Surgical Tech FT 1.0

Jackson County Regional Health Center • Maquoketa, IA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technician functions in the scrub role during intraoperative patient care, doing so as a delegated technical function under the direct supervision of the preoperative Registered Nurse. The provision of care is consistent through adherence to standards and support of the philosophies of Jackson County Regional Health Center. The scrub role handles instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedures. The role of a Surgical Technologist is vital in the operating room, playing a crucial role in ensuring the success of surgical procedures through meticulous preparation and real-time assistance. As a Surgical Technologist, works closely with surgeons, registered nurses, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare personnel to provide the highest level of patient care during surgeries.

Requirements

• Completion of an accredited surgical technology program, with a diploma, certificate, or associate degree
• 2 years of experience as a surgical technologist, with experience in surgical procedures and surgical specialties
• Certification as a Surgical Technologist (CST) is required, with an ongoing commitment to maintaining accreditation through continuing education
• Knowledge of surgical instruments, equipment, and sterile techniques
• Understanding of operating room protocols and procedures
• Ability to anticipate the needs of surgeons during procedures and effectively assist in surgical tasks
• Strong knowledge of infection control practices and a commitment to maintaining a sterile surgical environment
• Basic life support (BLS) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification may be required
• Meticulous attention to detail is critical for preparing and arranging surgical instruments, ensuring aseptic techniques, and maintaining a sterile field during surgical procedures
• Solid communication skills are essential for coordinating with surgical team members, receiving instructions from surgeons, and providing updates during procedures
• Proficiency in using surgical instruments, equipment, and technology in various surgical specialties
• Ability to work closely with surgeons, nurses, and other surgical team members to ensure smooth and efficient surgical procedures
• Strong organizational skills are necessary for preparing the operating room, arranging surgical instruments, and managing surgical supplies
• Ability to adapt to different surgical procedures, surgical teams, and changes in the operating room environment
• Thorough understanding and adherence to sterilization practices and infection control protocols to prevent surgical site infections
• Ability to think critically and make rapid decisions during emergencies or unexpected challenges in the operating room
• Endurance and physical stamina to stand, lift and position patients, and assist in physically demanding aspects of surgical procedures
• Basic Life Support; Dependent Adult/Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training within timelines established in Licensure, Registration, Certification and Life Saving training policy.
• Central Service Training.

Nice To Haves

• Initial certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST®) is based upon satisfactory performance on the national certifying examination following completion of a CAAHEP accredited program in surgical technology.
• CSTs maintain their credential by completing continuing education (CE) credits of AST approved continuing education during the four-year certification cycle or by successfully retaking the certifying examination.

Responsibilities

• Donning OR attire and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Gathers, checks and opens supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure.
• Performs the surgical scrub, and donning gown and gloves.
• Sets up the sterile back table and Mayo stand with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for the procedure.
• Performs initial instrument, sharps and sponge counts with the circulator.
• Assists the team members with gowning and gloving.
• Assists with draping the patient and establishing the sterile field.
• Participates in the surgical site and patient verification during the time out procedure.
• Secures tubing, cords and other sterile accessories.
• Prepares and anticipates additional instrumentation, equipment and supplies for usage during the procedure.
• Anticipates the needs of the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies to surgeon during procedure.
• Measures and passes medications, hemostatic agents and irrigation solutions utilized during the surgical procedure.
• Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon.
• Sponges or suctions the operative site.
• Applies electrocautery to clamps on bleeders.
• Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon.
• Coordinates the camera or changes out robotic arms/instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgeon.
• Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure.
• Performs additional counts as necessary.
• Prepares sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices.
• Prepares and passes off specimen(s) as appropriate.
• Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization.
• Assists other members of the team with terminal cleaning of room.
• Assists in prepping the OR for the next patient.
• Participates in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure quality patient care.
• Assists with transferring patient to the operating room table.
• Monitors the comfort of the patient and provides verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient.
• Assists in maintaining normothermia.
• Assists the anesthesia provider.
• Assists with positioning the patient, using appropriate equipment and anatomical principles to avoid patient injury.
• Applies the electrosurgical grounding pad.
• Assists with applying tourniquets and monitors before the procedure begins.
• Completes the patient skin prep prior to draping by the sterile surgical team.
• Performs instrument, sharps, and sponge counts with the surgical technologist in the first scrub role prior to the operation and before the incision is closed.
• Anticipates additional supplies needed during the procedure.
• Properly cares for specimens.
• Secures dressings after incision closure.
• Helps transport the patient to the post anesthesia care unit.

Benefits

• Adheres to the “Values and Behavior Statement” of Jackson County Regional Health Center.
• Adheres to HIPAA and maintains confidentiality as relates to all patient and medical information.
• Works in a safe manner at all times and adheres to our safety programs and service expectations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree