Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

Overview

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

Surgical technologists are allied health professionals, who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. Surgical technologists work under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical technologists are experts in the theory and application of the principles of asepsis and sterile technique to combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation and tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

EEO / AA / Disability / Veteran

Responsibilities

• 1. Contributing to the preparation of the surgery by assisting the Circulating Nurse in making available all necessary supplies, instrumentation and equipment according to the needs of the patient and the surgical team.
• 2. Maintaining safety awareness as it applies to patient and equipment. Proper handling and identification of all specimens.
• 3. Collaborating with team members to check and accurately restock necessary supplies in assigned room in a fiscally responsible manner.
• 4. Preparing the operative site for surgery under the direction of a registered nurse and assists the other members of the surgical team as needed; reports status of procedure to relief team.
• 5. Demonstrating commitment to personal growth and development. This is to include attending in-services, maintaining certification, keeping up-to-date on meeting minutes and updated policies and procedure.
• 6. Recognizing the importance of teamwork, consideration, and cooperation within the operating room.
• 7. Responsible for preparing and maintaining sterile fields to assure quality patient care. This is to include assuring integrity of asepsis according to policies and procedures; maintain alertness and report any break in technique. Assist and anticipate the needs of the surgeon. Verify with Circulating Nurse complete, sponge, needle and instrument counts. Inspection of supplies and equipment for evidence of proper sterilization and integrity according to standards.
• 8. Identifying the principles of sterile technique and applies these techniques when assisting each operative procedure.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

A graduate of CAAHEP accredited surgical technology program or formal program as defined by the LCCST. (Training may be through a hospital based program or through the military.)

EXPERIENCE

1-2 years of experience and certification as a surgical technician preferred.

LICENSURE

Must obtain LCC-ST certification within 1 year of employment if not already certified.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Demonstrated knowledge of the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique combined with the knowledge of human anatomy and various instrumentation and procedures in all surgical areas and services. Demonstrates knowledge of all aspects of the Perioperative Department and works independently on surgical procedures. Utilizes the recommended guidelines as set forth in the Association of Surgical Technologist Standards of Practice in accomplishing job-related responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Standing 90% of the work day. Ability to lift up to 36 pounds, handle highly-stressful physical and interpersonal situations, do repetitive work, fine hand manipulations, and work at an elevated level from floor. Able to cope with repeated skin scrubbing and withstand variation in room temperatures.

YNHHS Requisition ID

139156