Job Summary

Prepares for and assists the Surgeon with operative procedures following approved techniques, policies and procedures.  Performs duties according to the Scope of Service for Surgical Services. Adheres to and participates in the SJH Corporate Compliance Program and participates in Performance Improvement activities.

Essential Functions

Patient Care

• Exercises critical thinking and independent judgment withing the context of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
• Utilizes proper techniques in assisting physician. Demonstrates appropriate preparation of patient for procedure.
• Assists the RN in carrying out physician orders accurately and in a timely manner.
• Collaborates with members of the preoperative team to coordinate each individual patient's care needs.
• Follows the medication administration policy by labeling all medications, and verification upon transfer of a medication to another member of the preoperative team.
• Organizes and prioritizes the surgical plan of care in a timely and efficient manner.
• Provides a clear and concise report when "handing off" a patient to another care provider according to SJH policy.

Quality

• Identifies risk factors and provides for patient safety. Implements measures to prevent injury from environmental hazards.
• Collaborates with the RN to ensure appropriate and accurate documentation of sharps, needles and instrument counts.
• Manages sharps to prevent injury to self and others.
• Improves safety of medication use (i.e. correct labeling of medications/solutions/syringes/basins). Washes hands in accordance with CDC guideline. Follows Universal Protocol policy consistently. Identifies safety risks inherent in patient populations served.
• Uses supplies and equipment within safe parameters. Ensures equipment is functioning properly before use. Reports equipment malfunction following reporting procedures.

Unit Specific Performance

• Functions in a supportive role with RN during the time out process. Verifies 5 components of universal protocol. Formal pause, verification of procedure, hardware removal, review of diagnostic studies and implant availability.
• Performs aseptic techniques in the surgical environment to maintain patient safety. PPE use, traffic patterns, respects restricted areas. Demonstrates surgical conscience.
• Follows policy for collection of specimens on the sterile field, and subsequently in the transfer of the specimen to the possession of the circulating RN.
• Independently takes responsibility to stay current in department communications. Weekly reviews department communication and equipment repair journals.
• Clearly communicates to circulating nurse implants used, as well as discarded during the surgical procedure.
• Rectifies discrepancies after surgery with circulating nurse ensuring accurate charging and documentation.
• Collaborates with circulating nurse to ensure update of surgeon preference cards, and makes changes with addition of new products and supplies. Ensures the availability of supplies and equipment prior to the start of surgical procedure by reviewing the preference card. Verifies changes with surgeon at the end of the case.
• Maintains sterile setup in an organized manner to facilitate relief personnel in the assumption of duties. Performs counts as required and provides methodical organization of instrumentation.
• Communicates to circulating nurse changes in the proposed plan of care, and anticipates needs for supplies and instrumentation. Initiates and completed Event Reports for unusual events consistently.

Professional Development

• Maintains, develops and updates skills to implement ideal patient care in the department.
• Self evaluates professional knowledge and actively seeks out educational opportunities for development.
• Assists, teaches and answers questions for colleagues. Presents self as a resource, mentors and precepts staff.
• Develops and provides educational instruction at the unit and organizational level.
• Participates in the development and updating of unit policies.
• Attends and participates in committees or special projects.
• Completes hospital wide and unit specific competencies in a timely manner.

Job Requirements

Minimum Education
Required:  BLS Certification
Preferred:  Completion of ORT course.

Minimum Work Experience
Required:  One year experience required as a Surgical Tech. Knowledge of sterile/aseptic techniques, instrumentation and human anatomy. Basic computer skills.
Preferred:  Two years experience preferred as a Scrub Tech. Graduate from a Surgical Technology program with certificate preferred or previous work experience in healthcare (such as CNA or EMT) and/or a graduate degree in healthcare related field.

Required Licenses:  BLS required at the time of hire.

Functional Demands

Working Conditions:  Surgical suits. Stressful situations, long irregular hours, meals and breaks. Exposure to chemicals and fumes. Occasional crowded
situations and fluctuations in temperature. Must be on-site at the SJH Campus to fulfill the responsibilities of this role.

Physical Requirements:  90% of time standing and walking. Ability to push, pull, lift, move patients, equipment and supplies. Ability to reach above shoulders,
bend, stoop and stretch. Must be able to life 50 pounds. Fine manual dexterity.

*SJH is a qualifying employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program!