Certified Surgical Technologist

Position Summary

The Scrub Tech will maintain a sterile field in the operating room, being constantly vigilant to see that proper aseptic techniques are used to prevent contamination and infection. The Scrub Tech will also assist the surgical team as the sterile member who passes instruments, sutures, and sponges during surgery. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons’ assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. The staffing of the Center is based on a teamwork concept. Employees may be cross trained in other clinical areas and may be expected to perform duties other than their normal ones as staffing and patient needs change.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Promotes the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

• Performs necessary tasks for a scrub role using technical skills.

• Assures patient/personal safety by maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.

• Ensures proper instrumentation for each procedure.

• Follows all principles of sterile technique. Adhering to principles of Universal Precautions.

• Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.

• Maintains confidentiality of patient and Center related business.

• Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.

• Prepare dressings or bandages and apply or assist with their application following surgery.

• Operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, and diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation.

• Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.

• Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.

• Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.

• Participates in all counts (instrument, sponge sharps, etc.) as necessary.

• Cleans and restocks the operating room.

• Adheres to Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) professional standards.

• Assists with maintenance of supplies and equipment.

• Maintains established Center and departmental policies and procedures.

• Documents concisely, precisely, and accurately on all records or documents as indicated by policy.

• Participates in quality assessment activities as directed for the continuous improvement of patient care and for the Center. Compliance with continuing and mandatory education programs.

• Ability to respond quickly, physically, and mentally when priorities and/or the patient’s condition changes.

• Regular, physical attendance on a predictable basis is essential to the performance of this job.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have a high energy level with ability to work under the stress of the operating room atmosphere and exhibit emotional maturity, stability, and flexibility.

• Ability to verify visual and audio alarms on machines.

• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Basic computer skills (e.g., Microsoft® Word).

• Uses problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to foster effective work relationships with team members.

• Function independently without constant supervision. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.

• Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Ability to read and legibly write, communicate appropriately and effectively, understand, and execute instructions as needed and visually distinguish color. The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Qualifications and Experience

• A post-high school program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) required.

• Certified in surgical technology, preferred (CST or CORT).

• One-year experience and/or training in surgical setting, preferred.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, preferred.