Surgical Technologist- Liberty Operating Room- Days

The Christ Hospital Health Network•West Chester Township, OH

About The Position

The Surgical Technologist performs specific tasks as a scrub technologist and/or during surgical procedures to support the safe and efficient progress of each case. The role assists with maintaining surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment; maintains positive customer relations; and demonstrates competency and technical skills appropriate to assigned cases. The Surgical Technologist is accountable to the Clinical Manager. The role prepares for procedures by checking assignments, reviewing and updating surgical preference lists, obtaining supplies and physician-requested instruments, and ensuring tables and equipment are ready and functioning. Under supervision, the technologist assists during procedures, circulates under the supervision of an RN, supports site care and patient transfer, and handles instruments and specimens according to operating-room policies. The position also includes patient advocacy, timely communication with surgeons and other care-team members, support for staff development and orientation, participation in required education and meetings, and work practices that promote productivity, fiscal responsibility, and safety. The Surgical Technologist maintains aseptic technique, follows universal precautions, performs equipment safety checks, and prepares and labels medications according to policy and procedural requirements.

Requirements

Completed education in surgical technology and/or on-the-job experience or training that permits 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, use of appropriate communication channels, and strict confidentiality.
Maintains competency and demonstrates continuing professional growth; able 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; the posting specifies a separate deadline for employees hired at TCH before January 2010.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Check daily assignments and review surgical preference lists; clarify routines and update lists as needed.
Obtain supplies and physician-requested special instruments and sutures; ensure tables are ready and all items needed for each case are present.
Handle special supplies and equipment competently and ensure equipment functions properly.
Under the surgeon’s supervision, assist with suctioning, holding retractors, skin closure, cutting sutures, and irrigating wounds.
Circulate for operative procedures under RN supervision.
Assist with site care at the end of procedures, including cleansing the operative site, connecting drainage tubes, and applying or assisting with sterile dressings.
Assist with patient transfer to a bed or stretcher using proper body mechanics and an adequate number of assistants.
Disassemble tables and instruments and place items in appropriate receptacles; send instruments to CSR or clean the room for terminal cleaning.
Advocate for patients by attending to physical and emotional needs, protecting dignity and privacy, and putting patient welfare first.
Communicate unavailable supplies or equipment to the surgeon before cases; communicate promptly and courteously with care-team members, the Charge Nurse, and relief personnel.
Attend promptly and regularly, follow the operating-room dress code, and support professional growth, staff orientation, and the development of peers and students.
Participate in required staff and council meetings, council activities, task forces, self- and peer-review activities, and required education and competency maintenance.
Assist with case turnaround and room cleaning; adapt to change, manage workload, and use staff time, equipment, and supplies responsibly.
Maintain aseptic technique and identify and correct breaks in technique; ensure instruments, sharps, and sponges are counted according to policy.
Identify and transfer surgical specimens according to operating-room policy.
Perform safety checks on equipment before use; prepare and label medications according to policy, procedure, and the physician’s preference card.
Keep the operative field clear of unnecessary equipment and sharps; receive and clean instruments and follow universal precautions.