Surgical Technician - Beacon Health System

Through the direct supervision of the professional nursing staff, the Surgical Technician assists in the care of patients undergoing surgical intervention and assists in the care, preparation, and maintenance of sterile and un-sterile supplies and equipment. These positions act as a primary scrub person who handles the instruments, supplies and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. Anticipates the needs of the surgeon; has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure; has an understanding of procedures being performed; is consistently on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field; sometimes acts as an un-sterile member of the surgical team, obtaining instruments, supplies and equipment while the surgical procedure is in progress.

Responsibilities

Applies the principles of asepsis when scrubbing and assisting surgeons or when acting as a second circulator by:

• Observing and practicing principles of sterile technique.
• Correcting breaks in technique by personnel immediately.
• Demonstrating appropriate technique when performing skin preps.
• Maintaining sterility of the field during the procedure.

Assists in emergency situations and uses sound judgment in instituting corrective procedures as directed by:

• Performing CPR.
• Monitoring the sterility of tables and supplies during an emergency.
• Calling for additional help as needed.
• Taking direction from the Surgeon, Anesthesiologist, Charge Nurse and/or circulating nurse.

Uses initiative to acquire and transfer knowledge of surgical procedures and subjects relating to the operating room and to the surgical patient by:

• Preparing for unusual cases requiring unique procedures by reading appropriate preparatory literature, seeking assistance from personnel who are familiar with procedure.
• Surgical Technicians who maintain their surgical certification as established by the National Organization for Technicians/LPN�s must maintain their current licensure in the State of Indiana.
• Attending a variety of committee and team meetings related to surgical procedures.
• Reviewing daily morning report notes and team meeting minutes.
• Serving as a resource person in areas of expertise, such as procedure, equipment and instruments to students and other staff members.
• Scrubbing in and setting up instrumentation prior to the patient entering the surgery room.
• Ensuring that all necessary items are in place on a sterile field and as listed on a preference card.

Utilizes state-of-the-art knowledge in the role of the scrub technologist and in the organization of work using economy in time, motion and materials by:

• Checking case carts, sorting items, placing "Hold" items on the bottom shelf.
• Updating preference cards within 24 hours of notice of change.
• Opening the surgery room for procedures assuring all necessary equipment/instruments/supplies are available.
• Ensuring that necessary table parts and furniture are available for procedures.
• Anticipating the needs of a surgical team for instrumentation/suture, etc. during a surgical procedure.
• Initiating clean up and turnover of the surgery room.

Qualifications

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through a successful completion of an accredited school of surgical technology, training as surgical technologist in the Armed Forces, or the successful completion of an LPN accredited school of nursing.
• Must maintain subsequent certification/licensure. Must maintain current BLS certification.
• Knowledge of fundamentals of anatomy and physiology.
• Thorough knowledge of sterilization procedures and aseptic techniques.
• Knowledge of maintenance and care of supplies and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of surgical procedures needs and steps in use of instrumentation, materials and supplies.
• Knowledge and skills to assist in the proper handling and care of specimens.

Working Conditions

• Works in a patient care/operating room environment requiring physical exertion, frequent changes in job demands, certain undesirable patient care activities and exposure to biohazards and anesthetic gases.
• When on call and called in to work, must report to hospital within 30 minutes of being called in.
• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e., to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.

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