Certified Surgical Tech

Job Summary:

Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and are characterized by duties requiring a detailed knowledge of surgical instruments and prescribed procedures to provide Surgeons the appropriate sterile surgical instruments and supplies throughout the course of surgery. Such duties are performed under the close supervision of Registered Nurse and Physicians who are immediately available to provide direction and control. These positions also set up and break down the operating room prior and after surgery under the guidance of a Circulating Nurse

Essential Functions: 

• Maintain appropriate sterile fields by preparing instruments, supplies, and equipment needed for each surgical procedure
• Ensure cleanliness of the surgical suite, and that appropriate equipment is available and functional
• During a variety of surgical procedures, handing sterile instruments and supplies to the surgeon while maintaining aseptic technique
• Keeps tally of amounts of solution used to irrigate the surgical incision so that amount can be subtracted from total fluid to determine patient blood loss
• Correctly identifies blood, solutions, drugs, drainage tubes and appliances ordered for the patient by the surgeon or anesthetist
• Verify sponge and needle count with the circulating nurse before surgery, before closure, and after closure, to ensure that none were left inside the patient
• Before and after surgery may perform the following duties: Sets up operating room prior to surgery by providing correct equipment, instruments, packs, and supplies for the kind of procedure to be done. Breaks down operating room by disposing of waste and soiled supplies
• Assist the RN in maintaining proper documentation of patient care records and report pertinent information
• Provide care of patients as directed by the RN and provide input for nursing care plan in accordance with the surgical procedure
• Ensure maximum compliance with established aseptic techniques by members of the surgical team
• Participate in and support performance improvement and risk management activities
• Participate in unit committees for achievement of department goals
• Comply with established personal protective equipment requirements necessary for protection against exposure to blood and other potentially infectious body fluids, chemicals, disinfectants, radiation, asbestos, and other hazardous substances
• Provides inspection, decontamination, assembly, and sterilization of instruments and other patient care equipment in accordance with processing guidelines, AAMI, AORN, TIC, and OSHA requirements
• Processes and documents all sterile supplies and equipment daily using chemical, biological and mechanical indicators to verify sterility in accordance with manufacturer instructions and hospital policy
• Monitors and performs antimicrobial and disinfection solutions quality testing according to manufacturer instructions and documentation daily
• Prepares surgical operating suite with drapes, solutions, instruments, equipment and supplies. Ensures good working order of equipment and instruments
• Passes instruments to physician during surgery. Continually accounts for number and location of instruments and supplies during surgery
• Demonstrate knowledge and competency for following established departmental, nursing and hospital policies and procedures, standards of care, infection control protocols and safety policies. Receives and assists in processing specimens for delivery to pathology

Education:

• High school graduate or equivalent. Successful completion of a program for surgical technology accredited by the Commission of Allied Health Education Program

Licenses/Certification:

• CST National certification from NBSTSA is required within six months of the hire date
• BLS certification is required. De-escalation training required

Experience:

• 12 to 18 months of acute care operating room experience preferred