance as necessary to surgeons and residents by selecting, organizing, anticipating and passing surgical instruments, medical supplies, equipment and provides retraction under the direction of the surgeon.
• Assists with exposure through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning and sponging.
• Assists with the appropriate handling of tissue during the operative procedure.
• Applies surgical dressings and appropriate drains.
• Promotes and maintains a safe and calm environment for patients by ensuring appropriate supplies and equipment are readily available.
• Exhibits professional behavior to peers, demonstrates continuous skill improvement, fosters a cohesive team environment and proactively solves problems.
• Maintains cleanliness of assigned department including treatment areas and equipment.
• Initiates appropriate responses and demonstrates proper judgment in critical situations.
• Provides effective communication with physicians to obtain efficient, cost‑effective quality care and demonstrates ability to anticipate surgeon’s needs intraoperatively.
• Sets up and maintains back table and Mayo with appropriate instrumentation before and during surgical procedure.
• Performs all phases of reprocessing including decontamination, tray assembly, sterilization, documentation and problem resolution for parameter failure.
• Takes proactive role in cost containment by inventory control on all supplies.
• Recognizes and communicates issues/occurrences utilizing established lines of authority and assists in identifying ways to resolve variances or unacceptable outcomes.
• Maintains highest standard of aseptic technique during all operative procedures, including surgical attire, surgical hand scrub, surgical gowning of self and team, surgical gloving of self and team, boundary between sterile and non‑sterile areas and traffic patterns.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• A level 1 practitioner is a practitioner who has recently graduated from a CAAHEP-accredited program and has been employed for one year or less in the Surgical Technologist role.
• During their surgical orientation, the colleague will have completed a minimum of 80 surgical procedures in the role of first scrub.
• An emphasis will be placed upon the colleague completing basic, intermediate, and advanced procedures within all surgical specialties.
• This level corresponds with the novice and advanced beginner designations in Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory.

• Level II is a Certified Surgical Technologist who has been employed for one year or more in the Surgical Technologist role and takes on greater responsibility in providing patient care.
• Level II practitioners demonstrate higher‑level critical‑thinking and problem‑solving skills along with mastery of the technical skills involved in the ST role.
• This corresponds well with the competent designation in Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory and is the minimum standard of practice for the ST role.
• To be considered for Level II you must meet the following criteria:
  • Meets criteria stated in Level I.
  • Demonstrates advanced knowledge and competent practice in the first scrub role in the majority of surgical procedures.
  • Applies knowledge of advanced surgical techniques from multiple specialties.
  • Applies knowledge related to emergency situations and surgical procedures in the operating room.
  • Regularly demonstrates critical‑thinking skills in relation to anticipating the perioperative needs of the patient and surgeon.
  • Exhibits a higher level of collaboration with peers in making decisions related to surgical patient care.
  • Assists in performing circulating RN skills and tasks with prompting.
  • Participates in program to achieve Level III:
    Expert Practitioner.