Certified Surgical Technologist

Job Description

The Surgical Technologist is responsible for delivering care to surgical patients and supporting the efficient operation of the Surgery Department. This role includes providing technical instruction to medical students, nurses, other technicians, and occasionally to patients and their families. Additionally, the Sterile Processing Technician ensures the cleanliness and proper care of surgical equipment used in the operating room, serving as a crucial line of defense against infection and faulty equipment.

Essential Job Duties

• Prepare instrument sets and necessary equipment according to the proposed surgery, potential complications, and surgeon preferences.
• Scrub, gown, and glove self and team members for operative procedures.
• Drape the patient or assist the surgeon with draping using approved methods.
• Handle instruments appropriately and ensure their proper functioning throughout the operation.
• Maintain sterile technique and report any breaches in sterile practice.
• Count sponges and sharp instruments in conjunction with the Circulating Nurse at specified times.
• Anticipate the surgeon’s needs to minimize delays during procedures.
• Assist with room and table clean-up before and after surgeries.
• Act as the first assistant during surgeries as needed, which may include retracting tissue, cutting sutures, sponging blood from wounds, or irrigating wounds.
• Identify and preserve specimens received during surgeries.
• Keep the OR Supervisor informed of progress and changes in the operating room.
• Facilitate surgery schedule changes by notifying relevant staff members.
• Assist in the training and orientation of new personnel.
• Restock supplies based on established inventory levels.
• Report maintenance needs for surgical equipment and instrumentation to the department supervisor.
• Demonstrate knowledge of preoperative patient transport procedures and express willingness to expand knowledge through educational opportunities.
• Attend departmental staff meetings to communicate changes and new procedures.
• Respect patient privacy and confidentiality while adhering to the chain of command.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Sterile Processing Tech Responsibilities

• Understand the functions and uses of all surgical equipment to facilitate smooth operations.
• Adhere strictly to sterilization protocols to ensure decontamination of medical equipment.
• Maintain necessary supply levels in sterile storage areas.
• Check equipment for defects and perform cleaning and sterilization according to established protocols.
• Organize inventory and ensure availability of tools for all procedures.
• Stock and inventory crash carts as needed.
• Run and monitor sterilization equipment, including autoclaves and sonic washers.
• Document sterilizer test results appropriately.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Successful graduation from a Surgical Technologist training program or a minimum of one year of experience in OR scrub nursing (with some flexibility as determined by the OR Supervisor).
• Current BLS certification.
• Certification as a Central Supply Technician is advantageous.
• Thorough knowledge of various surgical procedures and the ability to anticipate the surgeon’s needs.
• Proficiency in proper instrument handling, medical asepsis, and the handling of tissue specimens and cultures.
• Strong understanding of surgical instruments and operating room setup.
• Ability to manage tedious tasks, including memorizing numerous surgical instruments and maintaining supply inventories.
• Willingness to work with exposure to blood and body tissues, and undergo required training in cleaning procedures and safety protocols.

Shift Information

Monday – Friday; 7:00 am – 3:30 pm. Hours may vary based on case load. Availability for holidays and additional shifts is required.

Minimum Years of Experience

2 years of experience is required.