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The Surgical Technologist functions in the scrub roles during intraoperative patient care, doing so as a delegated technical function under the direct supervision of the preoperative Registered Nurse. The provision of care is consistent through adherence to standards and support of the philosophies of Jackson County Regional Health Center. Scrub role handles instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedures. The role of a Surgical Technologist is vital in the operating room, playing a crucial role in ensuring the success of surgical procedures through meticulous preparation and real-time assistance. As a Surgical Technologist, works closely with surgeons, registered nurses, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare personnel to provide the highest level of patient care during surgeries.

Essential Job Functions

• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Assists with transferring patient to the operating room table.
• Monitors the comfort of the patient and provides verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient.
• Assists in maintaining normothermia.
• Assists the anesthesia provider.
• Assists with positioning the patient, using appropriate equipment and anatomical principles to avoid patient injury.
• Applies the electrosurgical grounding pad.
• Assists with applying tourniquets and monitors before the procedure begins.
• Completes the patient skin prep prior to draping by the sterile surgical team.
• Performs instrument, sharps, and sponge counts with the surgical technologist in the first scrub role prior to the operation and before the incision is closed.
• Anticipates additional supplies needed during the procedure.
• Properly cares for specimens.
• Secures dressings after incision closure.
• Helps transport the patient to the post anesthesia care unit.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Competencies Completion of an accredited surgical technology program, with a diploma, certificate, or associate degree [2] years of experience as a surgical technologist, with experience in surgical procedures and surgical specialties Certification as a Surgical Technologist (CST) is required, with an ongoing commitment to maintaining accreditation through continuing education Knowledge of surgical instruments, equipment, and sterile techniques Understanding of operating room protocols and procedures Ability to anticipate the needs of surgeons during procedures and effectively assist in surgical tasks Strong knowledge of infection control practices and a commitment to maintaining a sterile surgical environment Basic life support (BLS) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification may be required Meticulous attention to detail is critical for preparing and arranging surgical instruments, ensuring aseptic techniques, and maintaining a sterile field during surgical procedures Solid communication skills are essential for coordinating with surgical team members, receiving instructions from surgeons, and providing updates during procedures Proficiency in using surgical instruments, equipment, and technology in various surgical specialties Ability to work closely with surgeons, nurses, and other surgical team members to ensure smooth and efficient surgical procedures Strong organizational skills are necessary for preparing the operating room, arranging surgical instruments, and managing surgical supplies Ability to adapt to different surgical procedures, surgical teams, and changes in the operating room environment Thorough understanding and adherence to sterilization practices and infection control protocols to prevent surgical site infections Ability to think critically and make rapid decisions during emergencies or unexpected challenges in the operating room Endurance and physical stamina to stand, lift and position patients, and assist in physically demanding aspects of surgical procedures Supervisory Responsibility No Supervision: The job does require the provision of guidance or supervision to others. There is no formal responsibility for directing others. Materials Responsibility Limited: Work requires limited responsibility for material resources. Examples of resources could include supplies, equipment, inventories, small budgets, and other similar material assists. The employee has limited amount of control over these resources. The cost of errors is also limited in terms of damage, waster of financial loss. Problems associated with material resources are not complex. The volume of resources may vary, but the level of difficulty in dealing with these resources in uncomplicated. Key Relationships Co-workers/JCRHC Employees, Outside Agencies/Other Health Care Providers, Vendors, General Public/Visitors/ Volunteers, Physicians/Medical Office Staff, Students/Instructors, Patients, Families and Significant Others. Position Specifications Education Associates' Degree Certified Scrub Tech Field of Study Surgical Technology/ CST Special Training Basic Life Support; Dependent Adult/Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training within timelines established in Licensure, Registration, Certification and Life Saving training policy. Central Service Training. Training Preferred Initial certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST®) is based upon satisfactory performance on the national certifying examination following completion of a CAAHEP accredited program in surgical technology. CSTs maintain their credential by completing continuing education (CE) credits of AST approved continuing education during the four-year certification cycle or by successfully retaking the certifying examination. Licensure / Registration Surgical Technology Certification within 18 months Experience At least 2 years' experience scrubbing different types of surgical procedures Interpersonal Skills Interaction is with a variety of people inside or outside the organization. Communications are moderate difficulty and sensitivity. Contact with others may involve detailed & lengthy dialogues & exchanges of information. Requires a moderate amount of interpersonal skills. Interactions involve dealing with moderately complicated problem situations or stressful encounters. Working Conditions: There is routine exposure to highly adverse environmental conditions including physical hazards, health and safety risks, and otherwise undesirable characteristics in the environment. Personal risks require safety equipment of precautions to be followed closely. The time the employee may be exposed to these conditions is limited to 70% or less of the workday. The operating room can be warm, especially when wearing sterile gowns and gloves, and surgical technologists need to be able to stand for long periods. Possible Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens Yes They are exposed to a number of occupational hazards in their professional work. These hazards include sharp injuries, blood borne pathogens, latex allergy, laser plumes, hazardous chemicals, anesthetic gases, equipment hazards, static postures, and job related stressors. Service Excellence Expectations Adheres to the "Values and Behavior Statement" of Jackson County Regional Health Center. Adheres to HIPAA and maintains confidentiality as relates to all patient and medical information. Works in a safe manner at all times and adheres to our safety programs and service expectations.