Surgical Technologist I

Surgical Technologist I

This individual fills the role of surgical technologist in the Operating Room. The Surgical Technologist I understands and demonstrates knowledge of surgical procedures. They assure all supplies and equipment are available for the procedure and in working condition. They confirm and/or assemble sterile instruments for use correctly and anticipate the needs of the surgeon. They assist in keeping an accurate account of medications, sharps, instruments, and sponges. They are responsible for maintaining and monitoring the sterile field.

Job Description

• Demonstrates knowledge of surgical procedures and ability to problem-solve in relation to the procedure being performed. Verifies items on the physician preference card. Accountable for supplies so that accurate patient charges are billed.
• Demonstrates proper use of equipment, assembling of equipment, disposables as well as cleaning and sterilizing. Assures all equipment, supplies, and instruments are assembled correctly and in working condition for the surgical procedure.
• Maintains the sterile environments. Monitors the sterile field and recognizes breaks in technique.
• Sets up sterile field with instruments in a timely manner. Keeps an accurate account of all medications, sponges, instruments, and sharps on the sterile fields per policy.
• Demonstrates a positive, courteous, and helpful attitude toward patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers.
• Develops and maintains good working rapport with interdisciplinary personnel to meet the needs of each patient.
• Remains calm and efficient when working in stressful situations.
• Shares information and reports significant changes and/or abnormal findings to appropriate team members.
• Participates in regulatory surveys. Participates in performance improvement activities.
• Assists with orientation, ongoing competencies, education, and staff development.
• Attends and participates in professional association activities and programs to assure being current on regulations, guidelines, and professional standards of care.
• Remains current on new developments by reading professional journals and attending seminars.
• Fulfills on-call responsibilities and extra shift coverage as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• BLS: Basic Life Support certification within 1 month of hire or transfer.
• Knowledge of surgical procedures and standards of practice acquired through a surgical technology program accredited through Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP) or military program.
• Certification for certified surgical technologist exam or completion of a certified Surgical Technology program which upon completion may receive a National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) certification. Certifications must be valid with National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
• Graduate surgical technician waiting to take certification exam or surgical technician not certified.
• Certified surgical technologist with two years' experience or less.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as trauma, grief, and death.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitutes if required for your position.
• Must be able to move freely about the facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.
• Overall vision and hearing are necessary with or without assisted device(s).
• Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Some exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance, and ability to stay awake.
• Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering, and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.
• Physical Demand Level: Medium. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 21-50 lbs., frequently (34-66% of the workday) lift or carry 20 lbs., and constantly (67-100% of the workday) lift or carry 10 lbs.