Surgical Technologist Certification

Job Description Summary

Performs technical skills and assistance to surgeons, anesthesia personnel, registered nurses and other professionals in the Operating Room. Performs similar duties in other areas of the Hospital as assigned.

1. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of surgical procedures and instrumentation.

• Demonstrates knowledge of anatomy related to procedure.
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques used by various surgeons for various procedures.
• Able to assemble and troubleshoot all equipment as necessary for procedure.
• Assures all necessary equipment is in the room prior to the start of a case.
• Able to safely operate all electro‑surgical equipment, diagnostic equipment, disposable equipment as well as equipment unique to each specialty area.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the principles of asepsis and consistently maintains sterile technique.

• Attends Hospital sponsored training programs as required by department.
• Maintains ERT certification.
• Completes annual mandatory in‑services.
• Maintains technical skill level and adapts to changes in surgical technique and/or operative intervention modalities.

• Demonstrates a knowledge of sterilization and disinfection as evidenced by practice.
• Demonstrates an understanding of operating room sanitation and assists in its maintenance.
• Handles all surgical specimens appropriately.
• Monitors for and calls attention to breaks in technique. Communicates to Circulating RN and surgeons breaks in technique.
• In conjunction with the RN, conducts accurate sponge, needle and instruments count according to departmental policies.
• Performs surgical scrub according to departmental policies.
• Assists in the positioning of patients under the guidance of the RN or surgeon as needed. Maintains safety of patients.
• Takes full responsibility for scheduled on call hours.

• Accepts assignment as preceptor for new staff.
• Demonstrates a constructive approach during all interactions with staff and Nurse Manager towards the Organization.
• Trains and assists (Environmental Services) turnover teams with Operating Room protocol and procedures for new and existing team members.

• Meets the technological requirements of the department and unit‑specific competencies.
• Checks E‑mails on a daily basis when scheduled.

• Successfully answers safety questions in annual mandatory education program
• Understands individual roles/responsibilities during hospital codes (e.g., Code Green, Code Red)
• Utilizes proper body mechanics when performing all aspects of job
• Operates equipment safely
• Maintains a neat, organized work environment
• Knows where to find material safety data sheets (MSDS) for items used to perform job
• Adheres to respiratory etiquette guidelines

Minimum Education - Preferred:
Graduation from a formal accredited surgical technician training program preferred. Copy of Surgical Technology program certificate required. Must be certified within 12 months of completing a Surgical Technology program. All Surg Techs who did not work prior ro 7/1/13 are required to be certified.

Minimum Work Experience OR experience preferred.

Required Certifications

• CST-ERC - Certified Surgical Technologist (Examination Review Committee)
• BLS - Basic Life Support
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• ERT - Emergency Response Training