Technologist Surgical- Trauma OR

Summary:

The Surgical Technologist assists in preparing the operating room and performing assigned support duties during operative procedures. The incumbent scrubs in the role of second or third assistant when directed.

Education Requirement:

High school education or equivalent required.

Incumbents must also meet one (1) of the following requirements:

1. Hold current national certification established by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA); OR
2. Have completed a program for surgical technology accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education programs (CAAHEP); OR
3. Have completed an appropriate training program for surgical technologists in the armed forcer or at a CAAHEP accredited hospital or CAAHEP accredited ambulatory surgical treatment center program. For purposes of this chapter, "armed forces: means the army, navy, air force, marine corps, coast guard, or public health service of the United States; OR
4. Successfully complete the surgical technologists NBSTSA certifying exam; OR
5. Grandfathered under TN Code Ann. 68-57-102(a) which states individuals who began training or was employed as a surgical technologist prior to July 1, 2006 for no less than eighteen (18) months in a hospital, medical office, surgery center, or school shall meet the requirements to function as a Surgical Technologist in the State of Tennessee.

Effective July 1, 2003, the State of Tennessee requires surgical technologists to complete 15 CEs annually to remain qualified to practice as a Surgical Technologist. Certified Surgical Technologists are exempt from this requirement but must maintain active certification to continue employment with Regional One Health.

Experience Requirement:

Experience in patient care as obtained through completion of an ORT or surgical technology program or related required.

Licensure/Certification Requirement:

Certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist through The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) required.

Current CPR/Basic Life Support certification.

Effective April 1, 2021: All new hires must possess the Certified Surgical Technologist certification at hire.

Key Job Responsibilities:

1. Assists in preparing the operating room, providing intraoperative care to patients and performing assigned support duties during operative procedures within established standards and practices.

• Checks supplies/instrumentation and equipment needs for operative procedure and ensures they are working properly.
• Provides sterile field. Maintains linen, supplies and instruments needed for successful completion of scheduled procedures.
• Assists in the preparation, draping and positioning of patients for procedure.
• Participates in the post-operative cleanup of the OR room and restock of surgical area.

1. Scrubs and assists circulators under direct supervision of RN for operative procedures, including prepping and draping of the operative site as needed.

• Assists surgical team during operative procedures as assigned and directed, following established standards and practices.
• Assists in preparing patient or operative site.
• Maintains and monitors aseptic technique throughout operative procedures.
• Observes progress of procedure and anticipates patient needs and obtains supplies as to not delay progress surgery.
• Scrubs in as second or third assistant when directed. Counts sponges and sharps with RN prior to surgery and before incision is closed.
• Prepares sterile dressing and assists with the application of dressing and casts.
• Assists in the preparation of operative specimens for analysis.
• Participation in resuscitation procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills to provide care, maintain clinical competency and meet age specific patient needs required within department.

1. Works effectively with staff to coordinate and implement activities. Communicates surgeon's preferences to RN circulator and/or appropriate individuals and documents/updates on preference cards.

1. Follows established organization and departmental policies and procedures.

• Maintains required department records, reports and files for administrative and compliance purposes.
• Adheres to established department policies, procedures, objectives, compliance and quality improvement with consideration given to risk management, infection control and patient safety practices.
• Completes required continuous training and education, including department specific requirements.

1. Assists with care and maintenance of department equipment and utilizes supplies in a cost effective manner. Reports malfunction of equipment to supervisor.

1. Assists in the orientation of new staff members and students when they provide patient care, treatment and services as part of their training.

1. Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Exhibits knowledge of technical skills required to implement patient care and OR Tech services as demonstrated through the sterilization and utilization of equipment, instruments and supplies and the preparation of the OR and providing patient care activities.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to work within a team environment with the ability to communicate effectively/professionally with hospital staff, patients, family, visitors, and physicians under routine and stressful situations
• Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate with health care team, patient and visitors in a customer responsive and courteous manner, in compliance with respect standards and promoting patient/customer satisfaction.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient, department and hospital information. Adheres to established department and organization policies in processing and releasing patient information (i.e. HIPPA, Confidentiality, and Compliance Policies).
• Ability to respond to problems/opportunities to improve work environment and participates in unit based performance improvement activities which includes committees, monitoring and follow up.
• Ability to provide coverage for relief and absences as required.
• Ability to respond to on-call and emergency situations.
• Demonstrated flexibility to work nights, weekends and holidays to provide continuous surgical services.

Supervision Provided by this Job:

• Provides leadership by planning, directing and leading the activities of assigned staff.

Physical Demands/Conditions:

• Exposure to blood/body fluids and infectious agents. Constant standing, walking, lifting, pushing and bending. Heavy Work - Exerting up to 150 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 75 pounds frequently, and/or up to 30 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (May be further defined as "with or without assistance.")