Surgical Technologist-Certified (CST) / Scrub Tech

Certified Surgical Technologist

The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) works under the supervision and delegatory authority of a surgeon in collaboration with the Surgery RN to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operating procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

Demonstrate the application of the principles of asepsis and sterile technique to combine knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation and tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

Job Description

• Assure the operating room is prepared for the daily schedule, including preparation of supplies, sterilization of equipment, cleaning of the operating room, and ensuring all equipment is present.
• Open sterile packs, instruments, and supplies, maintaining a sterile environment throughout the procedure and preparing set-up of all surgical cases.
• Report and troubleshoot all broken or defective supplies or equipment.
• Check and supply the operating room at the end of the scheduled cases.
• Responsible for all parts of the sterilization process following OSHA, CDC, IAHSCMM, AORN, and manufacturer's standards.
• Maintain appropriate records and monitor quality control and infection prevention standards.
• Monitor surgery schedules, identifying all cases' general, specific, and potential needs.
• Organize supplies and equipment in a space-efficient manner.
• Utilize One Source to maintain equipment manuals.
• Provide in-service to staff on sterile technique, equipment, and procedures in the operating room.
• Maintain a count sheet for all equipment when warranted.
• Ensure surgeon's preference cards are current, accurate, and accessible.
• Provide emotional support for the patient.
• Assist in reviewing all policies and procedures yearly.
• Attend updates and continuing education courses relevant to specialty areas.
• Maintain a safe environment for treating the surgical patient, including safeguards to protect the patient from cross-infection.
• Attend and/or complete yearly in-services and monthly staff meetings.
• Assist in the implementation of quality assurance projects.
• Demonstrate appropriate competencies in the department with initial orientation competency due within 90 days of hire and annual competencies to be completed by September 30th.
• Maintain competency through completing education assigned on Elsevier or other learning management systems as well as mandatory in-person education.
• Comply with Attendance Management Policy in regards to attendance and timeliness, understanding the expectation of maintaining an absence percentage of 3% or less.
• Accept other duties within scope of practice at the direction of the person-in-charge.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Graduate from Surgical Technologist school; will allow to complete certification within first eight months.
• Current license as a CST (Scrub Tech).
• Current BLS Certification or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire.
• ACLS, PALS, ENPC, TNCC, NRP, and MOAB certification training per Department Requirements as listed in the Employee Education policy.
• Working knowledge and experience in a hospital, operating room, or ambulatory surgery center.
• Ability to anticipate the needs of the physician and have equipment, medical gases, and supplies readily available for all procedures.
• Requires prioritization and time management skills.
• Critical thinking: Ability to organize equipment, instruments, and supplies for cases according to patient needs and physician preference cards.
• Effective communication skills (oral and written).

Functional Requirements

• Able to communicate in the English language and make assessments by speaking, hearing, seeing, feeling, reading, and writing.
• Works primarily in a hospital setting, including clinical/patient care areas and office or classroom/meeting areas.
• Considerable walking, standing, stooping, bending, lifting (occasionally over 25 pounds).
• Mental effort is required to assess, plan, and make recommended decisions in a complex environment.
• Potential exposure to blood/body fluids, including infectious diseases.
• Must be able to maneuver throughout halls, stairways, and patient rooms in response to emergencies.
• Interpretation of environmental input requires visual and auditory skills.
• In the event there is a need to evacuate the building, lifting is required to transport patients to safety.
• A significant amount of keyboarding and writing is required.
• Wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, gowns, and goggles may be required.
• Fine motor skills are necessary.
• Long periods of intense concentration are required.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift 20 lbs. from shoulder height to waist/cart frequently.
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs. from floor to shoulder height on an occasional basis.
• Must be able to lift 35 lbs. from floor to waist/cart on an occasional basis.
• Must be able to push/pull 30 lbs. at shoulder height/extended reach on an occasional basis with awkward weight distribution and twisting/turning.
• Must be able to push/pull 22 lbs. at waist level frequently.
• Must be able to push/pull 40 lbs. at waist level on an occasional basis.
• Must be able to lift/carry 35-40 lbs. at waist level on an occasional basis.
• Must be able to push/pull 75 lbs. at waist level on an occasional basis while maneuvering patient beds (75 lbs. required to initiate move and 35 lbs. to maintain movement of bed).
• Must be able to stand for 5-8 hours.
• Must be able to walk for 5-8 hours.
• Must be able to kneel and squat on an occasional basis.
• Must be able to grip/grasp/pinch instruments frequently.
• Must be able to use a computer and perform keyboarding frequently.

Population-Specific Competencies

1. Interprets the appropriate life span needs of patients and provides appropriate population-based care according to the department skills checklist for identified populations and age groups identified below:

   • Neonate: Birth to 27 days of age
   • Pediatric: Greater than 27 days of age to 13 years of age
   • Adult: Greater than 13 years of age to 65 years of age
   • Geriatric: >65 years of age
   • No daily direct patient care contact

2. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of patients/families and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's life span.