WSC Surgical Technologist

Summary

Under the supervision of the ophthalmologist, ASC Director, or RN performs duties in the operating room to assist the surgical team before, during and after surgery; prepares patients for surgery and other medical procedures; prepares the operating room for surgery; maintains optical and surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies. Represents EHN in a professional, friendly manner at all times.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibility but will assist with orientation and training of new and/or less experienced employees.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare operating room by setting up surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies.
• Assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment; check and adjust to ensure equipment is working properly; clean and maintain equipment and instruments; report defective or non-functioning equipment.
• Prepare and set up surgical supplies, including sterile instruments, sterile supplies, and sterile solutions.  If applicable, count sponges and/or needles before and after surgery.
• Create and maintain a sterile environment; maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures; soak, wash, and flush instruments on back table.
• Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and don gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
• Verify IOL ordered with surgeon IOL reservation form.
• Verify identity of surgery patients and eye that surgery will be performed on prior to commencement of procedure.
• Assist during surgery and other medical procedures; anticipates and responds to the surgeon’s needs, i.e., hand instruments and supplies to ophthalmologist or assisting surgical staff; may hold retractors and/or cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed during surgery.
• Clean and prepare equipment and instruments for surgical procedures; inspect, test, adjust, and calibrate instruments and equipment between surgical procedures to ensure safe and proper functioning.
• Act as operating room turnover by opening sterile supplies and giving medications to scrub for procedure.  Assist personnel in preparing operating room for next surgical case.
• Clean and restock operating room, gathering, and placing equipment and supplies and arranging instruments according to instructions/expectations of the ophthalmologist.
• Attend in-service programs as required.
• Ensure a safe and healthy environment for all patients and staff; protect all patients by identifying safety hazards such as electrical and equipment, taking particular care with sedated and anesthetized patients.
• Protect confidential patient information; use good judgment in sharing patient information in a manner that is consistent with patient care and current laws and regulations, including HIPAA.
• Adhere to all safety standards as established by OSHA, and apply all required safety precautions, including personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Perform work in compliance with company policy, department procedures and regulatory requirements, including State and Federal laws and regulations.

Secondary Functions

• Other duties which may be necessary or desirable to serve the patient and support the success of the department or the company overall.

Education and/or Experience; Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations (Minimum Requirements)

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Current BLS Certification.
• Provide the Surgery Center with documentation showing that he/she has completed an educational program for surgical technologists accredited by a national accreditation organization approved by the Oregon Health Authority AND holds and maintains a surgical technologist certification issued by a nationally accredited certifying organization for surgical technologists approved by the authority OR
• Provides the Surgery Center with documentation showing that he/she practiced surgical technology during at least two of the three years immediately preceding January 1, 2017 in a health care facility in Oregon or in another state or as an employee of an agency or institution of the federal government AND completes 16 units of continuing education approved by the Oregon Health Authority every two years.  These 16 units must be completed by December 31 of every odd numbered year.
• Possess the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the successful performance of the essential job duties.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with all persons contacted in the course of performing duties.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a team environment.
• Ability to quickly assess and anticipate needs and respond to verbal instructions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task; must be organized and flexible to change course of work as circumstances dictate and be effectively responsive in emergency situations.
• Ability to complete mathematical calculation, i.e., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, equivalencies. 
• Knowledge of and ability to operate and troubleshoot a variety of medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care.
• Expertise in safety principles, asepsis, sterile technique, and universal precautions.
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.
• Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Manual/finger dexterity as necessary to perform daily job duties.
• Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including visual examination of patient and reading information from printed sources and computer screens.                
• Frequently required to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally required to sit for extended periods of time.
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms; lift, push, pull and/or carry objects up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally required to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects up to 25 pounds.
• Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including visual examination of patient and reading information from printed sources and computer screens.                
• Frequently required to bend, squat, stoop, or twist.
• Potential exposure to biohazardous materials, bodily fluids and bloodborne pathogens
• Potential exposure to chemicals associated with a surgical/medical environment.

Reasonable Accommodations

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EHN believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our overall success.  That contribution should not be limited by assigned responsibilities. This job description is designed to outline primary functions, qualifications and job scope, but is not intended to limit the employee or EHN to only those job functions identified. EHN expects each employee to offer his or her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure superior customer service, quality patient care, and the success of our business.