Surgical Technologist- Liberty Operating Room- Days

The Christ Hospital Health Network•Liberty Township, OH

About The Position

The Surgical Technologist performs assigned tasks as a scrub technologist and/or during surgical procedures to support the efficient and safe progress of each case. The role assists with maintaining surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment; maintains positive customer relations; and uses appropriate technical skills and case-specific knowledge to assist others. The position performs duties within its scope of responsibility and is accountable to the Clinical Manager. The Surgical Technologist prepares for cases by checking assignments and preference lists, obtaining necessary supplies and special instruments, and ensuring tables and equipment are ready. During procedures, the technologist works under the surgeon’s supervision to assist with tasks such as suctioning, retracting, skin closure, cutting sutures, and wound irrigation, and circulates under the supervision of an RN. The role also assists with site care, dressings, patient transfers, and post-procedure cleanup and instrument handling. The position advocates for patients, protects their dignity and privacy, and provides appropriate care and comfort. It requires effective, timely communication with surgeons, nurses, relief personnel, and other health team members; participation in staff development and educational activities; support for efficient case turnaround; and adherence to safety practices, including aseptic technique, counts, specimen handling, equipment checks, medication preparation and labeling, and universal precautions.

Requirements

Completed education in surgical technology and/or on-the-job experience or training that allows the technologist to obtain certification.
No years of experience required.
Demonstrated knowledge, abilities, and skills to provide age- and culturally specific patient care and education.
Effective communication with peers and use of appropriate communication channels; maintains absolute confidentiality.
Maintains competency and demonstrates continuing professional growth.
Ability to accept and implement change and work in a culturally diverse setting.
Knowledge of the use, care, and handling of surgical instruments.
Sound judgment and knowledge of scientific principles.
Competency in selected skills demonstrated through hospital-provided instruction.
Ability to maintain composure and respond swiftly and effectively in stressful patient situations.
Obtain CST or TS-C (NCCT) certification within six months of starting in the department. Employees hired at The Christ Hospital before January 2010 were required to obtain certification by December 31, 2018.

Nice To Haves

Participation in a professional advancement program is encouraged.
Preparation for certification specific to the work area is encouraged when eligible.
Participation in professional organizations, conferences, and research is encouraged.

Responsibilities

Check the daily assignment and review and update surgical preference lists as needed.
Obtain needed case supplies, including physicians’ special instruments and sutures, and ensure tables are ready for procedures.
Handle special supplies and equipment appropriately, ensure proper functioning, and prepare for assigned procedures in an organized and efficient manner.
Under the surgeon’s supervision, assist with suctioning secretions, holding retractors, skin closure, cutting sutures, and irrigating wounds.
Circulate for operative procedures under the supervision of an RN.
Assist with operative site care, cleansing, drainage connections, sterile dressings, and patient transfers after procedures.
Use appropriate body mechanics and assist with transfers when an adequate number of assistants are present.
Disassemble tables and instruments and place contents in appropriate receptacles; send instruments to CSR or clean-up areas for processing and terminal cleaning.
Advocate for patients by attending to physical and emotional needs, protecting dignity and privacy, maintaining confidentiality, and taking appropriate steps to address errors.
Communicate unavailable supplies or equipment to the surgeon before the case and share pertinent information with the Charge Nurse, health team members, and relief personnel.
Maintain prompt and regular attendance, follow the operating room dress code, support professional growth, and assist with staff and nursing student education and orientation.
Participate in staff and council meetings, council activities, task forces, self- and peer-review activities, and required educational and competency-maintenance activities.
Assist with case turnaround and room cleaning, manage workload and time effectively, adapt to change, and use staff, time, equipment, and supplies responsibly.
Maintain aseptic technique and identify and correct breaks in technique; perform instrument, sharp, and sponge counts according to policy.
Identify and transfer surgical specimens according to operating room policy.
Check equipment, including power instruments, for proper assembly, completeness, and operation before use.
Prepare and label medications, including dosages and percentages, according to procedure requirements and the physician’s preference card.
Keep the operative field free of unnecessary instruments, equipment, and sharps; receive and clean instruments and remove unnecessary articles.
Follow universal precautions and hospital policy.