SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST

Summary

The Surgical Technologist functions to facilitate the safe and effective outcome of intraoperative surgical procedures. The Surgical Technologist processes expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique in accordance with the nursing practice standards established by the specific unit / department in accordance with the rules, and regulations and / or standards established by the State Board of Nursing, the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Health Care Organizations, AORN and AST and appropriate specialty organizations relevant to the patient population under their care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.
• Prepares for procedure by considering factors related to safety, quality, efficiency, and cost control, contributing to the Operating Room as an integral member of the Surgical Team.
• Collaborates and communicates with RN to perform intra-operative activities always recognizing that efficient and skillful technique will result in the optimal level of patient care.
• Ensures that all equipment is functioning properly and that all parts are accounted for. Any problem will be immediately reported to appropriate personnel.
• Knowledgeable, with strict adherence to policies & procedures related to aseptic technique and infection control according to the standards set by the Association of Operating Room Nurses and the Association of Surgical Technologists.
• Knowledgeable of patient positioning, the safe use of electrical and power equipment and of all equipment & instruments that will affect patient outcome.
• Adheres to policies & procedures related to safety.
• Knowledgeable of unit policies. Reads memos and required reading.
• Follows appropriate chain of command to resolve problems.
• Functions independently, taking initiative to facilitate department goals of efficiency, safety, and quality care, demonstrates ability to take initiative and assist Anesthesia and the OR team during patient code / critical situations.
• Respects the patient’s right to privacy, and confidentiality. Reduces patient exposure, traffic patterns, and noise in and out of the OR.
• Attends mandatory in-services for skills review and participates in learning activities designed to introduce competencies for new equipment and technologies.
• Shares knowledge with new personnel.
• Identifies own and staff learning needs to manager and staff development.
• Develops professional goals and objectives.
• Completes unit specific annual skills and mandatory hospital learning as assigned.
• Timekeeping is accurate and up to date.
• Assists, under the direction of NM in creation and maintenance of Preference Cards as requested.
• Reports to work prepared for duty at scheduled time.
• Maintains professional behavior, accepts responsibilities, and has knowledge of legal consequences of responsibilities and performance.
• Other duties as consistent with this role.

Job Requirements

Job Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrates proficiency related to scrubbing techniques by diligently maintaining sterile field and performing accurate instrument, sponge and sharp counts.
• Utilizes time effectively and ensures that delegated tasks and responsibilities have been satisfactorily completed.

Education and Experience

• Associate Degree preparation preferred.
• Surgical technologist Certification preferred
• BLS certification required

An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this position that involves a combination of sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching.

Occasional lifting / carrying up to 25 lbs. Some stress related to high level of responsibility for quality care.

Americans with Disabilities Statement

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Covenant Health reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

Standard of Business Conduct

Every St Joseph Hospital employee is required to abide by the Standards of Conduct and to report any activity that appears to violate the Standards of Conduct.

Covenant Health Mission Statement

We are a Catholic health ministry, providing healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.

Our Core Values : Compassion

Compassion

We show respect, caring and sensitivity towards all, honoring the dignity of each person, especially the poor, vulnerable and suffering.

Integrity

We promote justice and ethical behavior, and responsibly steward our human, financial and environmental resources.

Collaboration

We work in partnership, dialogue and shared purpose to create healthy communities.

Excellence

We deliver all services with the highest level of quality, while seeking creative innovation.

We are an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, protected veteran status, national origin, genetic information or any other legally protected status