Non-Certified or Certified Surgical Technician (OR) - Cherokee Nation

Provides surgical scrub technician support for surgical operations ranging from minor surgical procedures to more complex and extensive surgical procedures.

Routine duties shall include providing health care services to individuals eligible for services in accordance with the self-governance compact and funding agreement between the Cherokee Nation and United States executed under the authority of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. Practices only within the boundaries of competence, based on documented education, training, supervised experience, state and national professional credentials, and appropriate professional experience. Selects and sterilizes supplies, instruments and special equipment for surgical procedures using knowledge of surgical and anesthesia procedures. Ensures that equipment, supplies and instruments are operational, assembled and set up for required surgery.

Uses the principles of aseptic technique to prepare and maintain the sterile field of the operating room for surgery.

Specifically:

                   a.    Initiates corrective action when breaks in technique occur.

                   b.    Inspects sterile items for contamination before opening.

                   c.    Maintains sterility while opening sterile items for and during procedure.

                   d.    Functions within designated dress code.

Assembles (according to manufacturer's instruction) and operates a wide variety of simple and complex equipment (e.g. microscopes, lights, laparoscopes, ultrasound instrument washer, high speed sterilizer, autoclaves, or tables and beds) during the operative procedure. Determines intervals, according to established procedures, during the case when sponge, needle and instrument counts are required and performs them correctly. Contributes to patient safety and comfort by controlling and monitoring internal and external environments through biological testing and product evaluation. Reduces risk of injury to patients through assisting other members of the surgical team in appropriate positioning and padding, as well as protecting from chemical, physical or electrical hazards. Assists surgeon(s) during procedure by anticipating instruments required and correctly handing/passing instruments, suture, suctioning, and retracting. Provides other procedural assistance as required by the surgeon and nurses using knowledge of the human body structure and function. Assist in incision dressing. Handles tissue specimen and waste disposal according to unit policy and infection control procedures. Using established procedures, removes soiled linens, equipment and supplies following procedures. May be required to clean and prepare room for next case. Cleans and packs instruments and other supplies for sterilization. As assigned, assists with cleaning, sterilization, and supply maintenance in Central Supply. Accepts on call duty as assigned. Maintains verifiable records at an institution or facility that has a published records retention policy that is equal to or exceeds the retention required by federal, tribal and/or state regulations. Maintains the confidentiality of any information received from any person or source about a patient, unless authorized in writing by the patient or required by law or court order. Complies with the applicable state, tribal and federal regulations in regard to the security, safety and confidentiality of any health services record created, maintained, transferred, or destroyed, whether the record is written, taped, computerized, or stored in any other medium. Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES  

No supervisory responsibility.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT 

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); no exceptions; and Graduate from a Surgical Technology Program with a license as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and maintain throughout employment.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT 

None required.

COMPUTER SKILLS

None required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

Must be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and maintain throughout employment.  Can be obtained during orientation. A driver’s license may be required to work in some departments.  If so, the applicant/employee must possess a valid driver’s license with a driving history verified through a motor vehicle report that meets the requirements for Cherokee Nation underwriting rating.

CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN:

Must possess a license as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), no substitutions.  Must maintain throughout employment.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

Knowledge of the principles and techniques of sterilization, asepsis, and infection. Knowledge of medical terminology in order to communicate with other members of the surgical team. Knowledge of human body structure and function in order to assist nurses, surgeons, and anesthetists/anesthesiologist with procedures.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Employee must not be and will not be under sanction by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) or by the General Services Administration (GSA) or listed on the OIG’s Cumulative Sanction Report or the GSA’s List of Excluded Providers or listed on the OIG’s List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Educated and compliant with HIPAA regulations and maintains strict confidentiality of patient information.

Must meet and maintain pre-employment and periodic background investigation and adjudication for child care.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.