Position Description

The surgical technologist handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. He/she has an understanding of the procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. He/she has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field. In addition, the overall job of a sterile processing technician is to ensure all departments in the facility have clean, sterile instruments and equipment readily available for delivering patient care.  

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

PREOPERATIVE DUTIES ARE AS FOLLOWS 

  • Donning OR attire and personal protective equipment (PPE). 
  • Gathers, checks and opens supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure. 
  • Performs the surgical scrub, and donning gown and gloves. 
  • Sets up the sterile back table and Mayo stand with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for the procedure. 
  • Performs initial instrument, sharps and sponge counts with the circulator. 
  • Assists the team members with gowning and gloving. 
  • Assists with draping the patient and establishing the sterile field. 
  • Participates in the surgical site and patient verification during the time out procedure. 
  • Secures tubing, cords and other sterile accessories. 

INTRAOPERATIVE DUTIES ARE AS FOLLOWS 

  • Prepares and anticipates additional instrumentation, equipment, and supplies for usage during the procedure. 
  • Anticipates the needs of the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies to surgeon during procedure. 
  • Measures and passes medications, hemostatic agents and irrigation solutions utilized during the surgical procedure. 
  • Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon. 
  • Sponges or suctions the operative site. 
  • Applies electrocautery to clamps on bleeders. 
  • Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon. 
  • Coordinates the camera or changes out robotic arms/instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgeon. 
  • Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure. 
  • Performs additional counts as necessary. 
  • Prepares sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices. 
  • Prepares and passes off specimen(s) as appropriate. 
  • Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization. 
  • Assists other members of the team with terminal cleaning of room. 
  • Assists in prepping the OR for the next patient. 
  • Participates in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure quality patient care 
  • Preparing medical equipment and instruments for decontamination 
  • Operating equipment to clean, disinfect, and decontaminate surgical instruments, medical devices and equipment 
  • Inspecting instruments and equipment for signs of damage and wear and tear 
  • Unpacking, checking and stocking new equipment, instruments and devices 
  • Delivering equipment and supplies to all areas of the facility 
  • Responding to emergency supply requests during surgical procedures 
  • Maintaining accurate records of when items undergo sterilization 

OTHER JOB DUTIES:  

  • This position will require you to be on call 
  • Participates in optimal teamwork within in the clinic and perioperative area through flexibility and adaptability to changing situations offering mutual support 
  • Demonstrates excellence in communication and interpersonal skills 
  • Always displays professionalism 
  • Successfully contribute to a work environment of caring and cooperation  
  • Participates in in-services and staff meetings 
  • Understanding and demonstration of facility and department specific policies and procedures 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:  

1. Understands and demonstrates competence and physical ability to perform all job duties 

2. Demonstrates skill in oral and written communication techniques 

3. Demonstrates the ability to comprehend and interpret verbal orders and directions 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent 
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) or obtain within 3 months of hire  
  • Ability to interact comfortably with patients, families, and staff in a stressful environment 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

  • Certification as a Medical Assistant 
  • Basic understanding of surgeries, sterile technique, and surgical technologist duties 

OTHER FACTORS: 

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position.  The employee is required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give such instructions or assignments. 

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.  All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and as such, they are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities necessary to perform each duty proficiently.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others.  The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. 

I hereby acknowledge receipt of this Job Description, working conditions and physical requirements.  The duties and responsibilities stated in the attached job description are not intended to be all-inclusive, the hospital reserves the right to change or modify the attached job description at any time.  This job description is intended for management guidelines only and is not to be construed as an expressed or implied contract. 

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