Surgical Services Support Technician

SSM Health • St. Louis, MO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Performs a variety of technical, environmental, and patient care duties under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. Duties are within the preparation, delivery, and cleanup of patient care during the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases. The Surgical Services Support Tech is also responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and housekeeping functions that meet established standards of infection control and ensures an environment that is conducive to patient care and is able to do quality work without close supervision. Provides direct patient care under the direction of the nurse. Assists in the preparation of the room for surgery, and with preparation of instruments when needed. Assists in case cart preparation and supply management.

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED equivalent and at least 18 years of age.
• Post High School vocational/specialized training.
• Prior hospital related experience with direct patient contact.
• Knowledge of sterile technique, basic mechanical knowledge for trouble-shooting of equipment used in the operating room.
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• Must be able to travel to and between operating rooms at a rapid pace.
• May be required to wear protective clothing such as masks, gowns, and gloves in addition to adhering to the department dress code.
• Regularly exposed to risk of blood borne disease.
• Must be able to work with electrical equipment.
• May be exposed to hot cold material and chemical agents (see MSDS sheets).
• Exposure to latex.
• Must be able to work independently and in groups, in a quiet or distractible environment, on a structured or unstructured task.
• Must have good organization, planning, reasoning, judgment, problem-solving, safety awareness skills, and cognitive flexibility.
• Must be able to tolerate prolonged, extensive, or considerable sitting, standing and walking.
• Must be able to carry equipment and supplies.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and pull 100 pounds.
• Must be able to push/maneuver a stretcher, OR table in order to complete their job tasks.
• Must be able to tolerate considerable reaching, bending, squatting, kneeling to retrieve equipment and perform patient treatment.
• Must be able to read and write.
• Must be able to communicate information in a manner appropriate for intended audience.
• Must have manual dexterity and mobility.
• Must be able to tolerate intermittent exertion when assisting in surgery.
• Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)

Nice To Haves

• Two years’ experience in a similar position.

Responsibilities

• Assists OR room staff in transferring patient to OR table when necessary.
• Assists with patient care as directed by the R.N.
• Assists in positioning the patient and follows procedure for preparation of patients surgical procedures under the direction of the circulating nurse. Provides support for care with ACU/PACU patients as directed by the R.N.
• Ambulates patients as directed by the R.N.
• Follows established procedures and protocols in providing direct patient care.
• Makes appropriate decisions that reflect knowledge of facts and good judgment and reports actions to the R.N.
• Provides emergency assistance as required and/or directed by surgeon and/or nursing personnel.
• Assists Central Supply Techs with preparation of case carts.
• Assists the instrument room with preparation of instruments.
• Assists Supply Team with stocking and other maintenance of inventory.
• Communicates with the charge nurse regarding room status, availability and operational concerns.
• Prepare the unit for cases/procedures under the direction of the charge nurse.
• Routes non-functional equipment to proper maintenance department location for repair, noting on equipment what the malfunction appears to be.
• Wipes down all furniture using hospital-approved disinfectant.
• Mops floors with a hospital-approved germicidal agent, dipping mop one time into bucket and changing mop heads after each room is cleaned.
• Returns all room furniture and equipment to its proper place.
• Gathering and disposal of linen and trash. Cleans trash can receptacles inside and outside each time.
• Changes sharps containers when full.
• Cleans all equipment and removes all unneeded equipment from room to proper storage area.
• Assists in moving new equipment needed for the next procedure.
• Is able to respond to emergency cleaning needs or housekeeping requests in a positive, time-oriented manner.
• Wears appropriate personal protective equipment when cleaning.
• Cleans isolation rooms for PACU when requested.
• Verifies patient location and identification per hospital policy.
• Transports patients following policy and procedure throughout the hospital and surgical services areas as directed.
• Checks outer corridor to see if appropriate patient transportation is ready for the patient following surgery (ICU bed or regular bed).
• Assures that each patient bed/stretcher has an oxygen tank on it.
• Assists PACU by transporting patients to the floors when necessary.
• Transports blood to and from blood bank.
• Transports specimens to pathology as needed.
• Transports equipment/supplies etc. to appropriate areas in safe and efficient manner.
• Adheres to all standards, policies, procedures when implementing clinical and technical aspects of care.
• Participates in learning experiences that increase professional competence.
• Demonstrates appropriate technical and cognitive skills for area of practice.
• Is at work as scheduled and begins duties promptly at start of shift.
• Maintains currency in all hospital / unit information, communication, policies and procedures.
• Attends staff meetings/reviews minutes when absent.
• Reviews Hospital/Nursing publications.
• Keeps up to date with policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates ability to change and adapt to changing work demands.
• Responds positively to change.
• Provides assistance and support to peers, co-workers and other team members.
• Adapts positively to changes in unplanned work load and job demands.
• Acts rapidly and effectively during any emergency.
• Assumes responsibility for completing all mandatory requirements.
• Maintains current certification.
• Yearly TB screening.
• Annual Ethics Training (Initial Ethics, if new employee).
• Annual safety training.
• Required information security course.
• Required Abuse and Neglects course.
• Annual blood borne pathogen training.
• Coursework as assigned for .Edu.
• Annual competency/skill day.
• Age/Population specific competency.
• Orientation competency (if new hire).
• Immediate use sterilization training.
• Appropriate specimen handling competency.
• Practices standard precautions and disposes of hazardous wastes per established guidelines.
• Maintains a safe, clean, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families/employees in accordance with hospital standards.
• Maintains clutter free environment.
• Keeps conversations and background noise to a minimum.
• Adheres to dress code.
• Reports variation from care/treatment following the occurrence reporting policy and procedure.
• Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Demonstrates courtesy, compassion, and respect.
• Provides prompt, respectful, courteous service.
• Meets physical, spiritual, psychological, and emotional needs of patients and families.
• Apologizes for mix-up and delay.
• Maintains a non-judgmental attitude.
• Respects the dignity of patients by providing privacy, comfort, and confidentiality of information.
• Communicates effectively.
• Listens to staff/patient/family concerns and addresses needs.
• Allows time for questions.
• Maintains a cooperative relationship with members of the medical staff.
• Communication is timely and effective.
• Uses resources efficiently.
• Recommends change in practice that increase efficiency and minimize waste.
• Prioritizes responsibilities.
• Utilizes non-clinical time in a constructive manner, i.e. .Edu, mandatory education requirements.
• Participates in performance/process improvement process.
• Orients and/or precepts new employees when required.
• Participates in maintaining a collaborative team approach toward work.
• Functions as a resource person to co-workers, medical staff, and other members.
• Utilizes Chain of Command effectively.
• Demonstrates ability to relate to coworkers in a professional and respectful manner, in order to assure and promote a culture of safety.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Benefits

• One week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).
• Instant access to earned, unpaid base pay before payday through DailyPay (fees may apply).
• Upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED