OR Surgical Tech

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Selects instrumentation appropriate for procedure.
• Checks room for cleanliness, availability of supplies and equipment at the beginning of the day.
• Open sterile packs and supplies, using surgeon's preference card for specific requests. Use supplies conservatively and efficiently.
• Scrub hands and arms according to Surgical Hand scrub policy. Dons sterile gown and gloves, maintaining sterile technique.
• Sets up back table and mayo using surgeon's preference card as a reference for instruments, medications, etc.
• Performs surgical counts with Circulating RN, if required for procedure.
• Maintains proper sterile technique when gowning and gloving the Surgeon.
• Assists with draping of patient and confirms the operative area.
• Attaches light handles and hands-off to Circulating RN the appropriate equipment to begin the procedure. (Example: bovie, suction, light source, camera).
• Brings mayo stand and back table to the operating room table.
• Participates in surgical time out.
• During procedure:
  • Passes instruments to surgeon and the assistant
  • Is attentive to operative area by being alert for breaks in technique
  • Maintains an attitude of willingness to assist with the procedure
  • Is aware of location of all instruments, needles, sponges, and specimens.
• Keeps mayo and back table neat and orderly.
• Maintains open, professional communication with coworkers, vendors, and providers.
• Cares for surgical specimens following Operating Room policy and procedure.
• Performs surgical counts at end of procedure with Circulating RN, if required for procedure.
• Assists the Surgeon with dressings at end of procedure.
• Breaks down back table. Dispose of sharps in accepted manner. Removes and accounts for all instruments used in field.
• Assists with OR room turnover.
• Transfers soiled instruments to processing room to soak or wash.
• Keeps delicate instruments separate from heavy items.
• Follows proper procedures regarding exposure to Category I tasks. Universal precautions/BBP standards in effect always. Eye protection will always be worn when scrubbed or with-in the area for contamination from splash.
• Follows proper procedures for handling hazardous waste materials.
• Assists SPD with instrument reprocessing.
• Notifies SPD Team Leader of missing, damaged, or malfunctioning instruments.
• Puts unused sterile instruments and supplies away and notifies OR Team leader of damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
• Puts all other supplies away and leaves OR room tidy at the end of the day.
• Helps to stock the operating room, notifies OR team leader when supplies need to be reordered.
• Updates preference cards as necessary.
• Assists with pulling cases for the next day.
• Does monthly cleaning, out dates, and helps to maintain the organization to the "back/sterile" hall.
• Helps to keep supplies in an orderly fashion, making them easy to locate and inventory.
• Assists with any other duties as deemed necessary

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Licensed as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, or experience as a Surgical Technician.
• Current CPR and ACLS certification for Registered Nurses.
• Current CPR certification for Licensed Practical Nurse or Surgical Technician.
• Certification preferred but not required for Surgical Technicians.
• Demonstrates ability to stand and/or walk at least five hours per day
• Demonstrates ability to lift and/or carry over 20 pounds on a regular basis
• Demonstrates ability to push/pull over 25 pounds on a regular basis.