Surgical Technician - OR

Cayuga Medical Center

34d•$25 - $36

About The Position

The Surgical Technician works under the direction of the Unit Director and assists nursing staff with assigned patient-care functions under RN supervision. The role supports the performance standards of Arnot Health and the Surgical Department, maintains required education and certification documentation, and participates in Performance Improvement programs. The position reports to the Assistant Unit Director and/or Director of Surgical Services. The technician prepares operating rooms and surgical equipment, assists practitioners with patient positioning, preparation, and draping, and acts as a surgical scrub assistant. The position also supports surgical counts, specimen care, perioperative activities, emergency response, patient transport, and department operations. Work may be required in other Arnot Health locations where surgical services are provided. The role requires attention to patient safety, Standard Precautions, sterile technique, quality improvement, equipment care, communication, and compassionate patient interactions. Physical demands include reaching overhead, extensive walking, stooping, standing, lifting up to 50 pounds, moderate sitting, and bilateral arm and finger dexterity.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of surgical technology, or completion of appropriate military services or Public Health Commissioned Corps training; alternatively, be an LPN employed as a surgical technologist in a healthcare facility for a cumulative period of one year within the four years immediately preceding January 5, 2015.
Surgical technician experience as specified, with graduation from an accredited school, military equivalent training, or LPN status with previous surgical experience.
Graduates of an accredited program must hold and maintain credentialing; those who are not credentialed must obtain credentials within one year of hire.
Complete 15 hours of continuing education annually to remain qualified to practice in surgical technology.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required within 90 days of hire.
Ability to meet the physical demands of an active position, including reaching above the head, extensive walking, stooping, standing, lifting up to 50 pounds, and moderate sitting.
Bilateral arm and finger dexterity; hearing and eyesight within normal range.
Perform all aspects of Standard Precautions during patient care.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate knowledge of Standard Precautions, sterile technique, and basic anatomy relevant to surgical procedures.
Provide age-appropriate care within the scope of a Surgical Technician's duties and responsibilities.
Demonstrate knowledge of the use, maintenance, and care of surgical instruments and equipment.
Assemble and set up operating rooms with supplies, instruments, appliances, and equipment for procedures; prepare the scrub table and Mayo stand.
Assist licensed practitioners with moving and positioning patients, non-invasive skin preparation, and draping.
Act as a surgical scrub assistant according to operating room standards.
Maintain sponge, needle, and instrument counts with the RN and report correct counts or discrepancies according to policy.
Anticipate and assist with the surgeon's needs during procedures.
Function as a second circulator under the direct supervision of an RN.
Assist the physician or RN during emergency situations.
Work in other Arnot Health areas where surgical services may be provided.
Assist with surgical specimen maintenance and care to prevent loss or damage.
Assist with perioperative care, including making beds, assisting with cast applications, staying with restless or disturbed patients, and patient lifting, transfers, or transport.
Perform departmental errands, including handling blood, laboratory items, x-rays, pharmacy items, supplies, equipment, and carts.
Follow risk management and safety practices and report concerns appropriately.
Understand and follow emergency procedures, including fire safety, Code Blue, disaster, and hazard procedures.
Give accurate reports between shifts and when relieved from designated patient-care activities.
Recognize changes in a patient's status and advise appropriate personnel.
Apply quality improvement principles, complete assignments consistently, care for equipment, use supplies cost-effectively, and prioritize time.
Demonstrate appropriate problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
Communicate constructive ideas and adapt to changing work conditions.
Help maintain the department, including cleaning rooms between procedures and keeping assigned work areas clean and orderly.
Interact with patients in a friendly, caring, and attentive manner and maintain communication to support a secure and pleasant experience.